Unable to install on 2006 model iMac Intel Model

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Level 2

205 points

Unable to install on 2006 model iMac Intel Model

I recently purchased a Macbook which came with snow leopard installer DVD.
I also have a iMac Intel Model(2006) which is currently on Tiger 10.4.* (2GB RAM)

When I tried to install snow leopard from the Macbook DVD on the iMAC, I got an option to select the language and then encountered error message which said " The installation cannot be done on this device"

I backed up the data and formatted using disk utility and then tried to install again from the Snow Leopard DVD which failed with the same error message.

Can you please advise if I can use the MacBook installer on iMac.

iMac Intel - 2006, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Dec 7, 2009 8:35 PM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,174 points

Dec 7, 2009 8:38 PM in response to saybhu

you can not use this dvd to install snow leopard on any other mac for two reasons. it violates ULA and this disk is hardware specific and won't work on other model macs. if you want to install SL on your IMAC you need to buy a retail version of snow leopard.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Dec 7, 2009 8:38 PM in response to saybhu

The OEM disk (gray label) that came with the MacBook can only be used on that model. To install Snow on your iMac you will have to purchase a retail SL package from Apple.

Your iMac's hard drive must be partitioned using GUID and formatted Mac OS Extended, Journaled in order to install SL.

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Answer 3

saybhu Author

Level 2

205 points

Dec 8, 2009 4:54 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks Kappy.

I did not realize OSX install is tied to specific hardware as well. Too bad have to shell out money even with a purchase of new Apple macbook.

Will head out to get the the OS. Thinking of the getting the $29 upgrade package. I read that in other threads, it installs the full version as well Any idea if the other DVD which came with the MacBook 'Applications Install DVD' would work .

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Answer 4

Dec 8, 2009 4:56 AM in response to saybhu

The applications DVD is not likely to work either. The $29 DVD is a full install DVD. It will do anything that any other install DVD will do and more--since it is not hardware specific.

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Answer 5

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Dec 8, 2009 6:22 AM in response to saybhu

Any idea if the other DVD which came with the MacBook 'Applications Install DVD' would work .

It will not work. Even if you try to use the installers hidden on the disc for the apps it contains, you will get a message telling you that you cannot run them directly & instead must install them from Disc 1.

This is because those apps are licensed for use *only with the Mac they came with* & Apple has no interest in helping users steal the use of its software without paying for it.

Please read the licensing agreement that came with the new Mac. You own the Mac but Apple owns the software & only grants you a license to use it in specific ways.

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Answer 6

saybhu Author

Level 2

205 points

Dec 8, 2009 9:24 AM in response to R C-R

I dont think anyone is trying to steal in this case. Its been purchased legitimately and nothing wrong in trying to see if it works on other legimately purchsed machine. Its like buying a shirt from Macys and they stipulating where and how I should wear it.. well, Its a separate discussions I presume with licence, fine print etc. . Best left to lawyers..

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Answer 7

saybhu Author

Level 2

205 points

Dec 8, 2009 9:44 AM in response to donv_the_ghost

Thanks. will get this. I would think the installer will not come with iLife and I will have to buy iLife separetely .

But, I still have the iLife Tiger purchased long time ago. Will it work on Snow Leopard if I dont care about the new features.

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Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Dec 8, 2009 12:06 PM in response to saybhu

iLife from your original discs that came with the computer will work just not as well as upgrading to iLife '09. If you want you can purchase the Snow Leopard Combo Pack that comes with Leopard, Snow Leopard, iLife '09, and iWork '09 for $169.00.

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Answer 9

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Dec 9, 2009 1:26 AM in response to saybhu

saybhu wrote:
Its been purchased legitimately and nothing wrong in trying to see if it works on other legimately purchsed machine.

What is wrong with doing this is that you did not buy the software, just a limited license to use it only as its legitimate owner (Apple) specifies.

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Answer 10

saybhu Author

Level 2

205 points

Dec 9, 2009 6:03 PM in response to R C-R

Its lawyers words. When you pay money - you buy.

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Answer 11

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Dec 9, 2009 7:13 PM in response to saybhu

It's not just lawyer's words. It's also the law. Don't be dismissal about what you don't know. You don't buy software. You buy a license to use it. You don't own anything but the license and what it permits. Try reading a software license.

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