I have an older (2010) 13 inch MacBook Pro running El Capitan.
Is it possible to COMPLETELY ERASE the hard drive and install a fresh copy of an OLDER OS X version? I want to install either Leopard or Snow Leopard, which would have run on the machine originally. I envision needing to start up from the install DVD. Seems like I used to do this. Is it possible? Any information or wisdom as to how to accomplish this is welcome. Thanks in advance.
2010 will only let you install Snow Leopard.
March 15, 2010 is the date which if released afterwards, you must find the original MacBook Pro released installer for 10.6, as the retail release won't work.
Use
http://checkcoverage.apple.com/ to determine which release you have using the serial number on the underside of the computer (note do NOT post that serial number on the forum).
The only releases to erase as you suggest are:
2010 will only let you install Snow Leopard.
March 15, 2010 is the date which if released afterwards, you must find the original MacBook Pro released installer for 10.6, as the retail release won't work.
Use
http://checkcoverage.apple.com/ to determine which release you have using the serial number on the underside of the computer (note do NOT post that serial number on the forum).
The only releases to erase as you suggest are:
Thank you for the information. The serial number under "coverage check" confirmed it as a Mid-2010 release, so that probably means after March 15 of that year. I do not have the original software install discs that came with the computer, only the purchased version of Snow Leopard. Any attempt to mount the install disc or start the computer up with the DVD is a no-go. I have some important work to do with the "old" "Universal" release of Final Cut Pro which is not recognized by El Capitan. So I guess I'm stuck with iMovie on my newer Mac. But thanks anyway for your help in finding this out!
About reinstalling OS X
