Looking for an OS 10.6.4 install disc...

Question

Level 1

15 points

Looking for an OS 10.6.4 install disc...

I have a 2010 Mac Pro tower, and it is currently a Win 10 machine. It's still a pretty impressive Windows workstation, but I have a new Windows workstation, and would like to turn this guy back into a Mac.

I've had a few here offer advice and suggestions, and I've tried most of them, but to no avail. I bought and installed the original GT 120 graphics card. Twice. I bought 10.6.3, since this, I was told, was the OS it came with. But, my Mac Pro keeps spitting the disc out. Then, someone in these forums told me that it actually shipped with .4. Ugh.

Does anyone know how I can get a copy of this that will run on my machine? I've looked on eBay, but two of the three offerings are for MacBooks, and one is designed for an unknown model (seller has no idea what machine this disc was designed for). So, I'm reluctant to throw $50+ at him w/o knowing.

Thanks people.

Mac Pro

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 2:59 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,382 points

Jan 15, 2023 2:29 PM in response to jeffd55

I know at some point Mac OS discs were system specific. I also know that I've been able to clone over OSes if supported by the Mac from one Mac to another providing I follow the licensing restrictions.

March 15, 2010 is the magic date after which the Mac Pro needs the prebundled 10.6.4 installation disc if the firmware wasn't installed first. Before then the 10.6.3 retail disc works.

System Specific issues were more notorious with 10.4.11 and earlier versions of Mac OS installer discs.

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Answer 2

jeffd55

Community Specialist

Nov 21, 2022 6:49 PM in response to Keithiepoo

Hi, Keithiepoo

The installer shouldn't really matter if it's for a MacBook, Mac Pro, iMac, etc. The software should be the same across all platforms.

While looking at the specs for the Mid 2010 Mac Pro model, only AMD cards are listed: Mac Pro (Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications

There was an option for the GT 120 on the Early 2009 Mac Pro model, as shown here: About graphics-card compatibility between Mac Pro models - Apple Support

Either way, you would need to install OS X Lion or Snow Leopard first. As long as they are official installation discs, they should work fine.

You may also have luck reaching out to your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider to see if they have the installation media available as well. You can locate your nearest service provider and set up service by using the site: https://locate.apple.com

Best regards.

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Answer 3

Dec 11, 2022 8:33 PM in response to Keithiepoo

I just bought original 10.6.4 installation discs for my 2010 Mac Mini on eBay. I tried an old 10.6.3 installation disc and it would not work. After much research, I determined that it was the only way to get Snow Leopard running on it.

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Answer 4

Mar 3, 2023 7:51 PM in response to Keithiepoo

What you'll probably wanna do is get a online backup of another restore disc for 10.6.4, Then try to modify it to work on all platforms (theres some videos of it online.) and then restore it to a installer, then you're good to go.

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Answer 5

1ssmith

Community Specialist

Nov 22, 2022 6:41 AM in response to Keithiepoo

Keith,

If additional support is needed, you may need to reach out to Apple Support directly. They will look into this further.

Take care.

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Answer 6

Keithiepoo Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 21, 2022 7:49 PM in response to jeffd55

I was told multiple times that the machine the OS discs came with mattered -- not in every case, but in enough to make this process a bit less than straightforward.

AMD??? I was told (and even on eBay, I saw this) that the card this thing originally shipped with was the GT120. But... if the GT120 was even just an option, it doesn't sound like the video card matters at all.

The OS has to be installed first -- before the video board is connected??

Sir, I am getting so many conflicting bits of information, I am not sure what to believe at this point. Please understand. I'm not unthankful for the time you took to type this out, but it is frustrating me, because no two people seem to agree on what needs to be done for this machine to get the OS that it originally shipped with.

I think your last suggestion was the best. Unfortunately, that might cost me something, but there's no way to know except by looking into it. So, thanks for the link. I'll be exploring that possibility.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Keith

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Answer 7

Keithiepoo Author

Level 1

15 points

Dec 12, 2022 8:46 AM in response to norwoodgolf

I found someone in the area who can perform this service for me. I've been trying to do it on my own to no avail. Looked, but so far could not find a 10.6.4 disc. He says he can do it. It'll cost me $100, but I'm okay with that.

Thanks!

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Answer 8

Mar 3, 2023 7:53 PM in response to Keithiepoo

And to answer the idea that you should contact support, while I doubt apple would help a non-server customer (I'm surprised I got any), I had to get an issue solved with Server and we were able to use the guide for a replacement Xserve Logic board to net install it. Apple support can be helpful even at those types of times (but not on chat tbf, call em).

They CANNOT send replacement discs out anymore though. so no point going through there

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Answer 9

Keithiepoo Author

Level 1

15 points

Mar 4, 2023 3:01 PM in response to GradyThaSomethin

Well, let me see what this service provider can do first. I got something to do in my PC that might require my having to pull that 12yo box out (now running Win 10) of retirement. Once I know that my PC's good to go and I have a free Saturday, I'm going to give the guys at MacMedia (in Phoenix) a try, first.

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