How can I resolve 'Error 403 forbidden' during El Capitan installation on an ancient iMac?

I have read a few forums on this issue and none seem to help me with rebooting a computer I purchased secondhand,it is a 2008-9 (ancient) iMac.

I have:

  1. erased macOS X
  2. continued through steps to install El Capitan (that is the version that comes up for me)
  3. entered my Apple ID details


with no luck on getting computer to work.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Mar 3, 2025 1:33 PM

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Mar 4, 2025 8:09 AM in response to Ineedhelp2025

Buying a used obsolete Mac is a very bad idea. Return that iMac to the seller if possible.


Then purchase a Refurbished iMac or Mac mini directly from either Apple or OWC.

Refurbished Mac - iMac - Mac mini - Apple

https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/imac

https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/mac-mini

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How can I resolve 'Error 403 forbidden' during El Capitan installation on an ancient iMac?

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