Can you downgrade from snow leopard to leopard?

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Level 1

4 points

Can you downgrade from snow leopard to leopard?

I use Filemaker Pro 8.5 for my business. I have 6 iMacs all running OS 10.5.8 and lower. I cannot use my version of Filemaker with OS 10.6. I'm looking to replace one of the iMac G5 PPC with a bad logic board that just died. If I can find a deal on one with OS 10.6 can I downgrade it to OS 10.5.8? I have an upgrade copy of Leopard that was purchased from Apple a few years ago. Could I buy e newer iMac from apple, uninstall the OS it comes with and downgrade to OS 10.5? Could I take it back to the current OS in the future if I upgrade the Filemaker software to the latest version?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 26, 2010 10:57 AM

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Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,357 points

Nov 26, 2010 11:30 AM in response to susiesan

Could I buy e newer iMac from apple, uninstall the OS it comes with and downgrade to OS 10.5?

No, unless you happen to find a refurbished model which originally came with 10.5.

(55108)

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Answer 2

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Nov 26, 2010 11:30 AM in response to susiesan

If that machine shipped with Snow Leopard, then probably not. See Computer-specific Mac OS X releases and Don't install a version of Mac OS X earlier than what came with your Mac

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Answer 3

susiesan Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 26, 2010 12:05 PM in response to susiesan

I have found someone in KC who has the following iMacs for sale on craigslist:

1.83Ghz Core 2 Duo Processor
2GB RAM (4GB MAX)
160GB Hard Drive
Combo DVD/CD-RW Drive
Built in Wifi
Brilliant 17" Display
Bluetooth
iSight Camera built in
Keyboard & Mouse
10.6 Snow Leopard
iLife 2011, iWork 2009
He wants $500 for it. He says he can install OS 10.5.8 for me. Should I take this deal? What questions should I ask him? He says he buys multiple iMacs from companies who were leasing them from apple when the lease is up, and he resells as used.

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