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User profile for user: narekos
narekos Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Problem installing Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro 15" (Mid 2010 model)

Hi,

I'm having problems while preforming a (clean) install of Snow Leopard.

This is what I do, the problem is at step 5:

1. I put the install DVD of Snow Leopard inside my MacBook Pro
2. I shut down my Mac
3. I press and hold the alt button while turning on my MBP
4. I select the Snow Leopard Install DVD to boot
5. The Snow Leopard DVD does not boot, my MacBook Pro hangs at the apple screen

The problem is that the install dvd does not boot. I'm using a retail Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.3 install DVD. I've lost the the install DVD that I got with my mac.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro i5, 2.53 Ghz (Mid 2010), Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Feb 20, 2011 12:34 PM

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10 replies
User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Feb 20, 2011 12:52 PM in response to narekos

Try this method:

Booting From An OS X Installer Disc

1. Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.
4. Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple logo appears.
5. Wait for installer to finish loading.


If the disc still won't boot up then try a thorough cleaning of the disc using a lint-free cloth and normal rubbing alcohol. Clean in concentric circles starting at the middle and working out to the rim. Look for fingerprints, scratches, dirt, etc. and be sure that the disc's surface is clean. The side you clean is the opposite from the label side.
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User profile for user: narekos
narekos Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Feb 20, 2011 2:15 PM in response to narekos

Thanks for the replies guys.

I made a video of what happens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5HJQAXoL24

I've tired the method where I press and hold the "C" key while booting, the results are the same as the video. I just get the gray screen with the Apple logo.

As you guys can see, Im not using the snow leopard install dvd that I got with the MacBook Pro. I'm using the one I bought from the apple store.

Maybe that's it? Do you need a special version of the snow leopard install in order to install it on your MacBook Pro ?
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User profile for user: narekos
narekos Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Feb 20, 2011 11:35 PM in response to Niel

Niel wrote:
I'm using the one I bought from the apple store.


As stated above, it's too old, regardless of when you bought it. You need the computer's original disks; nothing else currently available will do.

(56922)


How could the install dvd of Snow Leopard 10.6.3 be too old for my mid 2010 Macbook Pro ? I don't understand..

Anyway, I'll call Apple support today and explain my situation to them.
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User profile for user: narekos
narekos Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Mar 13, 2011 9:20 AM in response to spendiff

I found the solution:

It's quite simple; you need the original (or a copy) of the Snow Leopard Install DVD for the i5 / i7 processors that came with your MacBook Pro. If your lucky you'll have a friend who owns a the same model and can lend you the DVD. If not, you'll have to put some work into getting it.

I wasn't that lucky and had to download it. So I googled. I suggest you do the same.

A shame no one at the Apple store, Apple support or Apple Premium Resellers I visited/contacted knew this.
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Problem installing Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro 15" (Mid 2010 model)

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