When trying to reinstall Lion OS on new mid 2011 Macbook Air, error msg 'This version of Mac OS X 10.7 cannot be installed on this computer' comes up. What should I do to reinstall?

Have you tried booting up while holding down the Option key? My understanding is that if Lion came preinstalled on your Air, as it did on mine, it is kept in a special partition on your hard drive. Boot up holding down Option and you should boot into the Lion `'disc" that came with your computer. I believe you can also repair your disk this way if it should need it.

You cannot install the version of Lion from the Mac App Store on new MacBook Airs or Minis released in July 2011. If you want to reinstall Lion on these you need to use Internet Recovery mode. In order to access that you have to have a blank SDD that is new and never used. If Recovery HD exists then you have other problems.

Want to force Lion Internet Recovery on a 2011 Air or Mini? Simply hold Command+Option+R while starting your Mac.

I believe Chas is correct. For some reason, some of the 2011 macbook air are having issue retrieving the lion build 11A2063. I can see in the log "Couldn't find app store version, falling back to hardcoded 1.1.1". AppleCare support told me that they'll send out a thumb drive installer of Lion which in the first place Apple should have included in the package!!! I have to wait 3-5 days for it to arrive 😟

I would like to repeat this for anyone who reads this thread:

"You cannot install the version of Lion from the Mac App Store"

There is a special build of Lion installed on the new MBAs, which stop you from installing the App Store version. This is not possible and Internet restore / instore recovery is the only way at present.

I hope Apple release a version soon that can be used from USB, theres no way this easy restore will work but I guess they are trying to cut down on external media.

Everyone get a look at this article:

http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=16339

Looks like Apple are now shipping FREE USB sticks for some customers. I am going to try this now so will update you all as soon as I have finished the phone call with support.

Just been on the phone to Apple, the Lion keys that they have released two [2] days ago won't work on these new MBA's because of the build difference as they are trying to make recovery media free!

However, I have been informed that the USB boot can now be made with the new version once the recovery tool set has been downloaded [Build 11A2063] and I am expecting a personal call tomorrow with guides!

If it works I will make an install pack for everyone so keep your eyes on this thread!

@idroid84, let us know once you have it 🙂 thanks!

I can't wait for 3-5 days! I got 4 days starting tomorrow free and I want to setup my MBA already.

With regards to your message:

"You cannot install the version of Lion from the Mac App Store"

I actually am using the Internet Recovery in my MBA 2011 and the log that I place in my previous post came from the Internet Recovery. I hope Apple will get this fixed ASAP!

I have some rather interesting info, when using the Internet recovery.... it deletes the restore image InstallESD.dmg. I have looked for the links from the logs where it pulls it from, I found a link but can't download the dmg file because it must be using some secure file transfer protocol to pull the image down.

My macbook is now restored but took 7 hours in total to download the 4GB image. I am awaiting a phone call from Apple Support with how to make a USB boot. I will be asking about offline restores. I will update everyone with any info I find.

good to hear that your MBA is restored. In my case, still the same error when I tried just now. I guess I have to wait for the offline image tht they promised me. I'll call them tomorrow to follow-up.

Did some drive swapping with OWC drives over the last two days and was able to do an internet restore 3 times with no problem - and not with the zippiest internet connection either. I don't doubt some folks are having problems, just reporting my situaiton.

hi idroid84, are you able to redownload Lion via app store after restoring your macbook air 2011? just wondering if that is possible, then you may be able to create an offline image and share to us. thanks

Not possible im afraid, the app store can't be used has to be the OTA version. I have tried to get links from logs but to me they are deleted after install. Make sure you people go to apple.com/feedback to let Apple know we need an offline solution.

Hi idroid84, Just wondering again if it is possible you clone your fresh install of lion into a dmg and share it to me? I just talked to Applecare a while ago and they have not yet started processing my offline image in a thumb drive. this is just unacceptable customer service from Apple!

I want to thank those who are here to help

and i complained to Apple It does not matter to customers problems

my new macbook air, now only have white screen

cannot boot

cannot download os x from the internet recovery

I am using Mac in five years And to have a good knowledge of Mac computers

Now I have 3 Mac computers: macbook 2.1 2007, iMac 27" 2011, Macbook air (new mid 2011)

Dear mr steve jobs

You have committed a mistake about macbook air (new 2011)

new macbook air don't have usb stick for reinstalling os offline

plz Tell me where I can make it or download it (OS X Lion build 11a2063)

best regards

I may have a solution. There is an application called Carbon Copy Cloner. I may be able to download a fresh image of the OS (at the setup screen). I then hopefully can clone the drive to create it into a DMG to share. This will be the full SSD drive but not sure how big the file will be. I will test and try to get back to everyone.