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Q: MacBook Air 2011 reinstall how to?

I am trying to reinstall my MacBook Air through Lion Recovery, but I keep getting download validation errors. How do I solve this? Is there some USB I can use? I keep reading that the Apple USB installer doesn't work for the MacBook Air 2011... At the moment I'm stuck with a machine that does nothing....

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 18, 2012 5:03 PM

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Q: MacBook Air 2011 reinstall how to?

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jan 18, 2012 6:38 PM in response to Podiki
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
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    Jan 18, 2012 6:38 PM in response to Podiki

    Please look over Lion Recovery, OS X Lion: About & Lion Recovery Disk Assistant

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 18, 2012 11:12 PM in response to rkaufmann87
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    Jan 18, 2012 11:12 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    Your first link doesn't work and the second doesn't give any information on the issues regadering reinstalling a 2011 MacBook Air, which seems to be a total pain in the ***.

     

    I've looked all over the Internet and only find information where people haven't succeeded in reinstalling these MacBook Airs...

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jan 18, 2012 11:18 PM in response to Podiki
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jan 18, 2012 11:18 PM in response to Podiki

    Both links work just fine and have the instructions you need, did you think to refresh the page if it didn't work the first time? I can feel your frustration but your solution is right there in the link.

  • by SP Forsythe,

    SP Forsythe SP Forsythe Jan 18, 2012 11:55 PM in response to Podiki
    Level 5 (5,399 points)
    Jan 18, 2012 11:55 PM in response to Podiki

    Podiki wrote:

     

    I keep reading that the Apple USB installer doesn't work for the MacBook Air 2011...

    Podiki,

     

    That was definitely true of the USB reinstallation drive that was issued with a particular build of 10.7.0 when the drive was first offered up for sale. However, since then Apple has revised the download version to the 10.7.2 release, that does work with the 2011 MBA's, when the installer is extracted from the upgrade.

     

    It stands to reason that Apple has most certainly updated the USB reinstallation drives as well, to the 2011 MBA compatible build of 10.7.2. I would call Apple and ask a pre-purchase question as to the version shipping on today's drives. you may get the answer you need.

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 19, 2012 12:48 AM in response to SP Forsythe
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    Jan 19, 2012 12:48 AM in response to SP Forsythe

    Hm, just saw this. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4905 it clearly states the USB thumb drive doesn't work. MacBook Air 2011 seems only to be able to be installed through the net.

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 19, 2012 12:56 AM in response to rkaufmann87
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    Jan 19, 2012 12:56 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks, you're right, the link is working. I guess the only option is to go back to the shop and ask them to create a bootable usb key for me with Lion Recovery Disk Assistant.

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 19, 2012 3:38 AM in response to Podiki
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    Jan 19, 2012 3:38 AM in response to Podiki

    Well, I went to my Apple Premium Reseller and these guys couldn't fix it. I was a bit surprised by their lack of knowledge. All I got from that visit was a bunch of fingerprints on the screen...

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jan 19, 2012 6:32 AM in response to Podiki
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jan 19, 2012 6:32 AM in response to Podiki

    Podiki wrote:

     

    Thanks, you're right, the link is working. I guess the only option is to go back to the shop and ask them to create a bootable usb key for me with Lion Recovery Disk Assistant.

    Why not follow the instructions for downloading it from the Internet, you clearly have a connection. You don't mention where you are located so if you have an Apple Store in your area that would be the #1 spot I'd take it and if your reseller isn't any help then look for another AASP or finally call AppleCare for help.

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 19, 2012 7:00 AM in response to rkaufmann87
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    Jan 19, 2012 7:00 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    I get download validation errors when I install over the Internet. I have tried it about 6 times. Every time after about 20, 30 minutes it fails. I had no problem upgrading to Lion on my Mac Pro. It's not the connection.

     

    I live in the Netherlands no Apple stores here.

     

    I called AppleCare. They first told me to install through an Ethernet connection... then after being on hold for 40 minutes the connection dropped. I'll try again in a bit.

  • by Podiki,

    Podiki Podiki Jan 19, 2012 1:42 PM in response to Podiki
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    Jan 19, 2012 1:42 PM in response to Podiki

    I cracked it!! On an external drive I installed Lion and I hooked that up to the Air. it didn't find wifi, but with a USB WIFI adapter, I could get it to work. I downloaded Lion from the App Store and installed it on the internal drive.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jan 19, 2012 2:52 PM in response to Podiki
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jan 19, 2012 2:52 PM in response to Podiki

    Glad you figured it out.