13" MacBook Pro. Unable to install OS X after wiping and reformatting hard drive

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13" MacBook Pro. Unable to install OS X after wiping and reformatting hard drive

I have a 13" MacBook Pro. I wiped and reformatted that hard drive by using FireWire target mode to another MacBook Pro and used Disk Utility. I am now trying to reinstall OS X via DVD and I am unable to do so. I boot the computer using the option + C combination (I've also tried holding down the option key to boot from drive). I keep getting an error message and the OS won't install.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Jan 7, 2013 12:31 PM

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Answer 1

sig

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Jan 7, 2013 12:59 PM in response to dougmurphy

Where did you get this DVD from?

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Answer 2

dougmurphy Author

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Jan 7, 2013 1:11 PM in response to sig

I did not have the original install DVD. The MBP was running Lion. The only DVD I have is for Leopard, which is what I am trying to use. I've used it in the past on another MBP with no problem. The error screen is black with a lot of white text, none of which means much to me, but I believe it says kernel error somewhere in it.

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Answer 3

Jan 7, 2013 1:57 PM in response to dougmurphy

Hi dougmurphy

Sorry about your problem. You need to think about replacing your hard disk drive. See http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_Pro_13inch_Mid2009.pdf (page 37). I recommend Apple Retail Store.

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Answer 4

dougmurphy Author

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Jan 7, 2013 2:04 PM in response to Ramsystreet1

I think that the hard drive is fine. It was working well before wiping and reformatting. The MBP came from a coworker who forgot the password. I was unable to install other software or complete updates without the password so I decided that wiping and fresh OS X install would be the best way to go.

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Answer 5

sig

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Jan 7, 2013 2:28 PM in response to dougmurphy

"I did not have the original install DVD. The MBP was running Lion. The only DVD I have is for Leopard, which is what I am trying to use. I've used it in the past on another MBP with no problem. The error screen is black with a lot of white text, none of which means much to me, but I believe it says kernel error somewhere in it."

This is your problem: You don't have the correct installer disk for your MBP.

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Answer 6

dougmurphy Author

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Jan 8, 2013 7:00 AM in response to sig

Ok, what is the correct installer disk? Does it have to be the same OS X version as was originally installed on the machine? The drive was completely wiped and overwritten. How does the MBP know what is the correct installer disk?

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Answer 7

sig

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Jan 8, 2013 7:08 AM in response to dougmurphy

Yes it does, or a retail version of one with a later OS version. It knows.

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Answer 8

Jan 8, 2013 7:57 AM in response to dougmurphy

Hi.

Start from your Mac OS X Install disc; use Disk Utility

Insert your Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 installation disc (if you have discs with both versions, use whichever is closest to the Mac OS X version installed on your Mac; do not use a startup disc which came with a different Mac or which contains an earlier version of Mac OS X).
Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.
Start up your Mac while holding the C key to start from the disc.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

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