I purchased used iMac that originally came with OS x 10.6.6 then upgraded to 10.8.2. I would like to do a clean system install but after inserting my 10.6.6 install disk I get a window stating I have Mac osx.app 23.1.1 HELP!

Have you wiped the disk clean already? I may be missing it but, I have not seen that you have. If you can open the install disk, have you gone to utilities in the tool bar and used disk utility to remove and re-partition your drive?

The OP does not appear to have to correct version install disk.

(edited to correct version)

Yes, on my third read through, I caught that. Not a good day to forget my ritalin, lol.

babowa wrote:

Great solution, but, aside from being contrary to Apple's SLA terms, do you know for a fact that (whatever version of) ML can be purchased on that computer using a different Apple ID?

And, how do you know that an update will be released shortly?

The OP will have to use his own existing Apple ID, or create a new Apple ID before attempting to purchase 10.8.3. Now that you mention it, I suspect that the App Store may check the currently active Apple ID on the Mac against the purchasing Apple ID. Am checking with App Store now, will post results of that query.

I'm probably just thick, but I still don't get it.

My MBP came with 10.6.6 and installer app says 23.1.1 in the "get info" window and has 10.6.6 printed on it.

So where's the problem with the disk?

Disks will only work with the computer they came with. If you get the little yellow triangle and a warning that the disk is not compatible with that version, then it is likely that it is not the right disk for that model. Driver issues for instance.

10.6.6 (or any other OS version) may have different builds, as shown here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159

So, although the OS version appears to be the same, in fact, it may not be. Also note:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2186?viewlocale=en_US

When dealing with install disks, if they are the grey disk, they are machine and build specific. Plus, the retail disk of SL is 10.6.3 and therefore cannot be used on Macs which shipped with 10.6.4 or later.

Well, if I start up from SL and try to install, it will tell me that I "can't start up from that volume" that still has ML installed and will display the yellow triangle.

I have to start up from the disk and partition the hard drive first from there (making sure the Recovery HD is gone too), after which it will allow me to install again.

It seems to me, so far it was only suggested to wipe from the Recovery HD and your suggestion of partitioning again has not been attempted yet.

Repartitioning is fine, but simply erasing the drive will work just as well - the point being: you cannot "downgrade" an OS without wiping the drive first. So, as long as you are booted from the install disk, use its DU to wipe the drive, you should be able to install....... unless the install disk is an earlier version of what was initially installed.

Yes, but I see not mention that they are the wrong ones. westwing wrote:

After contacting the previous owner, the original disks were sent with the computer

and the installer for the retail disk I've got is 23.1, not 23.1.1

So, as long as you are booted from the install disk, use its DU to wipe the drive

I don't know about leaving the Recovery HD behind (I didn't chance it). All I know is last time I did it, I got rid of Recovery HD by repartitioning and it worked just fine.

and the installer for the retail disk I've got is 23.1, not 23.1.1

PS. The retail disk would not start up the computer in any case.

wingwest wrote:

I'm back, after getting in touch with the previous owner he went to applications, then utilities, disk utility, and erase free space.

Will this be enough to guarantee my security? I want to think the best of him but I need to think more of personal security. Could something still be imbedded to gain access?

Erase free space won't do the trick. You need to use the security options and zero out data or select multiple passes to ensure the data, not only the directory, gets wiped clean.

After contacting the previous owner, the original disks were sent with the computer

I know that is what the OP said; however, I don't know that I would trust a seller who does not do what he is supposed to do in the first place (wipe and reinstall the original system)? I would need to see the disks and call Apple to see exactly what build/version that Mac came with originally. Actually, I would do that before puchasing any used Mac because of the new licensing requirements. We are all basing our opinions on assumptions at this point except for this:

The buyer will not be able to reinstall the current ML OS since the license is tied to the seller. To comply with the license, the disk needs to be erased and SL installed. The buyer can then purchase their own license of Mountain Lion.