How do I install Snow Leopard using another computer?

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How do I install Snow Leopard using another computer?

My 2009 MacBook meets all the criteria for the Snow Leopard upgrade, but my dvd drive is broken. Every time insert the dvd it is spit out (it is the same for audio cd's as well). I have tried repairing the drive and installing snow leopard using an external dvd drive (with no luck). I need a simple guide for using another computer to do the upgrade. My boyfriend has a newer MacBook Pro and I believe is operating on Lion. I want to use his computer to upgrade mine, is it possible eventhough we are on different operating systems?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 7:11 AM

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Answer 1

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Niel

Level 10

726,545 points

Jan 29, 2013 8:18 AM in response to emilyarcher

Connect them with a FireWire cable, put the DVD in the newer MacBook Pro, and start up that computer with the T key held down.

(75524)

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Answer 2

emilyarcher Author

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Jan 29, 2013 5:53 PM in response to Niel

Can't I be on the same network wifi network without the FireWire cable? When I start up the computer do I just hold the T key down? What does this do? What mode does it put it into and do I just shut it down regularly to get it out of this mode?

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Answer 3

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 29, 2013 5:55 PM in response to emilyarcher

How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

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Answer 4

Niel

Level 10

726,545 points

Jan 29, 2013 5:57 PM in response to emilyarcher

Unless you have a Mac OS X Server machine on your network, you must use the FireWire cable.

(75583)

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Answer 5

emilyarcher Author

Level 1

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Jan 29, 2013 6:24 PM in response to Niel

I don't know what a server machine is but I doubt I have it. The directions for installing the program on another computer (via the manual) say that I can simply use the optical drive and with the dvd/cd sharing preferences open on that computer. If I insert the Snow Leopard disk on the MacBook Pro (not my computer) will it automatically start installing itself?

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