Can't Install OS "This software cannot be installed on this computer" Alert

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Level 1

9 points

Can't Install OS "This software cannot be installed on this computer" Alert

Hi,

I just found my OS discs so thought I would do a fresh install to clean my iMac up so I have formatted the hard drive in Mac OS Journaled format and tried to install the OS.

It goes to the language screen but then on the next step it says "Alert" "This software cannot be installed on this computer".

This discs are the original grey ones I got with the iMac version 10.4.10.

Why is my iMac stopping me from installed the OS?

Appreciate any help.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Mar 17, 2013 3:14 AM

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Answer 1

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Mar 17, 2013 3:46 AM in response to jamiekn

Are you absolutely sure these are the discs you got with this exact iMac? Do you have another install disc of a later OS you could try?

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Answer 2

jamiekn Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 17, 2013 3:50 AM in response to edex67

Hi Ed,

I am not 100% sure as I lost them and found them in the mouse box yesterday. I've never had any other discs so can't see why they wouldn't be :S

How do I tell if they are the discs meant for my machine?

Then if they are not how can I overcome this issue?

Thanks!

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Answer 3

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:26 AM in response to jamiekn

How do I tell if they are the discs meant for my machine?

By seeing if they can be installed. If they can't, they're not for your Mac.

Then if they are not how can I overcome this issue?

Depends on the model of Mac. Is it an iMac G5 or an Intel iMac?

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Answer 4

jamiekn Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:28 AM in response to edex67

Ok thanks.

Its an intel, the model identifier says iMac8,1

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Answer 5

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:29 AM in response to jamiekn

If yours is a PPC G5 iMac then those disks did not come with that. the last Tiger install disks for that were 10.4.3.

The best thing you can do is to call Apple, quote the serial number of your Mac, and ask for replacement disks, whch they will send for a small fee.

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Answer 6

Mar 17, 2013 4:31 AM in response to jamiekn

That model would have shipped with Leopard (10.5)

SOFTWARE

Original OS Mac OS X 10.5.2 (9C2028)

Later OS Mac OS X 10.5.4 (9E25)

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Answer 7

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:31 AM in response to jamiekn

jamiekn wrote:

Ok thanks.

Its an intel, the model identifier says iMac8,1

I think the 8.1 was from 2008 and as such would have come with Leopard not Tiger.

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Answer 8

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:36 AM in response to jamiekn

The best thing you can do is either call Apple as Klaus1 has suggested or purchase 10.6 from the Apple Store.

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Answer 9

jamiekn Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:37 AM in response to stedman1

Ahhh dam thanks everyone. Why the **** I have them discs then I don't know...

So if I buy Leopard 10.5.2 it will install fine?

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Answer 10

Mar 17, 2013 4:39 AM in response to jamiekn

Yes, Leopard would install just fine, BUT, it will be very difficult to find a Leopard DVD. It may be better to go straight to Snow Leopard (10.6). It is available at the Apple link below.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

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Answer 11

jamiekn Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 17, 2013 4:41 AM in response to stedman1

Thats great thanks I really appreciate it.

Does this mean I can buy any OS as long as its later than 10.5.2? e.g. 10.8?

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Answer 12

Mar 17, 2013 4:43 AM in response to jamiekn

Your Mac will be compatible with OS 10.8, but you will have to install Snow Leopard (10.6) prior to purchasing Mountain Lion (10.8)

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Answer 13

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Mar 17, 2013 5:19 AM in response to jamiekn

Start by checking if you can run Snow Leopard:

Requirements for OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard'

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575

The OS 10.6 Snow Leopard install DVD is available for $19.99 from the Apple Store:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

and in the UK:

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

but nobody knows for how long it will be available.

When you have installed it, run Software Update to download and install the latest updates for Snow Leopard.

You should now see the App Store icon, and you now need to set up your account:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4479

To use iCloud you have to upgrade at least to Lion, but some functions are only available in Mountain Lion:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4759

You can also purchase the code to use to download Lion (Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM, running the latest version of Snow Leopard), or you can purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store - if you can run that:

http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

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