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How can I install OSX into a new hard drive without a CD?

I just installed a new hard drive and I don't have a installation CD/DVD to install OSX. How can I go about install a fresh copy?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Oct 30, 2013 7:01 PM

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12 replies

Oct 30, 2013 8:09 PM in response to AtlasRider

Are you able to beg or borrow access to another Mac that has access to the internet & is new enough to use the App store?


You can sign in to your App store account & download the appropriate installer (Mavericks or whatever you have in your account). Then you can make a USB bootable copy of the installer (there are many other guides around)…

http://osxdaily.com/2011/07/08/make-a-bootable-mac-os-x-10-7-lion-installer-from -a-usb-flash-drive/


If you can access a Mac but don't want to do the huge download you can use the recovery assistant to create a bootable recovery partition on a USB stick.

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1433

When you boot your Mac it will download the OS for installation.


Does the original HD still work? It may be quicker to get a cheap 2.5inch case & boot from that just to get an OS downloaded & installed. It will mean you are not wasting cash & time on 10.6 that is only needed for one App store download.


I'd consider a trip to an Apple store if you have one local, they may drop an installer or recovery partition onto a memory stick for you.

Sep 8, 2015 8:15 AM in response to vildmedtog

10.6 is Snow Leopard (and Lion is 10.7.x).


If you have 10.6, (install from the install DVD if necessary first) and then update to 10.6.8 (free update). That version includes the app store and you can then download Mountain Lion (10.8) which you purchased in the Apple store (the download will be from the app store).

How can I install OSX into a new hard drive without a CD?

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