Q: why won't mavericks download

As a starting point, make sure the machine you are using meets the system specs to run 10.9

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5842

Try going to applications/utilities/Disk utility, select your volume (default name is Macintosh HD, unless you re-named it) First Aid tab and click repair permissions.

Try it with an ethernet connection (less chance of RFI radio frequency interference)

Also make sure if you are running any AV software, make sure it is turned off, also turn off your firewall (Apple is safe)

Set your Safari to download to desk top. (Safari/Preferences/General tab, "Save downloaded files to:" select desktop) If desktop is not in the drop down menu, click other, then select desktop from the column on the left.

If still no joy, call Apple Customer Service and try to find out why. (it may have something to do with your Acct)

800-676-2775

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

Step 1

The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.

Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”

While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.

Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?

After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.

*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.

Step 2

The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models.  The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

These steps accomplish some typical resets that may allow you to begin your download

A.)     Back your sh*t up

1.)     Turn off your computer.

2.)     With computer off hold down at the same time for five seconds (Shift+Control+Option+Power Button).

3.)     After five seconds release, (the computer should remain off).

4.)     Press power and hold shift to boot safe-mode (When you see a progress bar begin release the shift key).

5.)     Wait.  A screen appears.  See top right the red words 'safe boot,'  Choose the admin (non-guest) login.

6.)     Launch app store. 

7.)     Find Mavericks and try downloading again.

8.)     Launch Pad should open, or find it and open it.  See Mavericks down loading.

9.)     Wait for Mavericks to down load and then double click to begin the install process.

I have been trying to download OS X Maverick for over a week now. The download never moves past 2.21 GBs (of the total 5.29 GB). I have restarted, cleared computer space and even rebooted according to the link below. Everything goes smoothly until 2.21 GB, always. After about 15 minutes being stuck, I recieve a message that says "OS X Mavericks could not download" and then red writing saying "An error has occured" appears in the place of the progress bar. PLEASE HELP ME. Please.

Hello! I tried your rebooting technique, thought it had worked but I'm right back to the beginning. Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5867837

I thought mine didn't work too until i did this:

Go to "AppStore", then click on "Updates" tab, there should be showing the status bar of the download.

Mavericks is a heavy software so you cannot realize any movement on the Launchpad icon bar.

Hope this helps for you as it did for me...