Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Cannot download Mavericks from App Store

Hello to all,


I just want to download OS X Mavericks from App Store and I get a simple error message:

"We could not complete your purchase.

OS X Mavericks cannot be installed on this computer."

And the "Learn More" button points me to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5842.


I am doing this from my brand new Mac Book Pro 13'' Retina (Late 2013), running Mavericks 10.9.1.

My objective is to install Mavericks on my Mac Mini (a system bought at the beginning of 2013), whose original harddrive was replaced with an SSD. That is the reason I just want to do a fresh install on it.


Waiting for feedback.


Thank you.


Marius

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Dec 22, 2013 8:05 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Dec 22, 2013 8:09 AM

You cannot download Mavericks on that machine. To reinstall Mavericks on it, you would use recovery mode.


To reinstall the system on your Mac Mini, use internet recovery mode. Hold down command-option-R at startup, while on a good network, and you will be able to boot from Apple's servers and reinstall the system the Mini came with. From there, you will be able to upgrade to Mavericks.

4 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Dec 22, 2013 8:09 AM in response to ilema

You cannot download Mavericks on that machine. To reinstall Mavericks on it, you would use recovery mode.


To reinstall the system on your Mac Mini, use internet recovery mode. Hold down command-option-R at startup, while on a good network, and you will be able to boot from Apple's servers and reinstall the system the Mini came with. From there, you will be able to upgrade to Mavericks.

Dec 22, 2013 8:35 AM in response to thomas_r.

Hi Thomas,


Thanks for the quick reply. I did use Internet Recovery as you mentioned, unfortunately after the progress bar is complete (download and whaterver else is doing in the backgroud, as I don't see any details) I get the message "Your computer restarted because of a problem." (same as described here: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4636).

And then Mini restarts and boots into the existing Linux distro.


Thefore, my assumption is that the installer does not like my Kingston SSD drive.

After font rendering problems, I replaced the original drive and installed Linux Mint.

Now I want to give Mac OS X another try, being very satisfied with my current MBR 13' Retina wonderful display.


Do you consider that I should put back the 1TB drive that came with the system?

I would try another option, if any.


Thanks again.

Dec 22, 2013 8:48 AM in response to ilema

You're going to need to erase the hard drive. You cannot install onto a drive currently containing some other OS.


If you have that problem when installing onto an empty volume formatted as Mac OS Extended, on a drive with a GUID partition scheme, then there's a hardware problem... perhaps, as you say, an issue with the SSD you're using.

Dec 22, 2013 9:43 AM in response to thomas_r.

Hi Thomas,


I should boot a Linux distro from USB just to erase the disk, although I would expect that as an option to be provided during the setup of the Mac OS X installation process.


Anyway, meanwhile I am following this guide here: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/apple-in-the-enterprise/how-to-create-a-bootabl e-usb-to-install-os-x-mavericks/.


While writing this response, I manage to follow the whole article and the result is successful for now: right now I am in the process of installing the Mavericks. Interesting is that after booting from the USB I also got "Your computer restarted..." error, but after that the reboot started the installation process. Then I manage to erase the SSD drive using Disk Utility provided during installation.


Well... 5 minutes left. :-)


Again, thanks a lot for the quick answers!

Cannot download Mavericks from App Store

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.