Snow Leopard won't finish install

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Snow Leopard won't finish install

Installing 10.6.3 disk on Macbook 2,1 intel core 2 duo processor 4GB ram and 667mhz currently running 10.5.8.

I just finished replacing my fan and added some ram and embarked upon upgrading the software. About ten minutes into the install I get the window telling me it will continue install after restart. Next I get my password window and no upgrade. still on 10.5.8 operating system.

Did the following:

attempted disk permissions which failed 3 times
used single user mode to fix fsck sum
fixed the disk permissions, message read permisiions are ok.

tried to install again and failed again.
at no time was I ever able to repair the computer disk as the button was always grayed out.
attepted to partition hard drive and that also failed since I figured I could load the program into the partition.

I don't know what else to try.

Is it possible that since my computer requires a password to operate could that be interfering with the install continuing after restart.

Should I be considering using an external disk drive or target drive on another computer.

Hope y'all can help

Posted on Mar 29, 2014 11:02 PM

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Answer 1

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Drew Reece

Level 6

10,660 points

Mar 31, 2014 6:14 PM in response to prairiec

Are you referring to a firmware password (one that appears before you can use any startup shortcuts)?

A normal login password should not cause the install to fail, but a firmware password could cause issues.

I would disable the firmware password (you may need to do this from a 10.5 install disk). Search for 'Firmware password utility OS 10.5' for instructions.

PS you cannot repair a startup disk properly when you are running from that OS. You must boot from an install disk and use that to repair a startup disk.

One more option is to backup the disk (superduper!, CarbonCopyCloner or Disk Utility will do this). Then erase the internal disk & install a fresh copy of 10.6. Migration assistant will move back user data & applications if you run it and connect the backup disk. Personally I think it's safest to clean install major versions.

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Answer 2

prairiec Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 1, 2014 5:44 PM in response to Drew Reece

Thanks so much for the response. This clarifies things. The password is simply my basic login and I didn't really think it was a problem. Stranger things....I've seen. It all leads me to doing exactly what you recommend.

One question; I have since discovered that my computer is 32 bit. I am given to understand that snow leopard is primarily for 64 bit machines. Is this an issue that you are aware of.

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,660 points

Apr 1, 2014 6:25 PM in response to prairiec

The Macbook 2,1 looks like it is 64 bit (according to mactracker.ca). I believe 32bit machines will also run 10.6 anyway, since it was around the time Apple was transitioning to 64bit machines. It will simply run the kernel in 32bit mode if the Mac cannot run in 64bit mode. Most apps should also be fine too, but obviously newer ones won't be available.

You should be fine up to 10.7.x if you really want to get a newer OS, but 10.6.8 is still really nice 🙂

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