Mikey53

Q: Erasing iMac and Installing original software

I have an older iMac (early 2008) that i am trying to erase and reinstall original software to give to my daughter. The iMac is a :

iMac (early 2008)

2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Running OS 10.9.2

Model IDENTIFIER =iMac8,1

 

The install DVD I have is a Mac OS X Tiger. When I try to boot from this disk to enter disk utility and begin erasing I receive the error message

"You can't open the application "InstallMac OS X" because Power PC applications are no longer supported".

 

I was pretty sure this was the disk originally provided with this iMac, but obviously, I may be wrong.

 

Can someone direct me to the proper install disk for this iMac? Or advise if I am not booting the disk properly.

 

Thank you.

iMac (24-inch Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Apr 18, 2014 7:58 AM

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Q: Erasing iMac and Installing original software

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  • by andyBall_uk,Helpful

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk Apr 18, 2014 8:16 AM in response to Mikey53
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 8:16 AM in response to Mikey53

    Your iMac would have come with 10.5.2 or later.

    You will need the original DVD's, which Apple normally provide for around $20 if you call with a serial number. You can also use a retail Snow Leopard DVD, which is available from the Apple online store.

  • by Mikey53,

    Mikey53 Mikey53 Apr 18, 2014 8:47 AM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 8:47 AM in response to andyBall_uk

    Thank you.

     

    I already purchased a Snow Leopard DVD as I thought i would need to use that to update the system once reinstalled-but you ae saying I can do it all from Snow Leopard disk?

  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk Apr 18, 2014 8:54 AM in response to Mikey53
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 8:54 AM in response to Mikey53

    I believe so. You'll need to repartition the disk from Disk Utility on the install disc, then install OS X as usual.

  • by Cire1205,Helpful

    Cire1205 Cire1205 Apr 18, 2014 9:16 AM in response to Mikey53
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 9:16 AM in response to Mikey53

    If you can't find any DVD come with your iMac, there is another option.  Visit Apple Store, ask them help you to clean install your Mac

     

     

     

    If you have the disc on hand, make backup first, you can use time machine or other apps.  then clean install by originl DVD of 10.6, you will need:

     

    1. Insert DVD to Mac

    2. Startup your iMac in startup disk manager by holding "alt" key when switch on your mac.

    3. Select the install disc by using left/right of arrow keys then hit "return" key and wait for the next instruction.

    4. Select language then preparing the installation progress

    5. Click "Utilities", in the Memu bar select Disk Utilities

    6. After Disk Utilities launched, Partition Hard Drive

    7. Wait hard drive partitioning completed, then click Quit

    8. Now select hard drive just partitioned to install Mac OS 10.6

    9. Wait for installation to be complete

    10. Done

  • by Mikey53,

    Mikey53 Mikey53 Apr 18, 2014 9:37 AM in response to Cire1205
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 9:37 AM in response to Cire1205

    Cire 1205

    Another forum user mentioned I might be able to do it from the Snow Leopard DVD, which I just purchased so my daughter would have up to date software. Do you think this is possible? Or best to go with the 10.6 install disk.

  • by Frank Caggiano,

    Frank Caggiano Frank Caggiano Apr 18, 2014 9:42 AM in response to Mikey53
    Level 7 (25,796 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 9:42 AM in response to Mikey53

    "You can't open the application "InstallMac OS X" because Power PC applications are no longer supported".

    This sounds like you are trying to run the install program with Mavericks rather then actually booting off of the DVD.

     

    How did you boot the DVD? Are you sure you are running off the DVD and not the internal disk?

  • by andyBall_uk,Solvedanswer

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk Apr 18, 2014 9:48 AM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    Apr 18, 2014 9:48 AM in response to andyBall_uk

    Snow_Leopard_Installation_Instructions.pdf

     

     

    Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard: How to Erase and Install

     

    A retail DVD is a Snow Leopard install disk, it should work on any suitable Mac that shipped with a version of OS X prior to 10.6.3. Some users have said that computers with this firmware update were unable to install directly, but that doesn't apply to yours.