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Level 2

483 points

This item is temporarily unavailable Mac error

After my macbook pro had become really slow the past days, I decided to reset the system, following the usual steps:

1. Press alt+power button

2. Choose Utilities --> erase Macintosh HD (or in my case, it was called macbook pro)

3. Reinstall the Mountain Lion OS X through internet.

However, after trying to install the OS X, and entering an apple id (my brother's, since his id worked - probably because he used his id when installing the OS X on this computer the first time), an error message pops up, saying:

"This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later"

I don't know what to do, since I have tried redoing these steps on multiple occasions this day, and with two different networks. Unfortunately, I don't have the original installation dvd:s, so I have to install the OS through internet (or if it is possible, by downloading the OS to an external hard drive, and then installing through that).

Anyways, my macbook pro is bought in the mid 2010's, maybe that information can help? I don't know what the last OS X update I used was...

[Re-Titled by Host]

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 18, 2014 3:20 PM

Best reply

Cali-Z

Level 1

5 points

Posted on Mar 12, 2016 9:59 PM

This same thing happened to me, "This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later."

I must have tried 20 times, before I figured out that it was not the Apple servers. (had to google it)

However here are the differences:

1. I bought the MacBook Pro from a pawn shop, so I have NO clue as to the original owner or their Apple ID/password.

Image my surprise when I found this little tidbit of Apple ID horror!

2. I ONLY have ONE MacBook, not two, which is what EVERY response expects/assumes you to have.

A little explanation, I purchased this MacBook Pro and wanted to update to the new El Capitain OS 10.11 version,

but I did not have enough room on my HD for it, because the previous owner had a lot of trash, junk files, downloads, pictures, email, etc cluttering up space, which of course I didn't want, nor did I ever need. Likewise, I certainly didn't want his name referencing MY new laptop or pathways, directories, and so on etc, etc, etc.

SO I'm like, wipe that sucker clean.

WRONG MOVE... big mistake!!!

Which I'm sure most of you are well aware by now ...of that swift jump into Apple's h e l l h o l e!

After hours, days of research, trying this, trying that, figuring out dead-ends, frustrated, crying, yelling...like it really did any good! hmmmm

I came up with a way to re-install my previous OS without, let me say that again WITHOUT using an Apple login credentials,

so here it goes, are you ready?

This happens to be my FIRST Apple product ever, which I've never experienced their OS layout, so the learning curve was aggressive.

I've been a dedicated Windows user since 3.1, so IF I type (explain) something (terminology) "incorrectly" be understanding, ok?

So for those of you which like myself, have ONLY one Mac product and NO friends to help OR want to share my burden.

Firstly, Write this address down: http://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/mac-os-x-mavericks-free-downloa d/

And NO you cannot download from your Windows computer onto a USB drive and then transfer it to your Mac.

WHY, because Windows uses FAT formatting while Mac uses Mac OS, they don't understand each other,

designed that way on purpose dont'cha know?

That is the web-address you will use to download the "Mavericks Installer.dmg", You will need this later for downloading.

You need TWO USB DRIVES, at least 8GB each (this is the secret) shhhh, don't tell...haha

Hopefully, you have two working USB ports.

IF not, just stop now, the rest is assumed and expected that you have two working USB ports on your Mac.

It was bad enough reading through all the previous posts, just to find out that I didn't have the correct Apple ID/password,

nor did I have an extra MacBook just conveniently laying around!

ON your Mac, you need to get into "Mac OS X Utilities", here's how:

HOLD down Command + Option + R while you push POWER (you can release Power only)

Keep holding others, until rotating EARTH shows up. (now you can release those other 3), This starts Internet Recovery.

This is when your Mac will attempt to connect to the internet, make sure you have either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected,

Ethernet (hard-wired) is much faster than Wi-Fi for downloading needed files.

When "Mac OS X Utilities" finally shows up: (takes it's sweet time about it)

1. SELECT "Disk Utility"

2. Plug in one USB drive at a time, let Disk Utility recognize it, then plug in second USB drive, wait for recognition.

3.When BOTH are recognized by Disk Utility, (you'll see them appear in left-side pane)

SELECT 1st USB Drive (left-side pane), click on (will be highlighted):

SELECT "Partition" (within right-side pane)

SELECT "Partition Layout", then SELECT "1 Partition"

SELECT "Options", then SELECT "GUID Partition Table" (a must for USB drive to act as startup disk)

UNDER "Partition Information"

NAME: (I used MAC DMG, so I wouldn't get it confused with other USB drive)

FORMAT: Use "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)

SELECT "Apply", then SELECT "Partition" (this WILL format or wipe out all data on this USB drive)

***DO this same above procedures for Second USB, but name it MAC OS X ***

DO NOT REMOVE EITHER USB DRIVE

Got that so far, next:

CLOSE out (X) Disk Utility

Now, Select "Get Help Online" from "Mac OS X Utilities" menu (should be 3rd from top)

It will open up Safari browser, follow along this is very important.

On top Menu, Click on "Safari", then SELECT "Preferences"

Under "General" tab, scroll down to "Save downloaded files to:"

Click "Other", then SELECT "MAC DMG" under devices menu. Close that window.

You should have an open Safari window about "Recovery Information"

Within "Address Bar" type in web address: (same one you were suppose to write down above)

****************************

Type in and press enter.

SCROLL down to the "DOWNLOAD" button and click it.

It will open up a new browser window and then start downloading the "Mavericks Installer.dmg" package.

It is 5.95GB, so it will take some time to download. (Go goof around while it's downloading.)

WHEN it is finished downloading, close out Safari. (Safari>Quit Safari)

You should be back to the "Mac OS X Utilities" menu.

SELECT "Disk Utilities" once again.

CLICK on "MAC DMG" dropdown under USB drive heading (it will be highlighted)

SELECT "Restore" in right-side pane

Under Source: MAC DWG is entered

SELECT "Image",

then SELECT MAC DMG in left-side pane, it should show -Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg (in right-side pane)

* NOW your SOURCE should be: -Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg

Next, CLICK & HOLD on 2nd USB drive drop-down MAC OS X, DRAG to "Destination" in right-side pane

RECAP: (right-side pane)

Source: -Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg

Destination: MAC OS X

Now SELECT "Restore" (bottom right)

It will ask if you are sure you want to replace "MAC OS X" with "-Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg?

SELECT "Erase"

It will verify and start copying the data over, takes about 35 minutes.

If all went well you should have 40,147 files @ 6.01GB

When it is finished, the 2nd USB drive will now be called: "OS X Base System"

Now, REMOVE (ONLY) the USB labeled MAC DWG

Close out (X) of "Disk Utility" (Command + Q)

Close out (X) of "Mac OS X Utilities" (Command + Q)

SELECT "Choose Startup Disk"

SELECT "OS X Base System Mac OS X,10.9)

CLICK on "Restart"

It will ASK again, CLICK on "Restart"

Spinning wheel will activate and "turn for a couple of minutes",

then your Mac will power off and "restart" showing Apple Logo (also for a couple of minutes),

It will then show OS X Installer Window.

Follow Prompts to install your new OS X

I went through Apple's **** Hole and back to bring you this step-by-step guide. (LOL)

Hope it helps.

The great part is that you now have a backup USB restore drive...yippee! (for future mistakes or other Macbooks...)

Have fun,

Cali-Z

View in context

207 replies

1166dave

Level 1

5 points

Apr 11, 2015 4:37 AM in response to Kappy

You are counter-helpful. You don't read someone's entire post or you don't understand English because the replies you post do not address the issues. Simply using the Apple ID the computer was first registered with solves the problem.

If you don't know how to fix something, don't tell someone what to do; it doesn't help anyone.

Lara89

Level 1

0 points

Apr 16, 2015 4:36 AM in response to Kappy

HI im having this problem with my MacBook Pro but I haven't wiped my hard drives, do you have any suggestions on how I can fix this?? Please help

mrrria

Level 1

5 points

Apr 20, 2015 1:23 PM in response to andreas61

You DON'T have to re-purchase Lion / Mountain Lion. Follow these steps - this was the only thing that worked for me.

1. Shut down your computer.

2. Hold down COMMAND - OPTION - R (keep holding!) and press the power button.

3. When an image of a spinning world displays on your screen, you can let go of COMMAND - OPTION - R.

4. Wait for the Utilities screen to reappear. When it does, click Reinstall Mac OS X.

5. From here, you will be able to reinstall Mountain Lion / Lion.

y_munib

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2015 1:34 PM in response to andreas61

I was facing same problem but by Grace of God I have solved this problem by installing Mac os X Mavericks installer .. First I download Mavericks installer from this link... http://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/mac-os-x-mavericks-free-downloa d/

then make usb bootable by disk utility.... You can see process in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGlyS82Te8

If video not found you can search on youtube " how to burn Os X lion to usb dvd "

"Go in DISK Utility first put usb atleast 8 gb and before making bootable usb erase data and make single partition and click options and choose first option... after this click on download Mac os x Mavericks files and than click Restore and give Download Os x mavericks address in source file and usb in destination and apply it will take some time and make usb bootable..

After making usb bootable put usb in Macbook which this error is coming and by pressing command + R options come press Reinstall it install automatically.....

thanks

Yasir munib

May 14, 2015 6:34 PM in response to y_munib

hey good day is there any site i can dl maves coz the site you gave is not working anymore tia

K7TTY

Level 1

0 points

Jun 1, 2015 11:32 AM in response to Roy No.1

Finally, I got the answer!!!

first, you download OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 from apple, then create a recovery usb drive, then plug in the usb into your mac. when it power on, press option to select use the recovery disk you just made. you will found you can reinstall a OS x 10.10.

This seems to be helping me....about 8 Minutes to go downloading Yosemite. Fingers crossed

TDrakeC

Level 1

0 points

Jun 10, 2015 10:46 AM in response to K7TTY

For me the magic was to try my various Apple ID's until I stumbled over the one the computer was original setup with. Then it worked from the Recovery Menu just fine.

Shwin

Level 1

4 points

Jun 12, 2015 3:57 PM in response to TDrakeC

I hope this helps someone: I used the Apple ID I registered my first Macbook with. Yes, this does not help the OP but it may help someone else.

My Situation:

Bought a gently used early 2011 MB pro to replace my 2011 MB air. I wanted to upgrade to SSD so I cloned the current drive, swapped the new one in, and booted up. I PROBABLY SHOULD NOT HAVE but I erased the drive using drive utility and resumed to "Install OS X Lion". Like the OP, Lion was the ONLY choice available. Signing with my Apple ID kept returning a "This item is temporarily unavailable" (AKA "You're screwed"). I saw this post, signed in with my other Apple ID and wham, Lion is downloading now and I assume once it is done and installed I can upgrade to Mavericks. I did need a second computer.

Alternative: HOWEVER, I will acknowledge my Macbook Air came with a slim USB stick in the box that is a Recovery USB drive. I probably could have used that.

Another another alternative: buy a copy like someone else said.

I do believe what another user is correct, OS X Lion is obsolete and cannot be downloaded unless already tied to an account and wiping out the hard drive ended up ridding the firmware needed to install anything else. Tis the way of Apple, they break up with yesterday's software as quickly and as badly as Taylor Swift.

jdcalus

Level 1

0 points

Jun 26, 2015 7:49 AM in response to 1166dave

1166dave post is what got me through this issue. Can't believe that was the fix. Unfortunately, it doesn't help those of you who bought the Mac from someone else and don't have the original install media.

Jul 7, 2015 6:18 AM in response to mrrria

The CMD OPT R worked for me when I booted the machine.... it allowed the reinstall of Lion which than you can upgrade to the latest version once you get to your desktop.

Iryna_

Level 1

4 points

Jul 10, 2015 8:38 PM in response to andreas61

If you see the text "This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later", perhaps your iOS version is too old and you cannot to download it from AppStore.

You should to update your iOS to the last version.

Jul 28, 2015 3:07 PM in response to andreas61

So to my understanding. If this situation happen then that only means one of two things 1) that the computer you are using, wasn't originally yours to begin with or 2) the log in (username and password) you used when you first bought this laptop isn't the one that you are using now. The solution is that you need to ask your brother what was his original log in. I had bought my laptop from my friend and got the same thing. Until I had asked them for their original ID and password was I able to download OS X Maverick. Please let me know if this helps.

Aug 16, 2015 11:48 AM in response to techyguy717

DIsable find my Mac before you reinstall. It's a security thing.

itstonyb

Level 1

5 points

Aug 29, 2015 4:46 PM in response to andreas61

This is what I did:

1. Backed up all my data with Time Machine (if your HDD has crashed you may not be able to do this or you may need to rely on previous time machine backups (if you have them).

2. Replaced the HDD in my 2011 Mac Book Pro with a new SSD - I used a new Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD HDD, cost AUD$259.

3. Used a friend's Mac to download Yosemite (the internet restore would not work with same "this item temporarily unavailable" problem persisting).

and made a bootable Yosemite thumb drive (http://osxdaily.com/2014/10/16/make-os-x-yosemite-boot-install-drive/),

4. Booted up my Mac Book Pro with new SSD on this bootable thumb drive and followed the instructions to reinstall the OSX

5. Reinstalled data I wanted from my time machine backup.

My Mac Book Pro now performs like a Mac Book Air, boots up from cold in 15-20 seconds and all apps open almost instantly.

Battery life also has improved and the internal heat is lower. The total weight of the Mac Book is now also 50 grams lighter (every bit helps!)

Aug 30, 2015 7:06 PM in response to itstonyb

SOLVED!!!!!!!!

without any help from useless support at apple....btw

The reason you get this message is YOUR apple id is not associated to an apple o/s.

DO Not use someone elses apple id. Youll get all their apps.

In the 4 choices you get click "GET HELP ONLINE"

This opens Safari.

Click icloud and sign in with your apple id.

Now you can go back to installing screen and the downloading will finally work because you have now shown applie id youve logged in from your computer.

What a **** show and i can't believe how easy it was to fix

This item is temporarily unavailable Mac error