Can I still download Mavericks?

As a long time Apple user, you are aware the the Mac has always been that way, yes? You've never been able to install an older OS on a newer Mac because the older OS does not have the hardware drivers for newer models. If you took an old Dell computer built for Windows XP, do think it would work all that well with Windows 7 or 10? Current software, no matter whether you're talking about the OS, production software, games, etc.; they are always written to take advantage of, and work best with hardware and operating systems that are current at the time of release.

You're spending an awful lot of time griping about what should be common knowledge to someone using Macs since a G4. Hardware changes. Software changes. Eventually, the old is too old to be useful. But, no one is forcing you to upgrade. If a G5 would work with all of your old software, then buy one.

To add to the Thread That Won't Die 😉 Happy Mavericks 2016!

I also needed to get a copy of Mavericks to install on a new SSD. I have a copy of the installer somewhere, but can't find it. I went to the App Store, and it was listed (since I had downloaded it once before long, long ago), but as others have mentioned, the "Download" button just turned a dark grey when I clicked it, the gear in the window frame started spinning for a while, then I got an error "Unknown error'. I love those.

The fix? I disabled my VPN, now it's downloading like a champ... though slowly... but I'll take it!

Hopefully this might help someone else.

-Eric

Hi Eric, as unconvincing I may sound. I bought a Mac Desktop from a craglist buyer for 200 in Atlanta not knowing anything about him deleting and cleaning the whole hard drive. I'm a new Apple user. I have never downloaded Mavericks, Is there anyway I could use your Apple Id only to download the Mavericks? If not, trust me I understand.

You would need the user's Apple ID and password, which no one should ever give to anyone else.

Please start your own new thread post and tell us everthing about this Mac you purchased off of Craigslist.

You might find this info either on the back of the Mac or on the bottom of this Mac in question.

That way you can be properly advised about what version/s of OS X can be installed on your newly acquired Mac.

Thank You.

If you can find the serial number enter it here…

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

You should get model info back, that may tell you if the Mac supports 'Internet recovery mode'. If not you would need to look at everymac.com or find the model info on Apple.com. That page links to instructions for finding the serial numbers.

Try booting with a wifi or ethernet connection if available. Hold 'cmd+alt+R' as you power on. It may take a while to download, but that may boot to internet recovery (it can take many minutes so try a few times). In internet recovery mode you can download the OS that the Mac shipped with, from there you can install newer OS's via your own Apple ID. The download is many GB's so be aware of that if you have a limited connection.

Not all Macs support Internet recovery, see this if you can work out the model.

Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support

Avoid using another users Apple ID - it can leave you unable to install updates & violates the agreement…

Is there anyway I could use your Apple Id only to download the Mavericks?

Just to add emphasis: You would not want to do it - as the license for the OS is not transferable, it would also result in you running a pirated copy of the OS.

zakeus wrote:

Hi Eric, as unconvincing I may sound. I bought a Mac Desktop from a craglist buyer for 200 in Atlanta not knowing anything about him deleting and cleaning the whole hard drive. I'm a new Apple user. I have never downloaded Mavericks, Is there anyway I could use your Apple Id only to download the Mavericks? If not, trust me I understand.

No way should anyone give your their Apple ID so you can download an OS X version. Nor should you accept an OS X installer from a source other than Apple, as you do not know how it has been modified (they have been known to be preloaded with malware), plus the installer is signed with the Apple ID of the person that downloaded it.

Depending on the Mac model, it is very possible you can use Internet Recovery - Boot holding Command+Option+R

<http://osxdaily.com/2014/12/14/reinstall-os-x-mac-internet-recovery/>

You could also make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store and they should help you install OS X. They might even help you install Mavericks (10.9), HOWEVER, if you can run Mavericks, you can run El Capitan (10.11), which is the current release.

Finally, if you are new to Macs, then PLEASE do not treat your Mac like Windows. Please DO NOT start installing anti-virus, please do not start installing Mac cleaner/maintenance utilities, please do not install performance enhancing utilities. They all then to cause more problems then they solve, and often cause you to come back to the forums seeking more help that you could have avoided by not installing this class of software.

This thread has answered all the ways to download Mavericks if you already purchased it or if you purchased a mac with Mavericks on it. But what about those of us that never downloaded it or purchased a mac running it?

Does anyone know if apple plans on ever releasing Mavericks again for download or do they plan on eventually selling it on a USB drive or a disk?

I would like a copy and since I never installed or downloaded it there is no option for me to get it.

The only possibility (that is said to sometimes, but not always work), is to go to an Apple store and request a copy of the older free versions of OS X. Don't count on it, though.

Oh great... so for me to get this OSX it comes down to the wims of an individual employee. Apple needs to fix this.😠

msatt wrote:

Oh great... so for me to get this OSX it comes down to the wims of an individual employee. Apple needs to fix this.😠

So what is wrong with El Capitan? It is Free. It is available. It works nicely for a lot of us, as long as we do not put performance degrading 3rd party additions that make claims to secure or improve our Macs, because they don't really.

As for going to an Apple Store, you will not know until you try. And if you have a compelling reason, the Apple Stores can be very flexible. If they are very busy, you can always ask if there is a better, less busy time to come back and get Mavericks.

Sorry, but that's Apple's decision. No one knows why Apple pulls each previous free version of OS X when the next one comes out. It's been asked many times, and Apple won't say. It's particularly aggravating to users who have decided to move up a couple or three major release versions in one move, only to find software they rely on won't run under El Capitan, but learn that it runs fine under Mavericks/Yosemite, which they can no longer get.

The only safety net for the user is to download each major version of OS X as it is released, but not necessarily install it. Then it's in your list of App Store purchases and can be retrieved at any future point.

My machine is to old to run it. I believe it will run Mavericks and that is as high as it will go.

To my knowledge I haven't been to a mall with an apple store in years. The mall in my town does not have one, and I don't plan on making a special trip over an hour away to maybe get software. I guess Mountain Lion will have to do unless Apple starts to offer it or sell it again.

Any Mac that can run Mavericks can run El Capitan.

If a Mac is too old to run El Capitan, it cannot run Mavericks. And in that case Lion 10.7 is most likely the newest version it can run. Lion is still available for sale ($20 US) from the App Store.

The System Requirements for Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, and El Capitan are identical.

This clears things up for me... I indeed can only run Lion (I already purchased it) I have a 2007 Mac mini.

I must have read the tech specs wrong. A 2007 imac will run Mavericks, but a 2007 Mac mini will not. Thanks!