Can't Install Mac OS X 10.8 after erase

The iLife package (GarageBand, iDVD, etc.) used to be on the gray DVDs that came with Macs. When Lion was introduced, Apple stopped distributing disks with their computers, as they did with yours. When you do a full erase and reinstall, which I presume you have now completed, these apps are not installed by default. Per a post by user ds store:

If your machine originally came with 10.7 or 10.8, then follow this:

Restoring iLife applications after Internet Restore of OS X Lion or OS X Mountain Lion

If you erase install OS X Lion or OS X Mountain Lion on a new Mac that shipped with OS X Lion or OS X Mountain Lion installed, you can download iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand from the Mac App Store.

1. After installation, start (up) from OS X.
2. Double-click the App Store icon in the dock.
3. Enter your Apple ID and password.
4. Click Purchases.
5. If you haven't previously accepted your bundled iLife applications within the Mac App Store, you should see your iLife applications appear in the Accept portion of the screen. Click Accept.
6. You may be asked for your Apple ID and password once again. Your iLife applications now move to the Purchased section. These applications are part of the software that came with your Lion based computer. Your account will not be charged for them. Click Install to complete installation of your applications.

Following these steps, you should be able to install the version of iLife that was tied to that model Mac for free.

This isn't the same as iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote). I'm not sure if those were ever free. The App Store has the titles available for $20 each. Pages has not garnered much praise, though. Many users feel it has been dumbed down. Many useful features have been removed. The number of 1 star ratings is pretty high for the current version 5. Most users would tell others to stay with version 4.

You can get iWork '09 on disk from Amazon for $20. That is Keynote version 5, Pages version 4, and Numbers version 2.

Hi Kurt! I have the same issue as Heavenly Princess and when I try to partition my disk it gives me an error message of Couldnt unmount the disk.... initially it was already partitioned in 2... can that be the reason? Can you help? I cannot use my computer right now!!! Thanks!!

You most likely booted to the normal Recovery mode of Command+R. That boots you to a hidden partition on the hard drive. Since you're booted to the drive, you can't unmount it from under yourself to repartition it. Try again, but use Command+Option+R.

i have similar problem on my recently brought used macbook pro, when i try to use your method, Command+Option+R, it jump to a screen with the earth, but a while later the earth stopped and "hang", i waited for an hour but no respond!!!! can help?

That means it's looking for a network disk that doesn't exist. It's better to use a wired Ethernet connection for this anyway. Run an Ethernet cable between the Mac and any open LAN port on your router. Then restart the Mac again.

Thx! I tried to use the Ethernet but after running for a while a message Apple.com/aupport 202F message appear on the screen, then nothing happen again, what can I do? Thanks!

It's possible the hard drive is dead. Restart again and hold Command+Option+R to boot into Internet Recovery Mode. Presuming it works, lauch Disk Utility. Does it show the Mac's hard drive?

Tried again just see the earth continuos move then after a while the 202F message appear again, any other method I can check it is hardisk problem or not?

Let's back up a bit. There are spelling errors in your post. It's not aupport, it should have been support. More importantly, the error isn't 202F, it's 2002F. That error is specifically what you're having trouble with. That is, you can't perform an Internet Recovery startup.

Normally, using a wired Ethernet connection fixes this since you then have a straight, already established Ethernet connection going for all other devices using that router, and not having to login wirelessly. More information on performing an Internet Recovery, or normal Recovery here:

OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support

If none of this helps, restart and immediately hold down Command+Option+P+R . Keep holding the keys through two or three startup chimes. Release the keys and try again. If that fails to allow a connection, you may need to take it to a Apple Store and have a Genius staff member look it over.

Thanks! I tried your method but when I log in by option + com + R again the screen always asking me to select a wifi network not automatically connect to my wired Ethernet. I have checked the cable and Ethernet surely work as I log in by com + R n turn off the wifi safari can still connect to Internet. What's wrong? Can help? thanks

Just so we know exactly what model Mac we're discussing, go to this site and enter the Mac's serial number (don't post it here). Post back a link to the page it shows as your Mac.

http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=C17H32EZDV13

THx

Thank you. I just wanted to be sure we were talking about a Mac that was capable of an Internet Recovery startup. Since it came with Lion, it is.

Just to try one more time, write down the password for your wireless access. Restart in Internet Recovery Mode ( Command+Option+R ). Choose your network name from the wireless symbol and enter the password. Can you get to the work screen that way? It's a simple screen with just four choices.

Thanks so much! I tried to link to another wireless network and finally I can start the recovery now! Thx!

Great!