A1278 clean install of osx

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Level 1

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A1278 clean install of osx

I have just purchase a used A1278 MBP without the original dvd's. I believe I can buy a copy of SnowLeopard, erase the HD and reinstall OSX to bring it back to factory condition. I have searched the net and seen that people have 2 disks(from factory), 1 with the OSX and the other has apps and drivers. Does the SnowLeopard disk have all these on the 1 disk (OSX, drivers and applications)?

If this is so and I buy a SL disk what is the procedure to perform the clean install?

This is my first experience with Apple products and am confident performing this task with Windows OS.

Also only a couple of start up command work like command -s and option.

Thanks.

Posted on Feb 7, 2015 9:54 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

728,237 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:02 PM in response to extra_g

1. It isn't possible to tell whether or not a retail Snow Leopard DVD will work based only on A1278. Append the last three characters of the computer's serial number to http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords= and load the page.

2. If you can use that DVD, it'll have all the OS components on one, but not iLife.

3. Insert it, restart the computer with the C or Option key held down, use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive, and install the OS.

(121907)

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Answer 2

extra_g Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:13 PM in response to Niel

Hi Niel

The s/n= wq042aepatm

I did have a look at everymac site but I am stumped.

What info will I get from there that will help me?

Thabks.

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Answer 3

Niel

Level 10

728,237 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:18 PM in response to extra_g

1. A retail Snow Leopard DVD won't work on that Mac. Phone Apple and order replacement original disks; if you've made an USB installer from the Mac App Store version of 10.7 or newer, you can use that instead.

2. The computer's exact specifications, including its original OS and the answer as to whether or not the retail DVD would have worked.

(121907)

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Answer 4

extra_g Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:41 PM in response to Niel

OK all seems good except I have searched the net to find out how to create a bootable USB with 10.7 and I have to launch disk utility. Will this option appear once I have inserted the USB into my MBP?

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Answer 5

Niel

Level 10

728,237 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:49 PM in response to extra_g

You'll need to create it from another Mac. Once this has been done, connect the thumbdrive and start up the MacBook Pro with the Option key held down.

(121912)

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Answer 6

extra_g Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:54 PM in response to Niel

OK system requirement on Apple App Store state i need 10.6.8 which I currently have. If I put a new HD in the MBP will I need to install 10.6.8 before I can install 10.7??

System Requirements An Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 or Xeon processor