Roundhere

Q: Help update from 10.6.8 to latest OS possible (I meet requirements?)

I am trying to update my imac OS version from 10.6.8 to El Capitan (latest version as of today)

I read the requirements to update but I must be not understanding something obvious.

I have 4 gigs of memory, plenty of hardrive space and Im on a 2007 imac....(seems i'm still in the clear as far as specs on apple's website to update)

 

When I use software update on the imac it says my computer is up to date.

Any help appreciated. If i can't update to the latest version of el capitan or Im misunderstanding a basic concept of what i would need or not need to purchase please let me know. also, what OS can i update to on my imac? thank you

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 8:29 PM

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Q: Help update from 10.6.8 to latest OS possible (I meet requirements?)

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,Solvedanswer

    Niel Niel Dec 28, 2015 8:30 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 10 (314,412 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 28, 2015 8:30 PM in response to Roundhere

    Back up your data, check your applications for compatibility, and download El Capitan from the Mac App Store.


    (137761)

  • by getstevesattention,Helpful

    getstevesattention getstevesattention Dec 28, 2015 8:45 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 1 (75 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 8:45 PM in response to Roundhere

    First stop - Create a bootable installer for OS X - Apple Support - you will need an 8GB or better USB stick - then make a backup of all important user data and settings on your Mac to an external hard drive using the Time Machine app 

     

    Then turn the iMac off. Power on and immediately press the option key: hold it until you see the option to choose and bait from the "El Capitain" installer.

     

    Installing OS X 10.11 this way will upgrade your OS.

     

    Away you go!

  • by Roundhere,

    Roundhere Roundhere Dec 28, 2015 8:50 PM in response to getstevesattention
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 28, 2015 8:50 PM in response to getstevesattention

    Ive backed up pictures and non-replaceable personal items to an external drive. Seems there is alot to lose without backing up things I don't know that need to be backed up....so I will wait until I can do as you posted and go from there. I will read more about the bootable installer first. Thank you.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Dec 28, 2015 8:58 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 7 (32,327 points)
    iPad
    Dec 28, 2015 8:58 PM in response to Roundhere

    Do make a backup of your entire system before uprading; however, there is no need to create an installer. If your machine meets the requirements, simply launch the app store (in your Applications folder) and download El Capitan.

     

    You will want to back up your entire hard drive - either use Time Machine or make a bootable clone using CarbonCopyCloner - either way, you need an external hard drive for that.

     

    Creating an installer is usually only necessary as a measure to have one in case you need to reinstall - at this point, simply download the the OS installer. You can then install or copy that installer from the Applications folder to a safe location to have a copy if you need it later.

  • by getstevesattention,

    getstevesattention getstevesattention Dec 28, 2015 8:59 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (75 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 8:59 PM in response to babowa

    Actually there are some times that for some reason (possibly incompatible software. corruption, etc) the Install El Captain app fails unexpectedly or never runs, but that the above method produces a good upgrade, or if that fails, a clean install can be preformed. These can be followed by running Migration Assistant to restore Apps, etc. from the TimeMachine Backup.

  • by Roundhere,

    Roundhere Roundhere Dec 28, 2015 9:03 PM in response to getstevesattention
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 28, 2015 9:03 PM in response to getstevesattention

    how do I

    backup of all important user data and settings on my iMac to an external hard drive using the Time Machine app  ?

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Dec 28, 2015 9:04 PM in response to getstevesattention
    Level 7 (32,327 points)
    iPad
    Dec 28, 2015 9:04 PM in response to getstevesattention

    I'm aware of that; however, at this point, keeping it simple would be best. Having to create an installer first is not necessarily simple for everyone. Simply copying the installer to a safe place before actually installing is much easier; one can always create a bootable installer from that later. I've updated to countless OS versions - as long as your system is in good shape, there is rarely a problem unless you have incompatible software installed.

  • by getstevesattention,

    getstevesattention getstevesattention Dec 28, 2015 9:08 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 1 (75 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 9:08 PM in response to Roundhere
  • by getstevesattention,

    getstevesattention getstevesattention Dec 28, 2015 9:13 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 1 (75 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 9:13 PM in response to Roundhere
  • by Roundhere,

    Roundhere Roundhere Dec 28, 2015 9:15 PM in response to getstevesattention
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 28, 2015 9:15 PM in response to getstevesattention

    Thank you. I'll probably be back here after trying...I just got the 8 gig stick so I'm at least gaining some progress...

  • by Roundhere,

    Roundhere Roundhere Dec 28, 2015 10:02 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 28, 2015 10:02 PM in response to Roundhere

    i currently don't have any external hardrives large enough to backup 148.13 gigs ... when I used the 8 gig usb memory stick it failed to backup.

    I think I'll need to probably have to get a hardrive to be safe.

    I though I could just backup to the 8 gig usb stick ...instead I'll need to boot the new OS from the usb stick... but also backup to a larger external hardrive as well?

  • by getstevesattention,Helpful

    getstevesattention getstevesattention Dec 28, 2015 10:10 PM in response to Roundhere
    Level 1 (75 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 10:10 PM in response to Roundhere

    Spot on - if you can't just run the installer, backup to the larger HD when available & create a USB installer on the 8gb.

  • by Roundhere,

    Roundhere Roundhere Dec 28, 2015 10:12 PM in response to getstevesattention
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 28, 2015 10:12 PM in response to getstevesattention

    Thank you!!! Another day.....need that external drive to play it safe. I'll return to the support here when I get that extra drive.

  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex Dec 29, 2015 4:12 AM in response to Roundhere
    Level 6 (10,536 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 29, 2015 4:12 AM in response to Roundhere

    I just found this very interesting thread. I support () all advice you have found here.

    However, I would like to make one point only:

    is it possible for you to increase the Ram to at least 8GB, in order to make sure that you can use the iMac freely after the upgrade:

    although 4GB should be enough, it will be borderline when you start to use apps, not just look at the background picture...

    The Ram should have the exact specifications, and it may be difficult to find (OWC would be a good place to start), but it will be cheap.

    Lex

    to all: have a good holiday now and a best wishes for 2016.