I have an old 2009 Apple MacBook, and I tried to restore the MacBook because it was slow (not the best idea). And it won't let me install Lion on the laptop. And then someone tells me my macbook needs snow leopard. I don't know what to do and if I can't do anything what should I do? Should I bring it in to the apple store? Please help.
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7)
All 2009 MacBooks support the latest release of OS X according to Mactracker.ca
Please look for a model number to confirm what you have or try this page…
How to identify MacBook models - Apple Support
You may have an older model that only supports 10.7?
Please report back what model you find it is.
If you have no OS install disks you can still buy them for 10.6…
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Otherwise you will need to download an installer from the App Store for a newer OS, a genuis bar may help you if you can't manage that. I think your Macbook cannot use internet recovery as it is probably too old…
Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support
No internet recovery means you will need to create a bootable USB installer for any OS newer than 10.6. This app could help you make a USB installer
http://diskmakerx.com/
Or you can run some commands to create one on another Mac if you can login to purchase it in the App store.
In order to install Lion or a newer OSX, you need to have Snow Leopard OSX at 10.6.8. This means that in addition to the Snow Leopard DVD that Drew Reece refers to, (which will install 10.6.3) you will have to run the Snow Leopard combo update:
https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399?locale=en_US
That will then meet the requirements for Lion, Mt, Lion or El Capitan.
Ciao.
You also should check to see how much RAM is installed. The consensus seems to be 4 GB is the minimum for El Capitan and more is better.
The 2 places I’ve seen recommended most to buy reliable RAM are below. I have purchased RAM several times from Other World Computing and have always been very satisfied with the product and service. They have on-line instructions on how to replace the RAM. OWC has also tested RAM above what Apple states is the maximum. I now have 6GB installed on a early 2008 iMac supposedly limited to 4 GB and noticed an improvement.
Crucial
Other World Computing
Check to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported after 10.6.
Application Compatibility
Applications Compatibility (2)
El Capitan 10.11 Compatibility information
Do a backup before installing, preferable 2 backups on 2 different drives.
If the machine came with Snow Leopard originally you probably do not want the retail version Snow Leopard as those may only have a lower version of SL than came with your machine originally and will not install. You will need to call Apple Support and get a copy of the original discs for that machine it it was indeed a version of SL.
March 15, 2010 and newer Macs need the original 10.6 installer disc that came with them.
The currently available Apple online retail store copy of 10.6 works on Intel Macs from prior to that date.
A partition may be necessary if you have a newer operating system, in order to be able to properly install the older operating system. More on partitioning, and why you may want to have 10.6, you should see my tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271
Can Apple install Snow Leopard on my 2009 MacBook?
