r_ilagan
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Can Apple install Snow Leopard on my 2009 MacBook?

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)

Posted on Feb 6, 2016 8:47 PM

by Drew Reece,Apple recommended
Drew Reece Drew Reece
Level 5 (7,490 points)
Notebooks
A:

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.

Posted on Feb 6, 2016 9:02 PM

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r_ilagan

Q: Can Apple install Snow Leopard on my 2009 MacBook?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Drew Reece,Apple recommended

    Drew Reece Drew Reece Feb 6, 2016 9:02 PM in response to r_ilagan
    Level 5 (7,490 points)
    Notebooks
    Feb 6, 2016 9:02 PM in response to r_ilagan

    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.

  • by OGELTHORPE,Apple recommended

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Feb 7, 2016 5:34 AM in response to r_ilagan
    Level 9 (52,118 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 7, 2016 5:34 AM in response to r_ilagan

    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.

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Feb 7, 2016 7:56 AM in response to r_ilagan
    Level 9 (70,090 points)
    iTunes
    Feb 7, 2016 7:56 AM in response to r_ilagan

    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.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Feb 8, 2016 8:12 AM in response to Drew Reece
    Level 9 (53,695 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 8, 2016 8:12 AM in response to Drew Reece

    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.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Feb 8, 2016 11:49 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Feb 8, 2016 11:49 AM in response to Limnos

    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