I currently have the 2007 MacBook running OS X 10.4.11. This computer has a 2.16 GHz intel core 2 duo processor, 4gb of memory and 111.8 gb hard drive. I would like to update it to the newest software it can handle. Can I go all the way to El Capitan? If so, how?
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 2.16 GHz processor, 4gb ram
No, it will probably only go as far as Lion. Go to the everymac.com web site and look up your exact model. Near the bottom of the specifications page it will list the maximum OS version.
Kappy, April 2015 post - Upgrading from Snow Leopard to Lion or later - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6992760?answerId=28062766022#28062766022
Ok I'll take that, So can I just straight to Lion or do I have to do it 1 by 1?
Lion is only available as a download which requires Mac App Store app which requires Snow Leopard which comes on a DVD from Apple.
Ok, I'll do that then. Just out of curiosity, since I upgraded the ram to 4gb instead of 1, could it now possibly handle higher than lion? The requirements have to do with the hardware of the computer, correct? So if I updated the hardware then could I go higher? OR would the 2.16 GHz Intel core 2 duo not handle it?
System requirements for OS X Lion and Mac OS X v10.6 - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4949 say 2GB RAM so 4 should be adequate given that when Apple says "minimum" they really meant it.
The only hardware you can upgrade are RAM and hard drive. OSX limitations are also processor speed, processor capability, other features such as graphics support. You would find a later OS than the listed maximum will simply refuse to install.
Ok great, good to know. Just one more question about my 2007 MacBook. Can it only wirelessly connect to an Airport? I am having trouble connecting it to my current wi fi network. The only way I am able to get wi fi is through hardwire ethernet.
1) Buy a Snow Leopard disc from Apple online
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard - USA
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard - UK
or telephone Apple. In the USA: (800) 676-2775 (contact information for other countries: http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57)
Alternatively you can buy from online retailers but anticipate paying much more than the original price which is the price still charged by Apple
2) Backing up your computer before upgrading is always a good idea.
4) After installing from the DVD, update your Snow Leopard installation using Software Update or manually downloading and installing the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v.1.1 - http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399
It is advisable to use Software Update at least once so you get special updates such as the "Mac App Store Update for OS X Snow Leopard" - https://support.apple.com/HT205702
If you are using old (PPC generation) software you may want to install Rosetta as well which I believe is an optional installation.
Read an earlier link which you may have missed during cross posting about upgrading to Lion.
Wifi is a completely different topic. 🙂 I am not an expert on it, much preferring hardwired connections myself. I mostly use my MacBook in clamshell mode. Your wifi issues can be due to a wide variety of causes. We use a Netgear router here and neither I with my 2008 MacBook nor my wife with her 2014 MacBook Pro has had problems connecting downstairs.
Updating 2007 MacBook Software
