Help! Installing OSX on new hdd MBP PROBLEMS

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Level 1

4 points

Help! Installing OSX on new hdd MBP PROBLEMS

Hello all!

I would really appreciate help installing OS X on a new HDD in my dad's old macbook pro, model A1150, Intel, early 2006, 1.83GHZ

His original HDD failed and he sourced a new one and installed it in the machine. So far, so good.

We put the original OS X Tiger 10.4 disc in to format and install the OS and disc utilities read the new HDD as having 3+TBs - the drive is 750GBs.

After researching info I can see that the new HDD is one running at ADVANCED MODE and you need to install OS X 10.4.9 or higher to be able to read and format such a drive.

As I have a retail copy of Snow Leopard.dmg , I created a bootable USB and tried to boot of it to format/install but the MBP wouldn't do it. I tried command+c, command+r and just letting it read the USB 'naturally'.

I have since found out that Snow Leopard needs a machine no older than 2009 to be able to be install on, in the case of being on a new HDD. Is this correct?

What are my options? I know this machine is old but it's just for my dad.

I have access to another MBP running on Mountain Lion and an iMac running on El Capitan.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Apr 27, 2016 2:59 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 27, 2016 3:08 AM in response to Bekxx

Bekxx wrote:

I have since found out that Snow Leopard needs a machine no older than 2009 to be able to be install on, in the case of being on a new HDD. Is this correct?

No. I have Snow Leopard installed on a 2006 MBP using the retail disk. That MBP also has had the HDD replaced.

What is the problem using the ORIGINAL Tiger installation disk? (Using an install disk from another Mac will not work unless it is the EXACT same model) What is the problem using the white Snow Leopard retail disk? Making a SL USB installer is not necessary.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Bekxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2016 3:14 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for your quick reply. The original installation disk which is Tiger won't allow for partitioning and formatting the new hard drive. It reads the hard drive as having 3 TB. I researched on the Internet and this is sometimes The case when the hard drive is an advanced mode one. Maybe I'm wrong but when we tried to partition format it it comes back with input output Error.

I don't have the Snow Leopard disk only the DMG file. This is why I created a bootable USB. But the machine will not boot from the USB to be able to partition and form at the new hard drive. It won't read the USB. The machine has never had a problem with it's a USB drives

Hope this helps

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 27, 2016 3:25 AM in response to Bekxx

I suggest that you purchase a Snow Leopard disk and use that instead of the USB installer (which may be corrupt).

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

Ciao.

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Answer 4

Bekxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2016 3:38 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thank you for your suggestion. I used the snow leopard DMG previously to update this same MacBook pro before it's hard drive failed, and I didn't have a problem.

Is this likely to be my problem ? Are there any other suggestions ?

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 27, 2016 3:45 AM in response to Bekxx

Assuming that USB installer is functional, try booting the MBP just holding the C key. If no success, boot the MBP with the OPTION key and see if the installer appears as an icon. If so, click on it.

Ciao.

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Answer 6

Bekxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2016 5:14 AM in response to Bekxx

Unfortunately, neither work. C just does nothing and OPTION key shows the installer icon and after clicking on it, the screen goes white/grey.

😐

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Answer 7

Bekxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2016 6:21 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Unfortunately, neither work. C just does nothing and OPTION key shows the installer icon and after clicking on it, the screen goes white/grey.

😐

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Answer 8

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 27, 2016 6:48 AM in response to Bekxx

An Apple store genius bar can install an OSX on the MBP assuming that it is functional.

You might try another HDD, either externally or internally and see if you can install an OSX on it. That would indicate if the current HDD is faulty or if there is a problem with the installer. You also could test the new HDD by connecting it to another Mac.

Ciao.

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Answer 9

Apr 27, 2016 6:53 AM in response to Bekxx

Hi Bekxx:

Just a thought. If it is just the formatting that is causing you problems why not try this.

Install the new hard drive in an enclosure OWC external case or using a USB to SATA adapter USB to SATA adapter and connect it to your MBP via USB.

Open Disk Utility>Erase and format the HDD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and a GUID partition.

Then move the external drive to your dads computer and continue. But leave it connected in external case until you are done.

Kim

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Answer 10

Bekxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2016 8:54 AM in response to KimUserName

I Don't have access to an enclosure case. Can I link it as it is, already mounted in the MBP, to my other MBP? And try to format it like that? Or do I need the Sata cable you mentioned?

Also I'm reallllllllly far from an Apple Genius Bar, so I'll have to fix it myself!!!

cheers!!

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Answer 11

Apr 27, 2016 10:45 AM in response to Bekxx

It sounds like you are talking about "Target Disk Mode" Share files between two computers with target disk mode - Apple Support

As far as I know it is only for sharing files.

You can try to boot into internet recovery using Command-Option-R Startup key combinations for Mac - Apple Support

How to reinstall OS X on your Mac : How to reinstall OS X on your Mac - Apple Support

OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support

Kim

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