OS X Mountain Lion

Question

OS X Mountain Lion

Hi, what is the easiest fastest most compatible way to move from OS X Lion to OS X Mountain Lion.

Need to update an old Macpro (early 2009) to latest OS but i'm stuck with Lion right now.

I would rather not do a total clean install as all the software installed need to remain untouched, so a rather swift and transparent method... and don't want to go and bring the mac pro in a store neither...

Would this be the case if i purchase the Installer online on the Apple store?

Many thanks,

best

fab

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jun 21, 2016 9:16 AM

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Answer 1

Eric Root

Level 10

685,293 points

Jun 21, 2016 10:28 AM in response to fabienleseure

If you are going to upgrade, why not upgrade to El Capitan since Mountain Lion is no longer supported? You can order 10.8 using the link below. You won't need to do a clean install.

Mountain Lion

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

Also check to make sure there is a compatible driver for your printer.

Do a backup before installing, preferable 2 backups on 2 different drives.

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Answer 2

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

742,685 points

Jun 21, 2016 10:06 AM in response to fabienleseure

Back up your data,check your applications for compatibility, and buy the installer. Compatible applications will continue to run unless a problem occurs.

(143034)

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Answer 3

Jun 21, 2016 10:26 AM in response to Eric Root

OK, i had understood that i would need to update first to Mountain Lion before i can move on to 'El Capitan'... Can i go straight from Lion to El Capitan?

Thanks for your swift support!

best

f

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Answer 4

Eric Root

Level 10

685,293 points

Jun 21, 2016 10:40 AM in response to fabienleseure

You are welcome. Yes, you can go straight to El Capitan. Something else to check is how much RAM you have installed. El Capitan realistically needs 4 GB of RAM 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

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