fviznjhx
Level 1 (4 points)
Apple TV

Q: How do I reinstall OSX when I get the error "You can't upgrade this version of Mac OS X because a newer version is installed"

I'm trying to reinstall OSX on a macbook air so I can give it to a relative. But when I try to reinstall using these instructions I it won't let me reinstall OSX saying "You can't upgrade this version of Mac OS X because a newer version is installed."

 

What do I do now?

 

I'm not sure what exact version of OSX it has because it's not in front of me right now, but it is Lion.

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7), null

Posted on Aug 16, 2016 7:52 AM

by Niel,Solvedanswer
Niel Niel
Level 10 (312,756 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Depending on the version you'll be installing, you need to either restart the computer with the Option, Command, and R keys held down or connect its original thumbdrive and restart with the Option key held down. In either case, use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive and install a fresh OS.

 

(144063)

Posted on Aug 16, 2016 7:56 AM

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fviznjhx

Q: How do I reinstall OSX when I get the error "You can't upgrade this version of Mac OS X because a newer version is installed"

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  • by Niel,Solvedanswer

    Niel Niel Aug 16, 2016 7:56 AM in response to fviznjhx
    Level 10 (312,756 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 16, 2016 7:56 AM in response to fviznjhx

    Depending on the version you'll be installing, you need to either restart the computer with the Option, Command, and R keys held down or connect its original thumbdrive and restart with the Option key held down. In either case, use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive and install a fresh OS.

     

    (144063)

  • by fviznjhx ,

    fviznjhx fviznjhx Aug 16, 2016 7:56 AM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 16, 2016 7:56 AM in response to Niel

    I am using option+command+r, that's where I get the message "You can't upgrade this version of Mac OS X because a newer version is installed."

     

    Oh I see, I was skipping the step of erasing the HD. Thanks, I'll try again when I get home tonight.