jshire
Level 1 (17 points)
Desktops

Q: finding out which OS it shipped with

Hi, some simply questions - have looked around the net & these forums & think I have most of the info needed but would appreciate checking & some clearer info if possible:

 

I have a 2009 macbook pro. I also have a newer macbook pro so want to update this older one.

 

1) I upgraded the OS to El Captain & there are some issues (the version of imovie not being fully compatible with el captain & Apple charging for an upgrade if you want it to work properly ! + some other bits):

. is it possible to check what version of OS this macbook shipped with someone on the computer ? Is there, in effect some kind of database of the OS versions it has used at various times ?

. i've read various contradictory posts that say either that if you erase El Captain you will then automatically be prompted to reinstall OS with the older version you had & posts that say that won't happen - does anyone know the actual answer & is there a way to check which OS will be prompted to be re-installed if one erases El Captain ?

. if I choose to keep El Captain but want to swap the version of imovie (9) on this macbook with the one I have on my newer macbook, will that work & do I simply save the imovie app to an ehd & then drag it into the apps of the older macbook pro ? Any potential issues I should be aware of ?

 

2) the macbook only has a small hard drive & 4gb memory - i've found various tutorials online for how to upgrade both & it looks reasonably straight forward once one finds the correct new drive with the right Sata rating & speed etc. On the memory front are the lower priced versions one can find online as good as Apple's high cost versions of the same thing ? Has anyone done this double upgrade & had issues or success ? slightly nervous to actually do it !

 

thanks,

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 18, 2016 11:55 PM

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jshire

Q: finding out which OS it shipped with

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Sep 19, 2016 3:50 AM in response to jshire
    Level 9 (52,759 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 19, 2016 3:50 AM in response to jshire

    2009 MBPs shipped with Leopard and some later models with Snow Leopard.  Check Mactracker for definitive information.

     

    In order to install an older OSX on a MBP, you need to ERASE the HDD, not just the OSX.  Therefore have the user data backed prior to doing so.

     

    If you want to install additional RAM and a HDD with greater capacity, check the OWC web site for specific options:

     

    https://www.macsales.com/

     

    Ciao.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Sep 19, 2016 7:56 AM in response to jshire
    Level 9 (54,621 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 19, 2016 7:56 AM in response to jshire

    Look up your computer on www.everymac.com  Most of your answers will be there.

     

    If upgrading RAM get good quality RAM such as OWC or Crucial.  Cheap RAM doesn't work well in Macs.

     

    I don't know if you can simply drag iMovie to an external drive.  I don't have version 9 and don't know how many bits and pieces it puts in different places.  If it came on installer discs you can try simply installing it to your other computer.  If you have a downloadable version you can usually re-download it to any computer you own.