HT204904: How to reinstall macOS
Learn about How to reinstall macOS
Q: I purchased OS X Lion thru apple apps, I am having problem downloading."This version of Mac OS X is too new to run “Install ... more
-
Sep 28, 2016 11:37 AMby brenden dv,Hi AvBernabe,
I understand you are trying to download Mac OS X Lion from the Mac App Store, but you're seeing an error. I know it's nice to have control over your computer, so I'm happy to help.
Before you continue, I'd recommend ensuring your current data is safe with a backup:
Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support
The reason you are seeing that message is because the version of Mac OS X that you have installed is more recent than Lion. You won't be able to downgrade through the App Store.
If you want to revert to a previous version of OS X, you'll either need a Time Machine backup from that version or to revert to the original version of OS X that was installed with your MacBook Pro. Check out this article to find out which that is:
OS X versions and builds included with Mac computers - Apple SupportMacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) Oct 2011 10.7.2 10.7.3 11C74, 11C2002, 11D2001
This means that you can get back to Lion by reverting to the originally installed version of OS X:
Use the version of OS X that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version - Apple Support -
Sep 28, 2016 11:46 AMby JimmyCMPIT,your mac will support 10.7.2 to current you will need to install to a new drive, a new partition of if you wish to use your entire internal HD you will need to either replace with a new drive or format out your current OS which will destroy all data
Backup your data then boot to the drive by restarting and holding down C with the disk inserted until the install process begins. If it fails for any reason you may also need to set the clock to a time where OS X 10.7 was public release. Or you may need to install with the disks that came with your computer as the 2011 precedes recovery, but should be OS X 10.7.2 or later depending on when it was purchased.
Do not proceed without a backup or without the original drive in a safe place (not in the computer ) if you insist on installing without a backup and you replace the drive.
