Unable to reinstall Mac OS X Lion after erasing HD

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Level 1

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Unable to reinstall Mac OS X Lion after erasing HD

Hello,

So I received a Mac from a friend (desktop not a notebook.) and I wanted to reinstall the OS so I can start it up as a brand new computer. i found this article online and followed the steps... How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

After erasing the disk, I went back and went to reinstall Mac OS X Lion. Everything was working going good, until it asked me to enter my apple id info at the point where i select the disk and click continue. After I enter my own apple id, that i created when I purchased an iPhone, it comes back with a messages that reads "This item is temporarily unavailable." "Try again later." I click "okay" and nothing happens, I have to return to the start and just keep staring at the screen. How can this problem be fixed?

I tried restarting and the macOS utilities windows is coming up everytime. So it looks like I am stuck and can't solve the problem.

If possible send me an email!!! Please!!!!!!

Mac info

Model #: A1224

iMac 20/2.66ghz/2 GB/320/SD (seemed important info)

iPhone 4S, Windows 7, iTunes

Posted on Jan 26, 2017 7:08 PM

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Answer 1

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OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jan 27, 2017 5:57 AM in response to gmkpl11

gmkpl11 wrote:

If I use my friends Apple ID would I be able to install OS?

Probably but understand that you will be faced with the same issue for ALL updates.

To get your iMac to be associated with your Apple ID, you will have to reinstall the original OSX (Leopard) or install Snow Leopard using this disk:

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

(The HDD will have to be erased first)

Then install the Snow Leopard Combo update:

https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1399?locale=en_US

That will allow you to install newer OSX's, up to and including El Capitan.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Jan 26, 2017 7:09 PM in response to gmkpl11

The issue is that it's a used Mac > Changing ownership of a used Mac | Communities

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Answer 3

gmkpl11 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jan 26, 2017 7:25 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

I read through it and here's what I have done.

Put all the files that were on the mac onto a USB. From there, I have followed the steps starting with holding down option/command/r.

I have read through what you provided and it doesnt work.

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Answer 4

gmkpl11 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jan 27, 2017 7:13 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I'm starting to see that I have messed up big time with this....I clicked on the link and it shows I need to pay for snow leopard.

Is there any way to get around this? it seems like it's very complicated for no reason....

Would this step be required even if my friend would erase the disk?

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jan 27, 2017 8:08 AM in response to gmkpl11

gmkpl11 wrote:

Would this step be required even if my friend would erase the disk?

It becomes a question if you want complete control of the Mac with your Apple ID or want to have your friend do it. For example understand that should you desire to download an application, movie, song etc. that requires payment, it will be billed to the individual whose ID is connected to the Mac. Legally, the Mac should be connected to your ID per Apples terms of Use.

Ciao.

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Answer 6

gmkpl11 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jan 26, 2017 7:40 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

If I use my friends Apple ID would I be able to install OS?

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