mac book pro needs an os model a1297

This is a 17" MBP from Early 2011 or Late 2011. The former came with a special version of Snow Leopard supplied on DVDs. The latter came with Lion pre-installed and no DVDs. If you have the Late model:

Install Lion Through Yosemite on a New HDD/SDD

Be sure you backup your files.

1. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the (Command-Option-Shift-R) keys until a globe appears. Wait patiently - 5-15 minutes - until the Utility Menu appears.
2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.
3. After Disk Utility loads select the drive (usually, this is the out-dented entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the side list. Click on the Erase tab in Disk Utility’s main window. A drop-down panel will appear.
4. Set the partition scheme to GUID then click. Set the Format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the OK button and wait for the process to finish. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
5. Select Install OS X from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.

Note:

1. To install the version of OS X that was currently installed use Command-Option-R.

2. To install the original factory version when the computer was new use Command-Option-Shift-R.

If you have the Early model then you will need to restore Snow Leopard from the DVDs that came with the computer:

Snow Leopard Erase and Install

If possible be sure to back up your files.

1. Insert Snow Leopard DVD into the optical drive and restart the computer.
2. Immediately upon hearing the chime hold down the C key.
3. Release the key when the Apple logo appears and wait for the loading to finish.
4. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities' menu. After Disk Utility loads select the out-dented disk entry from the side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive size.) Click on the Partition tab in the Disk Utility’s right window. Set the number of partitions to one (1) from the drop down menu. Click on the Options button and select GUID, click OK button, set the format type to MacOS Extended, Journaled. Finally, click on the Apply button.
5. After formatting has finished quit Disk Utility. Continue with the OS X installation and follow the directions.
6. When the installation has finished the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. After you complete the Setup Assistant you will be running a fresh installation of Snow Leopard. Open Software Update and install the recommended updates.
7. If you are planning to sell or give your computer away, then do the following: After you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Snow Leopard, the computer restarts to a Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in an OOTB (Out Of The Box) state, don't continue with the setup. Instead, press Command and Q keys to shut down the computer. The Setup Assistant will guide the new owner through the setup process after he/she turns on the computer.
8. Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

Kappy wrote:

This is a 17" MBP from Early 2011 or Late 2011. The former came with a special version of Snow Leopard supplied on DVDs.

I think it could possibly be anything from early 2009 to late 2011. Isn't that model number really just related to the case?

https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=a1297

It's going to be really tough if it's one that won't load Internet Recovery. If it's an early/mid 2009, I think that was before Snow Leopard (10.6), where a retail Snow Leopard install disc would work. If it's one after that but before Internet Recovery would work, then only the exact in-the-box install discs are going to work.

For the OP, I'd suggest looking at the serial number on the bottom of the case and entering it here to see the exact model you have. It's obviously out of warranty, but this will give an accurate exact model vintage. If it's one of the 2009 models, then you'll need a retail Snow Leopard disc. From Snow Leopard you can get up to 10.6.8 where you'll have access to the Mac App Store and then load a later version of the OS.

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

Here's the disc ($19.99 in the United States):

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple