Install Snow Leopard 10.6.3 in 2007 MacBook Pro model A1212

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Rui Costa Author

Level 1

9 points

Install Snow Leopard 10.6.3 in 2007 MacBook Pro model A1212

Hi,
a couple of months ago I have asked this same question, but now I got a different issue.

I have an MacBook Pro 17" (model A1212, early 2007, Intel 2,33 - 2GB ram)

that I would like to format and install a fresh Mac OS X

I think this machine can only go as far as Snow Leopard 10.6.3 then update to 10.6.8 combo update v1.1

I have got a copy of the 10.6.3 on a USB stick which I can use to boot the laptop from.

What is best way to do this?

Start the machine with its original system hard drive,

go to disk utility and format the system hard drive,

turn off the machine, turn on again,

boot it from the USB stick (pressing option key) and then install Snow Leopard 10.6.3

Is this correct?

Many Thanks

Rui

Macbook pro 17" 2.33

Posted on May 22, 2018 11:44 AM

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Answer 1

May 23, 2018 7:08 AM in response to Rui Costa

Yes, you could do that. I usually just format the drive from Disk Utility when I boot into the installer from the drive, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. There is also a specific way you need to format the USB stick so it can boot from it. If memory serves me correct, it needs to be formatted as Mac OS Extended Journaled, and then the USB stick needs to be restored with an image from the Snow Leopard install (I think it's called Mac OS X Install ESD?). You get it from right clicking the install app icon > Show Contents > Packages and it's in there. At least that's how I did it with Lion.

Lion is the max supported OS X version on all Core 2 Duos I believe. Snow Leopard is as high as the older Core Duos can go. That model you gave shows it having a Core 2, so you could just go to Lion if you want. I'm running it on my 2006 MBP now with 2 GB RAM and it runs pretty snappy still. 4GB is the max these machines take, but it can only actually use a little over 3 GB. I use it as my secondary machine. Got more RAM coming, and soon and SSD. That'll really give her the boost she needs.

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Answer 2

May 22, 2018 11:50 AM in response to Rui Costa

Standard RAM: 2 GB Maximum RAM: 4 GB*

Details: 2 GB installed as two modules, no slots free.
*Apple officially supports a maximum of 3 GB of RAM but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 4 GB of RAM using two 2 GB memory modules with some limitations.

Pre-Installed MacOS: X 10.4.8 (8N1051) Maximum MacOS: X 10.7.5*

from:

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-2-duo-2.33 -17-specs.html

.

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Answer 3

Rui Costa Author

Level 1

9 points

May 23, 2018 12:02 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for your reply, but at the moment I am not going to make any changes in the hardware of the machine, like adding extra RAM.

It will stay with 2 GB RAM, and I think with only 2 GB of RAM memory the Mac OS Lion might not work properly.

My question about the method on how to perform the installation still persists:

Use disk utility and format the system hard drive

Shut down the laptop

Insert USB stick with Snow Leopard

Start laptop - press option key

Boot from the USB stick

Install snow leopard

Will this work?

Many Thanks

Rui

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Answer 4

May 23, 2018 6:01 AM in response to Rui Costa

I don't think there are any USB-stick Installers for 10.6. It is not available for legitimate download. You would need the "full retail" Snow Leopard DVD from the Mac App store, US$20.

There are Utilities on the DVD, including Disk Utility, that can help you erase the drive, which you can not do from within a running MacOS (that would be cutting off the branch you are standing on).

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Install Snow Leopard 10.6.3 in 2007 MacBook Pro model A1212

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