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I'm trying to do a fresh install of Mac OS X on my MacBook. When I try to do so, I get the error "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer." I've searched the problem and discovered that the computer is very particular about which installation discs are used (that is, it must be the same model/year installation disk that came with the computer). I am away from home right now and do not have my install discs with me, so I borrowed a friend's. What I'm wondering is if it will be possible to re-install using his discs.
Some specifics: I bought my MacBook in August of 2008. It is currently version 10.5.8. My friend's discs are copyrighted to 2007. This is the reason I'm unsure of whether this can work. I think that I am able to use any installation discs that are as old or newer than my computer's original installation discs, but I'm not sure if these are or not. (That is to say, I'm not sure whether there was an update in the installation discs between 2007 and 2008, when I bought my computer.) Can anyone shed some light on this issue?
Also, do I need to erase my hard drive before trying to re-install? I want a completely fresh install, and I've already made the appropriate backups. But I was under the impression that the installer would wipe everything for me. Is that correct?
Agreed, spring for the $30 to get Snow Leopard, a nice inexpensive update, and install disks that are not machine-locked. – ghoppe – 2010-06-22T18:13:25.483
Thanks for all the great information! I'll probably just grab the Snow Leopard disc. – Josh Leitzel – 2010-06-23T03:11:38.303