15-inch macbook pro os x dvd not compatible with 15-inch macbook pro?

[xxcharliexxx]

Hi everyone, this is my first post and I am freshly baked Mac user

I just bought a macbook pro 2.4 of my friend -Machine ID MacBookPro4,1
Model Number A1260. I wanted to have a clean opearting system so I bought OS X on eBay (two grey dvd's) ... and I am unable to install it...

At the moment OS X is 10.5.5 (leopard?). I read that you need os compatible with the machine so I bought the same dvd dedicated to 15-inch macbook pro, mac os x 10.5.5. DVD number is ep10182008 2z607-3234-a mutilingual macbook pro media

I thought it shoud work as it match the actual operating system (10.5.5) but after language selection screen I have error: mac os x cannot be installed on this computer

How to check wich dvd OS X will be compatible with my macbook pro?

I can't get the one that comes with the computer as the person I bought that macbook from is abroad atm.

Thank you for your help

 

[r.j.s]

The gray restore discs are specific to the hardware revision, not the OS version. You have a MBP 4,1 - so you'd need OS X Install discs for a MBP 4,1

 

[xxcharliexxx]

Thank you, but how I can check which os disc will suit my macbook ? Do I need a specyfic code for my model ?

 

[r.j.s]

There really is no way, that I know of.

You just have to find an ebay listing that specifies your model.

 

[Ashka]

1. Get the Mac's discs from your friend, Macs should never be sold without their original install disks.
2. Contact Apple for a copy of the install discs that belong to your Mac.

 

[xxcharliexxx]

There really is no way, that I know of.

You just have to find an ebay listing that specifies your model.

So, do I need disc labeled RETAIL edition in the box? This will work? For eg. - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-OS-X-Leopard-10-5-1-boxed-retail-version_W0QQitemZ290295992222

 

[pwn247]

So, do I need disc labeled RETAIL edition in the box? This will work? For eg. - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-OS-X-Leopard-10-5-1-boxed-retail-version_W0QQitemZ290295992222

I've never had experience with "retail" editions of OS X (I just use the restore discs).

Your best bet is to simply phone Apple (they're very helpful) and ask to have the 15-inch MBP (+ model number) discs shipped out to you. Not sure if they'll charge you or not, but this is the fastest, and sure-fire way to bring the computer back to factory settings.

 

[r.j.s]

So, do I need disc labeled RETAIL edition in the box? This will work? For eg. - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-OS-X-Leopard-10-5-1-boxed-retail-version_W0QQitemZ290295992222

That will work, but see below.

Your best bet is to simply phone Apple (they're very helpful) and ask to have the 15-inch MBP (+ model number) discs shipped out to you. Not sure if they'll charge you or not, but this is the fastest, and sure-fire way to bring the computer back to factory settings.

Do this, they charge about USD $35 to cover the physical discs and shipping.