Can't install OSX on Macbook

[ScottWA]

My Macbook 1,1 (Family name: A1181 Model Number: MA255) harddrive is at the end of its life so I bought bought a 640GB WD6400BPVT SATTA II harddrive.
When I tried to format it with disk utility I got an input/output error. So I tried different jumper combinations which didn't help. So I'm thinking I may need to buy a smaller harddrive thats less then 500GB's. So thats my first problem.

I reformatted my old harddrive so I could tackle my next problem.
I can't find my osx 10.4.6 discs. I can't upgrade to 10.6 because I have Final Cut Pro Studio 5.1 academic and use it a lot. I've heard this software runs terribly on osx 10.6. Mac Stores don't carry 10.4 and you can't buy it from Apple any more so I bought a Macbook OSX 10.4.9 disc set on ebay brand new (Disc 1: 2Z607-0895 MacBook Media Multilingual AHT version 3A128 Disc version 1.0)(Disc 2: 27607-0700 Common Media Multilingual, Disc version 1.0 2Z691-5975-A) When I get ready to install it says can not install on this computer. Apple care says the discs should work with my computer. So I'm thinking that I need a very specific set of discs for computer. Trouble is I don't know which ones will work with my computer and which won't. And even if I find which ones I need I don't know where I can buy a set.

Please help I've spent 3 days trying to fix this. I need my Final Cut and don't have the money to buy a Macbook pro and another version of Final Cut.
I appreciate your time very much.

 

[Consultant]

There's no 500gb limit.

Don't change jumper combinations that you don't understand. Default is fine for laptop drive.

Gray disks only works for the version of computer that it came with. You can order the correct disk from Apple Support.

 

[Mr Rabbit]

There's no 500gb limit.

Don't change jumper combinations that you don't understand. Default is fine for laptop drive.

Gray disks only works for the version of computer that it came with. You can order the correct disk from Apple Support.

All of this is true.

AppleCare support should be able to send you the proper gray discs based on your serial number. My only fear would be that since your Mac is likely (since it runs 10.4) in vintage/obsolete status (AppleCare's wording, not mine) they may not have the discs available any more.

You might check with a local Apple Authorized Service Provider. I've worked for one and had several friends at two others and we all had loads of old software discs tucked away in the shops specifically for the odd situation like this where we might need it. They should be able to pull your serial number up in GSX, determine the AppleCare name (MacBook Late 2006 vs MacBook 1,1), figure out the disc needed based on that and hopefully dig up a disc for you.

Good luck!

 

[ScottWA]

Apple Doesn't have Discs

As I mentioned in my post Apple doesn't carry these discs any more. But that's a good idea with the authorized service providers. I'll call around. Any answers on the hard drive problem? Is my diagnosis correct?