Can't reinstall OSX Yosemite on second-hand MacBook Pro A1260

Hi all.

I’ve just bought a second-hand MacBook Pro A1260 (2008), and the chap who I have no reason not to believe said he had been running OSX Yosemite 10.10.1 on it.

I’m a Mac user, but not nerdy enough. (Way closer to clueless than nerdy-proficient)

The chap has followed the Mac resell guidelines and wiped all his guff off it, but I’m buggered if I can reinstall the OSX ... or anything.

(I have screen grab pix but haven't worked out how to post them in the relevant spot)

So I get the 4 options OSX Utilities box:
-Restore From Time Machine Backup (I don't use Time Machine)
-Reinstall OS X
-Get Help Online
-Disk Utility

If I try to Reinstall OS X I get all the way in and sign into the App store, and get this message ”THIS ITEM IS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE :: Try Again later”.
(I have a valid Apple ID)

I’ve read a bunch of articles online but still have had no joy about why my Apple ID doesn't work.
Any clues?
Or is it easier if that's problematic to use the DISK UTILITY option?

I received no old-school discs with the Mac.

Thanks very much, any help very greatly appreciated,
Pingo

 

Thanks Spuds. I've yet to call the chap back, and I've kind of tried the recovery install (command + R and even with the OPTION option), but that seems the same as just turning it on, like I just get that OSX Utilities dialogue box with 4 options regardless of what I do.
You're right, I should ask the man.
Apologies for my lack of storytelling vigour, I'm so darned sleepy, I'm in the antipodes and it's almost 1am, and the internets of Mac resurrection hope have worn me out.
Thanks very much for taking the time to reply, I must zzzzz, and return with thinking head.