Resolved How to reinstall OS on MacBook Pro 1,1 w/non-working optical drive?

[LMN_O]

I've got an old MacBook Pro 1,1 (2 GHz Intel Core Duo) with 10.6.8 on it. I'm looking for a way to wipe the drive and re-install 10.6 so I can sell or give this thing away, but the internal dvd drive won't read DVDs.

How can I run Disk Utility to wipe the drive, and then get a fresh OS install on it?

Options I've already shot down:
- Internal optical drive. As mentioned, it's not working.
- USB SuperDrive attached to the MacBook Pro. The SuperDrive works only w/Macs built after 2008. Connected it anyway just to see – no go.
- Target disk mode. Works only over Firewire or Thunderbolt. MacBook Pro 1,1 doesn't have Thunderbolt. I don't have access to another Mac with Firewire.

Any ideas?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Bootable USB installer? That should work when all else fails.

 

[CoastalOR]

I agree with keysofanxiety. Connect your USB Superdrive to your Mac that supports it and make a 10.6 USB installer.

I found these with a quick Google search. Here are a few of the links:
https://www.maketecheasier.com/create-mac-snow-leopard-usb-installer-disk/
http://www.maciverse.com/install-os-x-snow-leopard-from-usb-flash-drive.html
https://business.tutsplus.com/tutor...e-usb-drive-with-os-x-snow-leopard--cms-21491

 

[cruisin]

If for whatever reason the USB installer doesn't work, there is a thunderbolt to firewire adapter.

 

[LMN_O]

Thanks, all! I'll start with the USB installer option.

Edit: And the USB installer did the trick. Thanks!

 

[Floris]

When you start it with an empty drive, doesn't it notice and then ask you to install it over the network?

 

[Bruno09]

When you start it with an empty drive, doesn't it notice and then ask you to install it over the network?

This will not happen with an "old" Macbook Pro.

Only with ~2010 models or newer.

 

[Floris]

This will not happen with an "old" Macbook Pro.

Only with ~2010 models or newer.

Is there a list somewhere so I know which models can or can't do this?

 

[Bruno09]

Here you are : https://support.apple.com/us-en/HT202313

 

[Floris]

Here you are : https://support.apple.com/us-en/HT202313

Thank you!! Bookmarked

 

[barbu]

Thanks, all! I'll start with the USB installer option.

this is a helpful tool for accomplishing the task:
http://diskmakerx.com
Note that you will have to download Sierra from the Mac App Store.

 

[Bruno09]

this is a helpful tool for accomplishing the task:
http://diskmakerx.com
Note that you will have to download Sierra from the Mac App Store.

Nope.

DiskmakerX does not work with Snow Leopard.

OP want to reinstall an "old" Macbook Pro 1,1, Snow Leopard is the maximum OS for this machine.

A bootable USB stick will do the job.

 

[barbu]

Nope.

DiskmakerX does not work with Snow Leopard.

OP want to reinstall an "old" Macbook Pro 1,1, Snow Leopard is the maximum OS for this machine.

A bootable USB stick will do the job.

oh poop, mark me zero for reading comp...