Installing operating system on IMAC with new HDD

[tjbeck]

Hello,

I recently received a new Hard Drive to put into my iMac. The old hard drive failed and I am wondering ways you install an operating system. And also, can I just buy an upgrade disc not an entire operating system disc?

Thanks!

 

[alust2013]

Apple doesn't make upgrade disks like Microsoft. If you have an Intel iMac (2006 or newer), you can buy Snow Leopard for $30 and install that. Otherwise, you can use the gray disk that came with your computer to reinstall.

 

[ProstheticHead]

Providing your iMac has an Intel chip in it, just go to your local Apple reseller and grab a copy of Snow Leopard for $30. It won't include iLife, but it's $30. If you really want iLife you can get it for another $50. Pop that disc into your drive, power it up holding the C key and use the disk utility there to format the drive, then install the OS.

Easy as that.