Macbook Air mid '11 A1370 - can't do anything in OS even after formatting ssd.

[cvuplait]

Macbook Air mid '11 A1370 - can't do anything in OS even after formatting ssd. I have the macbook air software reinstall drive that includes mac os x v10.6 (model a1384) that I've used several times to reset to factory settings. I am still unable to do anything in the OS once it boots - I eventually get the ballon ball of death and then it sits there and clocks for hours. Wanted to see if I could get some advice. I know it only has 2gb ram, but should I try to download an older version of OSX to install and see if I can run it? Thanks in advance.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Try a different OS. I believe yours shipped with 10.7 (Lion), so if you're trying to install an older OS, this would be causing an issue.

Try Sierra, or El Capitan... well, anything beyond Snow Leopard, really.

 

[cvuplait]

Try a different OS. I believe yours shipped with 10.7 (Lion), so if you're trying to install an older OS, this would be causing an issue.

Try Sierra, or El Capitan... well, anything beyond Snow Leopard, really.

Thanks for the quick reply, don't work on macs much but how would on procure a copy of 10.7 or +?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Thanks for the quick reply, don't work on macs much but how would on procure a copy of 10.7 or +?

Erhm if you have a different Mac you can briefly gain access to, Sierra is a free download from the App Store. So just sign in and download it through there.

 

[cvuplait]

Erhm if you have a different Mac you can briefly gain access to, Sierra is a free download from the App Store. So just sign in and download it through there.

My wife has a 15' air, i'll give that a shot. thanks
[doublepost=1497856214][/doublepost]

Erhm if you have a different Mac you can briefly gain access to, Sierra is a free download from the App Store. So just sign in and download it through there.

IS there a special way to download the iso off the app store? not finding it

 

[keysofanxiety]

My wife has a 15' air, i'll give that a shot. thanks
[doublepost=1497856214][/doublepost]

IS there a special way to download the iso off the app store? not finding it

Apologies for my belated reply. Download the app and then review instructions to make bootable: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201372

 

[CoastalOR]

IS there a special way to download the iso off the app store? not finding it

You can download the Sierra installer app from the App Store by;
Launch the App Store,
Search for "macOS Sierra" then click download,

The installer app will automatically launch after the download is completed, Quit it at the first prompt, then check for the "Install macOS Sierra" app (just under 5 GB) in the Application folder.
Follow the keysofanxiety link instructions to create a bootable Sierra USB installer.

 

[cvuplait]

Apologies for my belated reply. Download the app and then review instructions to make bootable: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201372

You can download the Sierra installer app from the App Store by;
Launch the App Store,
Search for "macOS Sierra" then click download,
View attachment 704775
The installer app will automatically launch after the download is completed, Quit it at the first prompt, then check for the "Install macOS Sierra" app (just under 5 GB) in the Application folder.
Follow the keysofanxiety link instructions to create a bootable Sierra USB installer.

You are both scholars and gentlemen. I was able to create a bootable usb, Thank you sirs and heres to seeing if I can resurrect this old mba
[doublepost=1497887808][/doublepost]Running into another issue, when booting off the sierra usb key - about half way through the progress bar it comes up with a big "Prohibitory symbol" and doesn't continue. Maybe I need to get something older than sierra?

 

[keysofanxiety]

[doublepost=1497887808][/doublepost]Running into another issue, when booting off the sierra usb key - about half way through the progress bar it comes up with a big "Prohibitory symbol" and doesn't continue. Maybe I need to get something older than sierra?

Hmm, very odd. The 2011 MBA you have definitely supports Sierra.

Is there an Apple Store local to you? They'd be more than happy to install the OS for you free of charge. If not, I'll rack my brains...

 

[cvuplait]

Hmm, very odd. The 2011 MBA you have definitely supports Sierra.

Is there an Apple Store local to you? They'd be more than happy to install the OS for you free of charge. If not, I'll rack my brains...

Is is possible to get my hands on capitan or even snow leopard these days? Yes there is one, would they really load an OS on my mba out of warranty ?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Is is possible to get my hands on capitan or even snow leopard these days? Yes there is one, would they really load an OS on my mba out of warranty ?

You can get El Cap from the App Store but only if you've previously redeemed it. Snow Leopard wouldn't work on your Mac as it shipped with Lion.

Yeah they're normally happy to help with stuff like that even if you're out of warranty. Your mileage may vary depending on how busy they are, but they certainly wouldn't do work then hand you a bill. They'll be upfront with any costs. I'm sure they'll take a look as you've already done a number of troubleshooting steps.

 

[cvuplait]

You can get El Cap from the App Store but only if you've previously redeemed it. Snow Leopard wouldn't work on your Mac as it shipped with Lion.

Yeah they're normally happy to help with stuff like that even if you're out of warranty. Your mileage may vary depending on how busy they are, but they certainly wouldn't do work then hand you a bill. They'll be upfront with any costs. I'm sure they'll take a look as you've already done a number of troubleshooting steps.

My wifes mba currently has capitan on it, would I be able to get it from there? I don't see it on the app store using her mba.

 

[keysofanxiety]

My wifes mba currently has capitan on it, would I be able to get it from there? I don't see it on the app store using her mba.

Yeah if you sign in with her Apple ID along the menu bar, it should then be visible in the Purchased tab on the App Store.

 

[Isamilis]

Did you get this error before installing to harddrive, or before? In the first case, try install to another disk (external disk), or format with wipe option. I am just curious, the problem is either on the SSD (disk) or other hardware.

You are both scholars and gentlemen. I was able to create a bootable usb, Thank you sirs and heres to seeing if I can resurrect this old mba
[doublepost=1497887808][/doublepost]Running into another issue, when booting off the sierra usb key - about half way through the progress bar it comes up with a big "Prohibitory symbol" and doesn't continue. Maybe I need to get something older than sierra?

 

[cvuplait]

Did you get this error before installing to harddrive, or before? In the first case, try install to another disk (external disk), or format with wipe option. I am just curious, the problem is either on the SSD (disk) or other hardware.

I get the error before, I will try to format it and then give it another go
[doublepost=1497892555][/doublepost]

Yeah if you sign in with her Apple ID along the menu bar, it should then be visible in the Purchased tab on the App Store.

I did not see capitan in her purchased. Its the version that came shipped with it, does that matter?
[doublepost=1497893584][/doublepost]

Did you get this error before installing to harddrive, or before? In the first case, try install to another disk (external disk), or format with wipe option. I am just curious, the problem is either on the SSD (disk) or other hardware.

I formatted the drive and then tried to install, no dice. Possible bad ssd ?

 

[Isamilis]

You could try reformat SSD with wipe option, ensuring SSD is writeable correctly. If no problem then the problem is likely on the other hardware (board, etc).