New to mac and just cannot get OS X installed

[biglsells]

OK - I have a MA456LL/A late 2006 imac 24" core 2 duo machine. Got it without a hard drive, popped one in. Problem I am having is I cannot get past the circle slash screen when trying to install OS X. I read on here that the most common reason for this is trying to install a copy that the machine cannot run but the acceptable range for this machine is Tiger 10.4.7 which supposedly came on it and up a few versions. I have tried over 5 versions but cannot get past this. Any ideas? Otherwise, the machine works fine, it will boot a linux distro dvd no problem.

 

[Weaselboy]

When you say you are "trying versions", where are you getting these install disks? Those grey installer disks are model specific, so for example a grey install disk for a 2006 Macbook won't work on your machine.

 

[biglsells]

I downloaded a few copies and burned them, thought I would try that to make sure the computer itself was not damaged before I bought a copy off ebay. After many failed attempts I tried a linux disc and it worked so that confirmed that the hardware works fine. I bought a copy of snow leopard off ebay but it had not come yet, should that install ok?

 

[Weaselboy]

I downloaded a few copies and burned them, thought I would try that to make sure the computer itself was not damaged before I bought a copy off ebay. After many failed attempts I tried a linux disc and it worked so that confirmed that the hardware works fine. I bought a copy of snow leopard off ebay but it had not come yet, should that install ok?

If it is the retail version, yes that should work for you.

 

[biglsells]

Fantastic - thanks so much, eagerly waiting for my discs!