"OS X can not be installed on this computer"

Discussion in 'MacBook' started by BeachChair, Apr 11, 2010.

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  1. BeachChair, Apr 11, 2010

    BeachChair macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2008
    Location:
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    #1
    I'm trying to fix restore my girlfriends (early 09) Macbook from a backup.
    Its install discs are missing so I'm using the install disc from a (late 08) Unibody.
    When I boot to the install disc I get the message "OS X can not be installed on this computer" and get the options "OK" and "Restart". Bewildered, I click OK and go into utilities and pick "Restore from backup", but nothing happens.

    I'm not sure where to go from here, is it refusing to install AND restore from backup because the DVDs belong to another computer?
    Or is something entirely different wrong.
     
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  2. Hellhammer, Apr 11, 2010

    Hellhammer Moderator

    Hellhammer

    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2008
    Location:
    Finland
    #2
    You can't use your Mac's restore disks as they are system specific. Grab a Snow Leopard for 29$ and install that
     
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  3. hamlinspahn, Apr 11, 2010

    hamlinspahn macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2010
    Location:
    Oklahoma City
    #3
    OS X disk

    OS X recovery disk are hardware specific. If it didn't come with it or one exactly like it it won't work and an 09 MB to 08 MB are likely not to be the same they could be though. But the year isn't as important as model number.
    Full OS X disk do a hardware check also so one that is older than the MB would not work either as the newer MB would not be a recognized model.
     
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