Stop sign when trying to use bootable installer

[Mdv2]

I recently bought a new rMBP and wanted to do a clean install with an external hard disk I have previously used to install Mavericks onto my old Macbook unibody.

However, when I press the option key and select the disk on which I extracted the installer, I get to see a grey screen with a stop sign. What is this supposed to mean?

 

[Bruno09]

You can't install on a new Mac that came with Mavericks installed the Mavericks you downloaded from the App Store : this is not the same "Build".

To do a clean install of Mavericks on the new MBP, use a Cmd + r boot, or option key boot and boot up from the Recovery HD.

 

[Mdv2]

Thanks Bruno, I didn't do that, but used the internet recovery option instead, which worked out fine.

 

[Bruno09]

Both work, but since you had a Recovery HD, you didn't need to do an "Internet Recovery".

The "Internet Recovery" is the only way when you no longer have a valid Recovery HD or when the disk has been replaced or entirely erased.

See : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US