HT4718 Installing mountain lion from external disk

I am trying to install lion mountain but it's Beig stuck at the same place

I'm not sure where you read that about the disk being "write-locked." That doesn't make much sense, given that the major task an installer like this must achieve is writing a whole bunch of files to the hard drive. I think your source was mistaken.
As to what happened, it sounds like your hard drive was badly corrupt to start with, or possibly was on the edge of failing and is now in the process of dying entirely. If you don't have backups of your data, that does not bode well for you, unfortunately. If you can manage to use target mode to copy your data, do that.
Once you're sure you've got all your data, you need to start up from your Snow Leopard install disk and repair the hard drive. (Since it sounds like the Mountain Lion installer didn't work, I wouldn't trust the recovery partition that Mountain Lion installs.) Or, even better, just erase the hard drive entirely and reinstall Snow Leopard. Then, once you're back up and running, with all your data back on the system and with Snow Leopard updated to the most recent version, try installing Mountain Lion again. If any of that fails again, the problem is likely to be a dying hard drive, and you'll need to replace it.

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I have installed the most recent version of Snow Leopard on my MAC, and I am trying to install Mountain Lion from the Apple Store. It will not install, because it says I do not have 2GB of memory, even though I have over 200GB available. Please help.

I have installed the most recent version of Snow Leopard on my MAC, and I am trying to install Mountain Lion from the Apple Store. It will not install, because it says I do not have 2GB of memory, even though I have over 200GB available. Please help.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
One thing is the memory, and another thing is the hard disk space. You are telling me that you have 200 GB of free space on the hard disk, but the App Store is telling you that you have to install 2 GB of memory or more on your Mac if you want to upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion.
First of all, open  > About this Mac > More Info, and copy "Model Identifier" here, so we can know what Mac you have got and how much memory you can install.
We recommend to buy the memory in OWC or Crucial (Crucial is cheaper and offers the same compatibility warranty as OWC) because you won't probably have any problem with the memory you buy there

Please help me install Mountain Lion from my USB on my ERASED Macintosh HD partition.

Hi, So my Macbook 7.1 (running macosx 10.6.8) was running really slow due to poor user maintenance. I decided that i should purchase Mountain Lion and install it over the 10.6.8 version. That worked but my computer turned SUPER SLOW. So i decided to completely startover and erase the partition, and install from the USB. Unfortunately for me this is where my skillset ends, and I need help.
After erasing the Macintosh HD, i created a new GUID partition, and then clicked Restore. I dragged my USB drive under the "source", and dragged my new partition under the "destination". That didnt work so i erasaed the partition again. At this time, i got an error message saying that i cant erase the partition because its not unmounted.
So thats where Im at. I guess i need to know how to unmount the drive, then how to erase it, then partition it, and then install Mountain Lion from the bootable USB.
Appreciate your help!
Nick

I did the erase from Disk Utility. At the time I had started the computer by holding down Ctrl+R, so i am not sure which recovery drive it used. I can say however that I do still have the recovery partition.
Im a bit dense when it comes to Apples. How do i go about re-installing from the recovery? Also, how do i get around the unmouting issue?

I erased my HD. Now I can't instal mountain lion from my bootable flash drive, and keep getting "installation error. Try again."

I bought mountain lion, made a bootable flash drive.
I booted from it and it went to upgrading right away!
So I stopped it and went to my former recovery partition I erased my HD because I wanted a clean start.
Now I can't instal mountain lion from the bootable flash drive, and keep getting "installation error. Try again."
and there is no 4 choices window.
I don't know what to do.

How did you create the USB install thumb drive? If it was with Disk Utility I have run into this problem and have since used THIS program to make the USB install drive.
As to your problem you only have one option and that is to Reinstall the Original OS X version that came on your computer or if you still have the Lion Recovery Partition use that to reinstall Lion. Or if you system came with Lion and you have No Lion Recovery HD Partition you can boot the system from over the internet and Reinstall Lion.
At startup hold down the Command+Option+r keys until you saa a spinning Globe in the center of the screen. Once that loads Repartition the drive as One partition and then reinstall Lion.

Why I cannot assess deleted Apple mail messages in time machine after installing mountain lion from snow leopard.

Ever since I installed Mountain Lion from Snow Leopard, I cannot retrieve my deleted Apple mail messages from Time Machine. I could do it in the past using Snow Leopard. The effective date for the the non-retrival of deleted messages is the date I installed Mountain Lion from Snow Leopard. Any thoughts?

Keith Montreal wrote:
It was origionally a local folder for things like receipts from the Apple Store, etc
I'm still not sure what you mean . . . is it listed in the "On My Mac" section in Mail's sidebar, like these?
Mountain Lion appears to have given it an icon very much like an Archive box and put the "on My Mac" folder within that "Box" on both the back ups and the new Mail program - in fact it did it 6 times, which was the origional problem.
Can you post a screenshot?
I could restore inbox messages although they came in as a new mail box called Time Machine rather than into their origional mailboxes (there are 7 different addresses)
Yes, that's how Time Machine restores Mail messages, so it doesn't erase the current contents of an existing mailbox. You can then move them into the desired location.

I re-installed Mountain Lion from a USB stick, and now my Apps can't be downloaded. The App store indicates that the Apps are already installed, but that is not the case. Now what :)

I re-installed Mountain Lion from scratch of a USB stick, and now my Apps in the App store ca not be installed, the App store indicates that they are already installed, but that is not the case. Now what?

Ok, this is somewhat of a better work around I've found:
Starting in the Australian iTunes store, I go through the process of signing into the UK iTunes store up until the point it asks for my credit card information.
I then click the 'X' in the top left of iTunes to exit the store.
Now when I click on my Apps Updates button it shows me what UK Apps I have that are available to update.
You can't download these as at this point I've changed the store I'm viewing, but haven't officially switched accounts. Not to worry.
I write down the names of the UK Apps to update.
Then, use the 'search store' field in the top right of iTunes to search for one of the Apps.
Once you've found it, click to buy it / download it.
iTunes recognises that the App is already in your account and downloads it again for free….
… now I'm HOPING that that App is now fully within my Australian account… unfortunately only time will tell once there is a new update for it.
I'll let you know.

Installing Mountain Lion from Snow Leopard, Install failed and HD write-locked

I recently downloaded the mountain lion installer from the App Store and I ran the installer. Stupid person as I am, I did not have any backups for my file and I naively assumed that an apple OS installer would be without flaws. Boy, was I wrong. I need every bytes of my data (or close to every bytes) but the installer failed.
Mid installation, the installer stopped and said that the installation failed and that I need to repair my disk. So I restarted the computer and I ran disk utilities (my start up disk was the OS installer and the installer allows me to run several programs, including terminal, disk utilities, and by the way, when I held option while starting up to see which start up disks I have, I only had the OS installer as the start up disk. Also, the installer allows me to run a program called "Startup Disk" when I click on the apple logo on the top left corner, but it doesn't allow me to startup my computer using Macintosh HD) and noticed that when I highlighted Macintosh HD, my "Repair Disk" button was grayed out. So first things first, I ran the "Verify Disk" button but after a minute or so, Disk Utilities said that verification failed and that Macintosh HD needs to be repaired. But the "repair disk" button is grayed out! So I went to the Mountain Lion installer again and ran it. Of course, it failed again so I restarted the computer.
So I tried to first back up all files in Macintosh HD to an external hard drive using Disk Utilities, and I used features such as "New Image" and "Restore" but they both ended up in "Input/Output error". I tried many methods with Disk Utilities but they resulted in errors.
After some research, I noticed that some people's computers worked after they reset their PRAM. So that's what I did. I held command+option+P+R when computer started up and I reset the PRAM. When the start up disk (which is the OS installer, not the normal operating system) loaded, I was greeted with choose languages option and then I was back in the Mountain Lion installer state. I again ran the installer again, hoping something would be different, but then it was different. But not in a good way. When I was told to choose where I would like to install Mountain Lion, I noticed that Macintosh HD was grayed out. Last time, I was at least able to run the installer but this time, Macintosh HD was grayed out. The installer said that my Macintosh HD was locked. After some research, I learned that apparently, the Mountain Lion installer write-locks Macintosh HD mid installation.
So now I am stuck and I am thinking of two things (plus some questions)
1. I am wondering if there is a way to unlock Macintosh HD. But even if I can unlock Macintosh HD, there is no guarantee that the installer will successfully install Mountain Lion, am I right?
a. so how can I un-write-lock Macintosh HD?
2. More realistically, I am thinking of borrowing someone else's macintosh computer and use it as the backup center. I have a firewire cable and a terrabyte external hard drive. So what I'm thinking is that I'll hook my computer in target mode to my friend's computer and I will also plug in my external hard drive to my friend's computer and then I can download and run Carbon Copy Cloner from my friend's computer to copy all data from my Macintosh HD to my external hard drive. And then I will erase my Macintosh HD, freshly install Mountain Lion onto it and then copy all data back from my external hard drive. But I am not sure about few things.
a. it looks like my Macintosh HD is write-locked. Can I still use Carbon Copy Cloner to copy all data from Macintosh HD (in target mode) to my external hard drive?
b. will my computer allow me to erase (or format) Macintosh HD?
c. will my erased/formatted Macintosh HD able to install + be installed Mountain Lion OS?
If you are here, then you have read my long long problem. Thank you very much and I would really really really appreciate your answers and opinions. Thanks

I'm not sure where you read that about the disk being "write-locked." That doesn't make much sense, given that the major task an installer like this must achieve is writing a whole bunch of files to the hard drive. I think your source was mistaken.
As to what happened, it sounds like your hard drive was badly corrupt to start with, or possibly was on the edge of failing and is now in the process of dying entirely. If you don't have backups of your data, that does not bode well for you, unfortunately. If you can manage to use target mode to copy your data, do that.
Once you're sure you've got all your data, you need to start up from your Snow Leopard install disk and repair the hard drive. (Since it sounds like the Mountain Lion installer didn't work, I wouldn't trust the recovery partition that Mountain Lion installs.) Or, even better, just erase the hard drive entirely and reinstall Snow Leopard. Then, once you're back up and running, with all your data back on the system and with Snow Leopard updated to the most recent version, try installing Mountain Lion again. If any of that fails again, the problem is likely to be a dying hard drive, and you'll need to replace it.

Error when trying to install Mountain Lion - says hard disk is damaged :(

I downloaded and installed Mountain Lion on my iMac today - without any problems. But when I downloaded it to my Macbook pro (bought 2010) I get an error message telling me the installation cannot continue due to hard disk error My harddisk was fine before the installation, to my knowledge ...
Of course I tried disk utility (during the installation) and it tells me the disk needs to be repaired but I can´t choose "Repair disk" since it is grey (no write permissions it says). What can I do? I really need help!!!

I rarely post, however, because of a major screw up with Mountain Lion, I will. I have been using mac computers since 1987, have obviously installed and upgraded multiple OS new and upgrades and never, I mean never had a problem with any of them, until now. The install stalled with the message that the hard disk needed repair. I thought all of my data was lost, except for time machine backup, which was not as current as it should have been. Losing that data would have been a royal pain.
Went through the restore OS from Time Machine, then tried to repair the disk with apple disk repair utility. Not repairable. Why? I still don't have a clue. After reading multiple threads, decided to go ahead and buy DiskWarrior. This was a weird experienc. Loaded it onto external hard drive, hooked my MacBook Pro as Target disk. Loaded in DiskWarrior as hardware probelm. ???? Immediately went online to see what advice about this message. Looked like a massive coincidence had hit my laptop. Worked perfectly until loading Mountain Lion, the decided to have hard disk melt down. Suddenly, DiskWarrior indicated it was ready to rebuild my directory. The hardware warning was gone. A few minutes later, directory repaired. Rebooted, same problem. Can't load OS X, need to repair hard disk. Apple disk repair still unable to repair disk. Used DiskWarrior, repaired it no problem.
Deleted original OS 10.8 dmg. Rebooted and downloaded fresh copy of OS 10.8. This time install went flawlessly. Mountain Lion transferred all info flawlessly. Mid 2009 MacBook Pro running flawlessly and actually more smoothly now than in Lion.
1. I think original download was somehow corrupted and that is what screwed up the disk directory.
2. I do not know why apple Disk Utility would not repair the disk and Disk Warrior would. Expensive fix, but ultimately worthwhile. Did it mysefl and did not have to mess with "Genius" bar.
3. I will never go so long without backup again. That was a big mistake.
My advice:
1. Be sure you have smooth download of entire Mountain Lion file, if not, start over. My download was paused a couple of times.
2. If the install is messed up and you need Disk Repair, buy DiskWarrior and repair directory, it works flawlessly. If it initially says your disk has hardware problem, wait a few minutes while it finishes entire evaluation. It may well disappear like mine did, then actually repair the directories without a problem.
3. Be sure you have deleted old OS 10.8 Install file and load fresh one.
4. Install OS 10.8 and you should be OK.
5. Good luck.
Mountain Lion seems to have some problems, but many of them may be due to server overload at apple, delayed download with incorporated unrecognized code problems. If there is any delay, start over and get a smooth download.
Disk Utility is too light weight. Apple needs to beef it up. This is my biggest complaint. Apple utility should be able to fix disks. We should not have to spend $100 to fix a disk, but there you are.
Once fixed however, back to usual beautiful, flawless apple experience.

Hi, I have a late 2008 iMac with a new hard drive. How do I install Mountain Lion from my bootable USB flash drive.

How do I install Mountain Lion to a new hard drive without having the recovery partition on it.
I have the USB flash drive with software on it but when I switch my Mac on all I have is a white screen & a flashing question mark.
ATB,
Steve.

Did you use LionDiskMaker or DiskMaker X?
Boot the machine with the option key down until you see your bootable USB stick. Select the latter, and reboot.
When the installer boots up, you will first need to choose Utilities and Disk Utility. Select the target HD device name and then the partition tab. Select 1 partition, name it Macintosh HD. Format is Mac OS Extended, and option is GUID. Apply. Exit Disk Utility and return to the installer, which will now show your newly partitioned HD as available for install.
When OS X is installed and all updates applied, press shift+command+U and run disk utility again. Verify/repair permissions and verify the boot disk.

Unable to install mountain lion...disk error??

Guys..is there any way to skip this mountain lion installation? i dont understand why i got
this disk error message when i tried to upgrade in Mountain Lion even though my MBP 2011 LION is OK.
I need your expertise here..Please!! Thank you!! :(

Just quit the installer - you should be able to do that. There should be a file still in your Applications folder named "Install OS X Mountain Lion.app". Just leave it alone for a moment. Then download Lion DiskMaker and make a bootable USB install flash drive and/or DVD.
Then start up using your Recovery partition (Command and R keys held down on boot) and select Disk Utility and verify and, if need, repair your disk. Reboot and try installing Mountain Lion using your USB installer. Everything should work fine - unless there are errors found on your disk that can't be repaired.
Good luck,
Clinton

Problems downloading and installing mountain lion from the app store

HI i have purchased the upgrade for mountain lion from snow leopard and everytime i download and install the install wizard informs that he file cannot be verified so may be corrupt. Am i doing anything wrong?

App store download problems:
- Sign out of the App Store (in the Store menu)
- Quit the App Store
- In Finder - Go>Go to folder... (or Apple-shift-G)
- Paste in the following "~/Library/Caches/ "
- It will take you to a folder. Delete com.apple.appstore
- Launch the App Store. Sign in and then reclick the Mountain Lion buy. It won't charge you again.
App Store Error 100
App Store Error 103
App Store Support

I'm trying to install mountain lion from a partitioned disk on my HDD

i have the software and stuff set up on my partitioned part of my hdd. but when i try to boot into it. i get a grey screen with a stop sign on it. help me if you can please

Given the model, if a MacBook3.1 (13-inch Late 2007) the last system
supported is Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5. You could get it from Mac App Store
after buying it; they'd send you an email with unlock code to get/use it.
And of course the computer has to be running at least Snow Leopard
10.6.8 to access the Mac App Store, App Store, and iTunes store, etc.
With the earlier model MacBooks, usually the better experience is with
Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and older applications that do not require much
additional system resources, yet Late 2007 upgrades to 6GB RAM.
There is more info on a variety of MacBook (2006 to 2010) builds at
everymac.com & you can check the technical specs across the board.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/index-macbook.html
Two at everymac are said to be Late 2007, while MacTracker shows
only one (with EMC & model# w/ two processor variants) Both vintage.
Sorry, the reason why it won't install:
Mt Lion OS X 10.8 can't be run in it.
Good luck, in any event...

Is there a way to install Mountain Lion from my laptop to my MacPro Tower without a disc?

I erased my drive on my mac thinking I could migrate my stuff from my Mac Mini to my Mac Pro Tower. The mac mini won't let me migrate it. The drives aren't being recognized in Migration Assistant (while being hooked up via firewire 800). I was wondering if I can download Mountain Lion on my laptop and somehow install it on my tower without a disc. If this sounds complicated, I basically need to install an operating system on my MacPro Tower. I was trying to do it without going out to the Mac store and buying Lion. Anyone out there know how to do this? Thanks in advance.

Download Recovery disk Assistant and use to create a bootable USB installer. You will obviously need a USB flash drive to perform this.
OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 - Support - Apple

What do I need to watch out for when installing Mountain Lion from scratch?

I feel like it's a good moment to erase everything from my computer and reinstall Mountain Lion. I'd like to know which things I should watch out for.
Most of my important stuff is located on an external hard drive. Some of the applications are located there as well, the other ones I can simply re-downloading, I don't mind this.
I have my whole iTunes library and my iPhoto library which obviously I'd like to keep. I'm also concerned about my text messages on my iPhone -- they're very important to me. And so are also my Notes, Reminders, and Contacts.
The thing is, I do not want to do a fresh install and then reload a backup. What would be the sense of making this? None I guess... I'm doing a fresh install becuase I believe there's lots of useless files and maybe even dangerous files on my Mac that I'd like to get rid of. I guess that if I would load the backup, they would all be here again...
Is it maybe possible to load only certain things from Time Machine, for example my iPhoto or iTunes library?
Maybe someone can help me here, totally new with this...

Alright, I'm slowly getting ready to do this. Apparently I do not need an install DVD but I can just press CMD+R to get to the option to do a fresh install, that's why my Mac didn't come with an install DVD (that's what I've read and what I've been told at least).
Now I'm wondering... do I need to copy those items from the User folder at all? I mean, I have a complete backup on an external hard drive. I could just go there in the folders and select what I would like to copy to my Mac again, suchs as my music library or photo library. Is there any risks? I'm worried about even the smallest things, like creation dates changing and stuff like this. They mean something to me

Clean instal Mountain Lion - from mountain lion

Hi all,
I have upgraded my OS 10.6.8 to the last version of Mountain Lion but my computer seems really slow. I used Onyx to clean and try to optimize it but still looks quite slow.. I would like to make a clean instalation to get rid of everything and start back with brand new OS and clean disk.
I have seen some conversation to use a DVD or USB key to do that but it seems it should be done from my previous OS..
Your help is much appreciated ;-)
Thanks

So there is no need to mount it on an USB key than? Everything will be done via internnet so donwloading again (I just finished downloading for the 2nd time) i suppose.
Starting back from this recovery partition, it says "keeping your files and user settings intact", would this anyway clear everything else (any programes, any left register modifications from erased progs, etc)?.
I did a complete back up for all my data so I am ready to erase everything left on the main disk.
Thanks both for your quick answer!!

HT4718 Installing mountain lion from external disk

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