"cannot install Mac OS X on this volume."

I've been trying to install a fresh copy of 10.4.6 from a family pack onto one of two freshly-partitioned HD's, one with a jumper set to Master position, the other to Slave. The System Profiler shows my pair of Seagate ATA drives as usual, with one at "disk0s1" and the other "disk1s1". But the Installer won't let me. It says what I've got written in the subject line, and insists neither of these can be can be a startup volume.
This has got me stumped. I've installed numerous new and used HDs into a whole gamut of Macs, and various editions of OS X, through 10.5, but never seen this.
Any help appreciated.

Hard to tell if it's the Install Disc, the HD, or the Optical Dive, but...
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the Erase tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Highlight the drive, select Partition Tab, then Format type... MacOS Extended Journalled, select the Security Options button, choose Zero Out Data, Erase... after completion hopefully you'll be able to install.
Don't know how knowing disk couldn't be verified would help...don't bother trying to install, I guess...?
That reads the Install Disk to see if it reads correctly.
I do have 512 MB of RAM, so that wouldn't be it.
Correct, but imho, 512 MB will be painful with Tier, I'd go for 2 GB if you intend to use it for that, CL2 is only $5 a stick more than the CL3...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/133SD5123282/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/133SD512328/

Similar Messages

You cannot install Mac OS X on this volume

Hi,
A while ago I made this post (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=448726&tstart=0) asking for post-new-harddrive installation help. I have just installed an 80GB hard drive into a iBook G3 tangerine clamshell.
It was suggested in the above post that I partition my hard drive so that the first partition had less than 8 GBs. I did this - the first partition currently has 6.9 GBs free. The other partition has 67.4 GB free.
However, when I try to proceed with the installation, I can't get past the "Select a Destination" screen because BOTH volumes are marked as "You cannot install Mac OS X on this volume. You cannot start up your computer using this volume."
Any advice? What have I done wrong, here?
(Also, be advised... I am a total novice at this). Your help and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
PowerBook G4, iBook G3 Clamshell Mac OS X (10.3)

Hi Deb,
Thanks for your reply. I was unaware if this was a Panther or an iBook G3 issue, and you're right - I'll take a look on the iBook G3 boards.
In the meantime, it seems that I might have found a solution to the problem. It seems that a restart is required after the drive is partitioned, whereupon Panther recognizes the newly partitioned disk.
After the restart, Panther recognized both volumes and let me proceed with the installation. We'll see if things work out (installing Panther now).
Thank you for your help!
PowerBook G4, iBook G3 Clamshell Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Mac Mini - Cannot install Mac OS X on this computer

I have recieved a Mac Mini from a family member as a gift - I believe it's an old 2010 model or so running 2.66 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 1TB (2 500gb) HDD.
I'm 99% sure the disc I'm using is the computers orginal disc.
I have gone about reformatting the computer like I have done with all my macs previously, however when I select a language when booting from disk, I will get the pop up error "Cannot install Mac OS X on this computer". I have tried wiping both hard drives, partitioning both hard drives but to no avail.
Help is much appreciated.

Having a go installing the Mini Server disc just incase - seems to be working?
"Installing Mac OS X Server" with normal OS instal loading bar.

Error Saying I Cannot Install Mac OS X On This Computer?

Hey,
I've been having a lot of issues with Leopard and all the 2.2 issues going around. I went to the apple store and he told me to use a retail DVD instead of the ones that came with my computer, since it appears only the 2.2 Macbooks are having the issue.
Well I inserted the DVD and booted from it, and after I select language it is telling me that I cannot install Mac OS X on this computer and to read the instructions for system requirements.
It has me completely baffled. Does anyone know why this would be? I tried with the disks my computer came with and it would work, so I completely erased the hard drive, and then tried installing from a bootable copy on my external hard drive. Same problem again.... It makes no sense to me, as he was able to install a copy on my computer at the store from his external drive (which he said was a regular retail copy, nothing special). Also, this is not the upgrade disk mailed out in November, it is the actual retail copy.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

amsgator wrote:
Hey,
I've been having a lot of issues with Leopard and all the 2.2 issues going around. I went to the apple store and he told me to use a retail DVD instead of the ones that came with my computer, since it appears only the 2.2 Macbooks are having the issue.
Well I inserted the DVD and booted from it, and after I select language it is telling me that I cannot install Mac OS X on this computer and to read the instructions for system requirements.
It has me completely baffled. Does anyone know why this would be? I tried with the disks my computer came with and it would work, so I completely erased the hard drive, and then tried installing from a bootable copy on my external hard drive. Same problem again.... It makes no sense to me, as he was able to install a copy on my computer at the store from his external drive (which he said was a regular retail copy, nothing special). Also, this is not the upgrade disk mailed out in November, it is the actual retail copy.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!
I would bring the computer and DVD to the store and show them the problem. Let Apple take care of it.

YOU CANNOT INSTALL SAFARI 1.2 ON THIS VOLUME ??????

WHEN I TRY TO INSTALL SAFARI1.2 I GET THIS MESSAGE
YOU CANNOT INSTALL SAFARI1.2 ON THIS VOLUME. THIS SYSTEM CANNOT USE THIS SOFTWARE.
WHY IS THIS HAPENING????
IMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) [email protected]

You are likely to have a newer version of Safari installed already. So the Updater will refuse to install the older version. A requirement for specific system version does not automatically include all above releases as well. It says it require 10.4.2 and not "10.4.2 or above".
Safari version 1.2 was for Panther (Mac OS X 10.3.x) only.
OT: @Tom Graves:
Great Tag line in your sig!
MacLemon

Problem "Can not install Mac OS X on this computer"

Trying to upgrade from 10.2.8 to 10.4 (with a CDROM not DVD) on a G4.
Plenty of memory, hard drive, and processor speed.
Will not complete "Computer Check"
Keep getting error "Can not install Mac OS X on this computer"
Mac on line support FAQ said this
*+Computer check+*
*+The Mac OS X Installer makes sure your computer can use the version of Mac OS X you're trying to install.+*
*+Troubleshooting tip: If you see a message that you cannot install Mac OS X on this computer, even though it should work with Mac OS X, you may need to install a firmware update. Restart your computer from the hard drive and install the latest firmware available for your computer.+*
Well I tried all of this, firmware update said I already had the most up to date firmware installed. So I am stuck and need a little advice...
PLEASE HELP!!!

Welcome To  Discussions skatam1!
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
You should contact the vendor, and request a refund, or an exchange for a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD.
If that is not an option, advise if you would like purchasing information.
Be sure not to, again accept grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
The discs should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them.
If your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you will have to use an alternative method of installation.
Info here Installing Tiger Without A DVD Drive.
And here Installing Tiger Using Firewire Target Disk Mode.
The Tiger Media Exchange Program, referred to in those articles, is no longer available.
ali b

Can Not Install Mac OS X on this computer (MacBook)

Puzzles me: Brand new refurb. MacBook with 10.5 installed.
Repartitioned the drive to get two partitions and tried to use my Full Retail OS 10.5 disk to re-install.
Get error after the language selection: cannot install Mac OS X on this computer...
Same thing if I restart with an external drive and try to install from the retail disk to the MacBook's drive. I just can't imagine why I need to use the included machine specific disks instead of the retail version. I know it works if I take the drive out and mount it via FireWire to another Mac.
So what gives?

Your other answer had probably in the sentence.
I looked but could not find it so, as I remember, when Leopard retail came out with all the drivers and libraries for both PPC and Intel and some users were trying to install Tiger on new Leopard MacBooks and, like me, other cross installs, Apple released a short note that said only the install disk would work on the MacBook, not the retail. No reason was given. You have a better life because of it and your computing life is richer too.
Research Apple Partition Map and GUID. Do what you know works.

10.5.8 update_'You cannot install Mac OS X Update on this volume.'

You cannot install Mac OS X Update on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update.
This is the message I get when I click on the hard drive I wan to install it on, I have two hard drives, neither want to work with it. the one with the osx 10.5 has 63 gb left and the empty one has 102gb left. Why is it doing this/ what should I do?

If you're not using the combo updater, use it instead.
(55808)

You cannot install Mac OS X Server Update on this volume. (10.5.6)

I hope someone can help!
I started with 10.5.5, but was having lots of problems with MobileMe. I have downloaded 10.5.6 which I have heard is more stable but it won't allow me to install it with the following error message "You cannot install Mac OS X Server Update on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update." I have then downloaded 10.5.7 which installs fine but does not fix my original problem and I know it is less stable that 10.5.6. I have tried to install 10.5.6 again but same problem. Any ideas of what I have to do to my HD to make it happen?
The main problems I am having with MobileMe is registering the computer (it wont happen), syncing (it wont happen because the computer isn't registered), and publishing iweb updates.
Thanks, J

You downloaded the wrong updater version. You downloaded an updater for OS X Server but do not have OS X Server installed, hence the error. The 10.5.6 Combo Updater is here.
You will have to provide more information about the problem you are having with MobileMe. And, you should login to your MM account online so you can post your problem in their specific forums.
Before you install a system update I suggest you see the following:
How to Install OS X Updates Successfully
A. Repair the hard drive and permissions:
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. Then select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now shutdown the computer for a couple of minutes and then restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger) and/or TechTool Pro (4.5.2 for Tiger) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
B. Make a bootable backup of your current working system:
How to Clone Using Restore Option of Disk Utility
1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
2. Select the backup or destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (journaled, if available) and click on the Erase button. This step can be skipped if the destination has already been freshly erased.
4. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
5. Select the backup or destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
6. Select the startup or source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
C. Important: Please read before installing
1. If you have a FireWire hard drive connected, disconnect it before installing the update unless you will boot from this drive and install the update on it. Reconnect it and turn it back on after installation is complete and you've restarted.
2. You may experience unexpected results if you have installed third-party system software modifications, or if you have modified the operating system through other means. (This does not apply to normal application software installation.)
3. The installation process should not be interrupted. If a power outage or other interruption occurs during installation, use the standalone installer (see below) from Apple Downloads to update. While the installation is in progress do not use the computer.
D. Download and install update(s):
1. Use Software Update, or
2. Download standalone updater(s).

HT5022 10.8.4 is throwing an error with this software: "Airport Utility cannot be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported"

10.8.4 is throwing an error with this software: "Airport Utility cannot be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported"

You are trying to install a version of Airport Utility earlier than 6.0, correct? If so see the following: Installing the Old AirPort Utility (Version 5.6) on Mountain Lion | frank.is.

You cannot install mac os x update combined on this volume

Hi all,
I need your precious help. I have install in my imac leopard 10.5.7 and last night I tried to update for 10.5.8, however the software update didn't identify the new update.
After that I download the update from Apple website but I couldn't do the update because of this message: "you cannot install mac os x update combined on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for update".
Could you please help me?
Thanks,
lG

lgcustodio wrote:
I ran the disk utility and saws verify disk ok. I did the same process for repair disk permissions and seems to have problems.
These warnings are accurate but according to Apple can safely be ignored. See Mac OS X 10.5: Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions messages that you can safely ignore. IOW, They are not normally problems.
I check the volume scheme but I don't have any partition
You do have partitions & a partition scheme. To check what the scheme is, click on +the drive itself+ in the list on the left in Disk Utility. It will probably be identified as "298,1 GB WDC WD3200AAJS-40VWA0 Media" or something very similar. If it contains the startup disk, it will be the first item in the list. It will have one or more named volumes indented under it, such as "Macintosh HD."
When you have clicked on the WDC drive instead of a volume name indented under it, you should see seven items of information about it at the bottom of Disk Utility's window, to the right of an icon representing the drive. The info is in two columns. The last item in the rightmost column, below the S.M.A.R.T. Status (which should say "Verified"), should be "*Partition Map Scheme :* " & be followed by the scheme type. It should be "GUID Partition Table."
If you don't see the seven info items after selecting the drive, it may indicate a problem that needs attention, but I suspect that you just haven't looked in the right place for the info....
As for the 'cannot install' message, make sure that you have downloaded the right update, that it is not the server update version for example. You may need to download it again, discarding the first download as somehow defective.

"You cannot install Mac OS X Update on this volume."

"You cannot install Mac OS X Update on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update."
This is the error I got when I tried to update my Macbook from OSX 10.5.6 to 10.5.7.
I downloaded this file (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL826)
A quick Google search suggested I get this one instead (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL827) The "Combo" update.
Well, the 10.5.7 Combo Installer didn't help either.
My friend suggested I try 10.5.8
Same error message again.
I really need to get at least 10.5.7 for software ASAP. I plan on getting Snow Leopard next month or so, but I really need at least 10.5.7 in the meantime. Any ideas?

Some things I've tried:
- I ran a Verify Disk in Disk Utility, and it said there are no problems.
- Update Logs haven't shown any errors, nor has my computer ever tried to download the update and failed, according to the log.
- I tried checking updates on a different account, no luck there.
So far, that's all I've tried. Some of the other solutions seem more drastic, and so I'll leave those up to the skilled Tech Support guys on my campus, I've got an appointment tomorrow.

AirPort can"t be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported. Can anyone help me out?

AirPort can"t be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported. Can anyone help me out?

Can you clarify what exactly you are trying to do that generates this message?
IF....you might be trying to install AirPort Utility on your Mac....you already have the most recent version on your Mac.....and you cannot install an earlier version than you already have.
Check Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

I have a older Airport Express unit that requires Airport Utility 5.6. When I try to install 5.8 on my OS X10.8 iMac, I get the message "Airport Utility can't be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume in not Supported"

I have a older Airport Express unit that requires Airport Utility 5.6. When I try to install 5.8 on my OS X10.8 iMac, I get the message "Airport Utility can't be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume in not Supported"

Why should I have to spend money to solve this problem? Many others have the same concern, Airport Utility 6 does not support older Airport Express units. This is Apple's problem. I've tried many solutions proposed on the net but none worked. I'm still trying for a work around.

AirPort Utility can't be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported

This meassage I've got after trying to install the software:AirPort Utility can't be installed on this disk. The version of Mac OS X on this volume is not supported.
Please, advise.

What version of AirPort Utility are you attempting to install, and which AirPort Base Station model do you have? Look on its case for a four digit model number preceded by the letter A.

"cannot install Mac OS X on this volume."

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