How was replacement SSD able to download and install Mavericks?

This has puzzled me for 2 years.
A friend bought a new Mac mini and bravely (!!!!) replaced the hard drive with a third party SSD.
He told me that the moment he switched the mini on it connected with the App Store and downloaded and installed Mavericks.
How could it do this when it had no operating system whatsoever and no recovery partition, as these had presumably disappeared along with the original hard drive?

Hello!
His Mac Mini had an Internet Recovery Partition
It's explained here:
OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support
if your startup drive encounters an issue, or if your startup drive has been replaced or erased. Internet Recovery lets you start your Mac directly from Apple's servers.

Similar Messages

  • Hi. I am using iphone 3gs running on ios 5.1.1. I didn't find any software update option at any place in setting.  Please tell me how can i get it or how i would be able to download and install ios update without using computer

    Hi
    I am using iphone 3gs running on ios 5.1.1
    I didn't find any software update option at any place in setting.
    Please tell me how can i get it or how i would be able to download and install ios update without using computer

    Just use the phone the way it is, forget the apps.

  • How long does it take to download and install maverick

    How long does it take to download and install maverick, not got high speed connection

    It always depends on your network.
    Can always go to http://www.speedtest.net and it will let you know your download speed and can do the math.
    It will take about 2 hours on a good network though.

  • HT201364 i am not able to download and install mavericks from the app store

    hello
    i have a macbook pro with mac os x 10.7.5.
    i am trying to download and install mavericks, but when i press the "install app" it just thinks for a sec and then doesn't do anything.
    is there a way to reinstall the app store or do a rerun to the 10.7.5 so it works or something?
    thanks

    I have the same problem.  I click on the "Download" button, I see a bit of action in the top bar next to the right arrow key, then nothing. 
    iMac OS X 10.6.8

  • How long does it take to download and install Mavericks?

    my 10.6 is stuck on it for 8hrs.

    I suggest you start over.  Mine took about 20 minutes to download and another 30 to fully install.  All depends on internet speed and Mac speed.

  • I was able to download and install Photoshop CC 2014 on my Mac Laptop.  I am not being offered the new version on my iMac desktop. Why?  I am a member of Adobe Creative Cloud.

    I was able to download and install Photoshop CC 2014 on my Mac Laptop.  I am not being offered the new version on my iMac desktop. Why?  I am a member of Adobe Creative Cloud.

    Please refer:
    http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html
    Regards,
    Ashutosh

  • Was able to download and install Premier but can't install Photoshop Elements - getting multiple error messages (pirated software, etc).  Any ideas?

    Was able to download and install Premier but can't install Photoshop Elements - getting multiple error messages (pirated software, etc).  Any ideas?

    download from adobe.com or prodesigntools.com.
    Downloadable installation files available:
    Suites and Programs:  CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4, CS4 Web Standard | CS3
    Acrobat:  XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
    Premiere Elements:  13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
    Photoshop Elements:  13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
    Lightroom:  5.7.1| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2.7(win),2.7(mac)
    Captivate:  8 | 7 | 6 | 5
    Contribute:  CS5 | CS4, CS3
    Download and installation help for Adobe links
    Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages.  They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3.  If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.
    window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

  • How can i change the full download and install path because my C: ist full and it automaticly downloads it on C: i allready changed in on adobe creative cloud but it dont work

    How can i change the full download and install path because my C: ist full and it automaticly downloads it on C: i allready changed in on adobe creative cloud but it dont work

    Read the part about SSDs. Otehrwise there is nothing you can do. Certain components wil lalways install on your system root drive.
    Mylenium

  • How do i get help in downloading and installing PE 12 and Premier 12 on Win 8.1?

    how do i get help in downloading and installing PE 12 and Premier 12 on Win 8.1?

    Try using another browser if you are having a problem getting the interface to react properly to your interaction with it.  If you need more help, preovide more information regarding what you experience when you tru and it fails.
    Please don't start multiple postings for the same problem - your other posting provided better information.

  • How do I change platform for downloading and installing Photoshop Elements from Windows to Mac?

    How do I change platform for downloading and installing Photoshop Elements from Windows to Mac?

    As long as your license supports both platforms you should only have to download the Mac version and install/activate using your serial number.  If you need help finding a link to download the file, please indicate the PSE version you need.

  • How can I get itunes to download and install?

    How can I get itunes to download and install?

    You need to install it - just downloading does not necessarily install it. If you double click it, does it open an installer window? Or, can you simply drag it into your Applications folder (if it is not showing in Launchpad)?
    FWIW, your downloads folder is just a temporary "holding" place for your downloads - once you have installed applications or moved other files where they belong, you can empty that folder.
    PS - If this is what you downloaded, it is a disk image (.dmg) which means you need to double click it; you then need to move the icon and install it.
    Out of curiosity: is it working well? I'm curious because it is rather dated software.

  • How long does it take to download and install ios 7.1.2?

    hello,
    how long does it take to download and install the new ios 7.1.2?
    i am in the installation phase but its taking about an hour now and its still trying to load. i cant use my ipod. i really need help because the bar is not moving and the screen is just black with the apple logo and the bar that tells you how much longer you have but its not moving!
    please help

    It should only take about ten minutes at the most.
    You need to use recovery mode to restore the device >  iOS: Unable to update or restore

  • Since downloading and installing mavericks and safari I cannot use video calling on Facebook. How can I configure that so that it works?

    Since downloading and installing Mavericks and Safari I cannot use the video call in Facebook. Anybody else having this problem and if so is there a solution?

    I have this same issue! The button for to launch video chat isn't even there and when I go into skype to video in there I am able to get about 30 second of video then it freezes and won't come back.

  • How long does it take to download and install Yosemite?

    How long does it take to download and install Yosemite?

    That is going to depend on the speed of your Internet connection as well as your machine. It took about an hour to install on my mid 2011 iMac if I recall. I started it and walked away, stopping in to check on it a few times throughout the evening.  That doesn't include the time it takes to download the ~5GB installer.

  • Can't download and install Mavericks

    I am trying to download and install Mavericks and am getting nowhere.
    When I go to the App Store it is marked as "Free Upgrade".
    So I click the button and, after logging in, it changes to Install.
    I click that and it changes colour and is disabled for a few moments and then changes back to "Install".
    If I exit the store and re-enter the button is back to "Free Upgrade".
    My computer definitely meets the requirements so what am I missing?
    Note that I am a total newbie to Mac so it could be a real simple error on my part.

    lilofromzürich wrote:
    Hi Barney
    The download Mavericks worked now, thank you, but - if I install Mavericks - my Excel, Word 11.6.6 and Entourage won't work anymore! So, I think I better don't install this program!
    Best, Lilo
    Yes, if you can't upgrade your Office suite, or use one of the various substitutes, then you shouldn't upgrade.

Maybe you are looking for