I was just told ML could not be installed because apple HD is broken and could not be repaired. I never had any problem ever to suggest a broken HD, on my 2 yr. old mac pro. 10.6.8. Any one else having this problem? Will I get a refund, if so how?

Question

I have a 2009 MAC PRO 10.6.8. Had never had any problems. Tried installing Mountain Lion today. Was told, " Mountain Lion could not be installed because Hard Disk is broken"!
Is it because HD is broken or perhaps incompatible? Has any one else had this problem? I had no symptoms suggestive of a broken HD. Will I get reimbursed if ML could not be installed? If so what do I have to do?
How can I verify the status of the HD, in absence of symptoms for my own information?

Answer 1

mottoo wrote:
I have a 2009 MAC PRO 10.6.8. Had never had any problems. Tried installing Mountain Lion today. Was told, " Mountain Lion could not be installed because Hard Disk is broken"!
Is it because HD is broken or perhaps incompatible? Has any one else had this problem? I had no symptoms suggestive of a broken HD. Will I get reimbursed if ML could not be installed? If so what do I have to do?
How can I verify the status of the HD, in absence of symptoms for my own information?
The solution to your problem is rather simple
1: Get a external hard drive and use Disk Utility to format it with a GUID partition map and OS X extended Journaled.
2: Export your browser bookmarks and any other needed data to a file,. Copy your User data folders of Music, Pictures etc over to the external  drive via drag and drop copy methods, disconnect the drive.
I don't advise using TimeMachine at this point since your boot drive is messed up, thus so will be your TM drive, just transfering the problem later on back to the new install. We are proceeding with a "Fresh install" method to eliminate as many issues as possible which a TM restore can return to a new OS X install.
3: Next you will need to follow these instructions to zero erase (important) and install 10.6 fresh, use the same named account (different password ok)
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
4: Before you return files or install programs, Software Update fully and use the AppStore to install 10.8, this way it will be on a fresh 10.6 install, free of issues.
5: Install any and all 10.8 compatible programs as much as possible before returning your User files, this is a performance measure.
If you need too, use this site to find one's that are 10.8 compatible.
http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
6: Last install your user files from the external drive backup into their respective Music, Pictures, Movies etc., folders, into the same named accounts so you preserve your iTunes playlists. When you open those programs, they will update their respective support files automatically.