"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer" - retail DVD on MacBook3,1

I've been searching, here and elsewhere, but haven't found a solution that fits my circumstances.
I'm trying to re-install Leopard on a 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook with 1 GB of RAM, after having zeroed out the hard drive using Disk Utility from the Leopard retail DVD.
* I am using a retail DVD of Leopard, which I purchased from an Apple retailer. This DVD previously worked correctly to upgrade this particular MacBook.
* The machine meets Apple's stated system requirements.
* The hard drive has a fresh GUID partition table.
I do NOT want to install Tiger from the bundled machine-specific disks and then upgrade to Leopard. That would be absurd.
Here's the Installer log:
Nov 13 16:42:59 localhost Unknown[60]: kern.boottime: { sec = 1226623315, usec = 0 } Thu Nov 13 16:41:55 2008
Nov 13 16:42:59 localhost Unknown[64]: Launching the Language Chooser for an OS Install
Nov 13 16:43:30 localhost LCA[65]: Folder Manager is being asked to create a folder (cach) while running as uid 0
Nov 13 16:43:30 localhost LCA[65]: Folder Manager is being asked to create a folder (asav) while running as uid 0
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost LCA[65]: Launching the Installer using language code "English"
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost /System/Installation/CDIS/Mac OS X Installer.app/Contents/MacOS/Mac OS X Installer[147]: vm_allocate: 0, 0x200e2000 - 0x400e2000
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost /System/Installation/CDIS/Mac OS X Installer.app/Contents/MacOS/Mac OS X Installer[147]: vm_protect: 0
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Mac OS X Installer application started
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: 1 display(s) found.
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Display[1] is using OpenGL acceleration.
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: @(#)PROGRAM:Install PROJECT:Install-374
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: @(#)PROGRAM:Mac OS X Installer PROJECT:OSInstaller-88
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Hardware: MacBook3,1 @ 2.20 GHz (x 2), 1024 MB RAM
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Running OS Build: Mac OS X 10.5 (9A581)
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: DYLDNO_FIXPREBINDING=1
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: PATH=/usr/bin:/bin:/usr/sbin:/sbin
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: PWD=/
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: SHLVL=1
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: OS_INSTALL=1
Nov 13 16:43:40 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Env: _=/System/Installation/CDIS/LCA.app/Contents/MacOS/LCA
Nov 13 16:43:41 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Opening OSInstall package '/System/Installation/Packages/OSInstall.mpkg'.
Nov 13 16:43:41 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Installation checks failed.
Nov 13 16:43:41 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Installation check failures: For Mac OS X system requirements, see the "Read Before You Install" document on your Mac OS X installation disc.
Nov 13 16:43:42 localhost OSInstaller[147]: Folder Manager is being asked to create a folder (asav) while running as uid 0
By the way, Apple, in your next major retail installer, would you please log WHY you choose not to install in a particular case? That'd be lovely.
Thanks for any help.

wyattville.net wrote:
I am having the same problem on my MacBook 2.2, cannot reinstall OSX from a retail copy (10.5).
Welcome to Apple Discussions:
This issue is very different from yours.
You should start a new thread rather than add to this one which is essentially resolved.
You will get more responses and it won't be confusing as to who is replying to whom.
These threads are basically for addressing the issues of the original poster (OP) posts, not for introducing new and not directly related questions.
Please take no offense at this - I am suggesting you start a new thread to better address your problem. It does take time to get used to these boards and their quirks, etc.

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"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer" - retail DVD

When trying to install a retail copy of Leopard 10.5 to a late 2007 MacBook on a new internal HDD, I am receiving and error that states: "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer". When removing the new hard drive and placing the old one that currently has 10.5.5 on it and performing basically the same actions, booting to DVD and going through the install the error displays for that also. Leads me to believe the new hard drive is not the culprit. According to support docs, the late 2007 shipped with 10.5 so I would think that the 10.5 DVD would work. Any ideas?

If your retail DVD is older than the MacBook model, then that DVD will not have support for the hardware in that MacBook. The purpose of the retail DVD is to install Leopard on machines that did not originally come pre-installed with Leopard.
An updated retail Leopard DVD might have support for that MacBook model. There's no guarantee.
Best thing to do is to pay for a replacement copy of the original DVDs that came with the MacBook. In addition to Leopard, those DVDs will have the pre-installed software that came bundled with the MacBook, such as iLife. The retail Leopard DVD will not have those. If you ever have to reinstall from scratch, you will lose that software if you don't have your original DVDs.
You also need those original DVDs to run the Apple Hardware Test, should the need arise.

Changed out the hard drive in my imac mid 2007 intel. Once the disc loads, I get "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer." Help! Be gentle. I am truly a novice. Thanks in advance.

I changed the hard drive in my mid 2007 Intel Imac. I'm trying to re-install the the op system. I'm receiving a message stating that "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer." I am a "newbe" to Mac's. Can someone help? Please be gentle. I raeally am a novice. Thanks in advance

I believe these are the wrong system restore discs for your model iMac, assuming your are correct that you have mid 2007 iMac.
These gray colored type restore discs are Mac-machine specific and are the wrong ones for your iMac.
They will not work.
The original OS X restore discs for your model iMac would either install OS X 10.4.11 Tiger or OS X 10.5 Leopard.
You have gray system restore discs for a later model iMac. These will not work with iMac year and model.
Sorry.
You need to purchase a full retail version of OS X 10.6.3 Snow Leopard here instead.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
These discs will work with your year and model iMac.
Assuming that your hard drive was installed properly, these white retail OS X install discs should be able to boot, format and install OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard to your 2007 iMac.
Good Luck!

"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer." New Hard Drive.

I have just bought a new Seagate Hard Drive and I want to install Mac OS X 10.5 on it. My MacBook is from the days of Tiger, but I have since upgraded to Leopard using the upgrade discs that Apple gave out.
My next door neighbor has a brand new MacBook, so I borrowed her "Mac OS X Install Disc 1" which has a lovely copy of 10.5.2 on it. I put the drive into my computer and partitioned a Mac OS X Volume (Journaled).
THE PROBLEM:
When I then try to boot from the Install Disc 1 and install Leopard, the computer says "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer."
Need a solution. Thanks in advance.
PS - I would use my install discs but they are at home in another part of the country.

Well, Apple would probably point out that what you are trying to do violates the EULA.
Technically speaking, however, the issue is that the install/restore DVDs that ship with Macs do not carry all the drivers, or even all of the various versions of libraries that support all of the various models of Macs. The come-with-your-Mac disks are different than the retail versions of the OS (also, the come-with-your-Mac ones bundle iLife, which the retail ones don't).
Because the come-with-your-Mac disk contains only the drivers specific to that generation and model line of Mac, it contains a stub of code that verifies that your hardware matches the driver set on the install/restore DVD.
Your friend has a different model of Mac, with different hardware, so her install/restore disk won't work in yours. Solution: go get the retail boxed version of Leopard.

Trying to install Leopard on my 2005 Mac Mini. It keeps telling me "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer." Thoughts?

So I happened to receive a 2005 Mac Mini from my father that was running Ubuntu. Now I'd like to switch it back over to OS X. However, I boot up on the Leopard install disk to install it and it tells me that Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer. I've erased the hard drive as a Mac OS (Journaled). Any ideas?

If you hold the mouse button while you power the machine on, the disk will slide out and you can swap in the retail disk.
Then power off, and this time hold down the C key while booting up and it will boot off of the CD and put you in the installer, allow you to partition the disk, etc.

I erased by Hard drive without backing up. Now, when I put the install disc one inside, it says that Mac os x cannot be installed on this computer. The computer was running Mac os x 10.5.8. Any help?

I erased by Hard drive without backing up. Now, when I put the install disc one inside, it says that Mac os x cannot be installed on this computer. The computer was running Mac os x 10.5.8. Any help?

Boot from your DVD by switching on the Mac & inserting the disc, restart it & hold the "C" key. Once the installer window loads & you have selected your language, choose Disk Utility from the Utilities Menu. You will then need to select your disk from the menu within Disk Utility & choose how you wish to format. It should be formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
Once it has formatted, you should then be able to install the OS.
PLEASE REMEMBER...that formatting a disk will completely erase it's content. Be sure that you don't wish to recover any of your previous content before doing any of the above.
Ben

Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer. Power Mac G5

continued from https://discussions.apple.com/message/18069601#18069601
Hi again. My power mac g5 model number is a1177 and when I put the installation disc in (Mac OS version 10.5)(AHT version 3a137)(2z691 6150 a). It loads everything and It setups to say what language you want, i say english. Then it says preparing to install. After that it says Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer. Can anyone help me??

Leopard requirements/10.5.x...
    * Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
minimum system requirements
    * 512MB of memory (I say 1.5GB for PPC at least, 2-3GB minimum for IntelMacs)
    * DVD drive for installation
    * 9GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)
Trouble is Apple no longer sells it, check eBay & such for the Retail version, not the Gray Discs...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+os+x+leopard+retail+10.5
Apple Computers Software Leopard (Full Install) 10.5
Item #:
2Z691-6150-A 1005900
Notes
Disk 1 2Z691-6150-A
Disk 2 2Z691-6023-A
Compatibility
MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)
Machine ID: MacBook3,1
http://www.welovemacs.com/2z6916150a.html

"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer" used upgrade DVD up-to-date

I'm using an OS X 10.5 Leopard "Upgrade DVD" I bought with the up-to-date program when I bought a 2007 Macbook Pro (3,1) with Tiger bundled.
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My upgrade DVD looks like the retail version (aside from the "upgrade DVD" text), and it doesn't have any text explicitly suggesting that it's a restore DVD for any specific model. Can I still assume this is effectively a retail DVD?

Came with 2007 Macbook Pro (3,1) implies that it can't be use with PowerBook G4 500 MHz (PowerBook 3,2). That violates the terms of use. Additionally, it's machine-specific, as described in http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2681 If you want to put Leopard on the PB, buy the retail version.

MacBook Pro DVD OS X Installation Error - 'Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer.'

Hello people, I just baught the Late 2009 MacBook Pro 13" off ebay second hand as it was good price. The previous owners data was left on there and it was too much of a hassle to erase as it was impossible to change the system side of these problems (keyring password, usernames, home folder name, macbook name). In the end i decided i was going to format the hard drive (which also had Windows 7 Ultimate installed via BootCamp) and reinstall Mac OS X 10.6.3 from the original install media (Gray DVD not retail). After formatting I attempted to boot from media (which worked) and proceed with the install. Just as I though everything was going fine I recieved an error with a yellow triangle stating 'Mac OS X cannot be installed on the computer.' . At this stage I was very shocked and alarmed and didnt know what to do as Ive never used a Mac before and it was my first 2 hours using one. I rung up Apple support even though I didnt have AppleCare and they did help me to some extent becuase they said I had the incorrect install media. I then contacted the seller who immediatly replayed and told me that those disks (OS X and Application DVD) both came with the MacBook (They both said 'MacBook Pro 13" on the front).
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Thanks, Charlie

If you do have the right disc, then partition the drive in Disk Utility with a single Mac OS volume (as opposed to just erasing the existing Mac OS volume.) The Windows partition will be removed. You can reinstall Windows later if you wish, assuming you have the retail Windows disc that you should also have received from the seller. If you don't have that disc, and the seller is still using his copy of Windows, then your Windows installation is unlicensed.

Alert - Mac OS Update cannot be installed on this computer

My second computer is a MacBook Pro (PPC) OS 10.4.8, 2 GB RAM. When I try to install update 10.4.10 I get the alert: "Mac OS Update Combined (Power PC)cannot be installed on this computer." Why not?
Thanks for any help.
-Rob

My second computer is a MacBook Pro (PPC)
If the computer is a MacBook Pro, then it is not PPC, and needs the Intel version of the update
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I rceived a 2008 Imac with erased hard drive. They gave me the two install discs but it keeps coming up cannot install OS X on this computer.
Is there anything to do. Thanks hopefully

Well, Apple would probably point out that what you are trying to do violates the EULA.
Technically speaking, however, the issue is that the install/restore DVDs that ship with Macs do not carry all the drivers, or even all of the various versions of libraries that support all of the various models of Macs. The come-with-your-Mac disks are different than the retail versions of the OS (also, the come-with-your-Mac ones bundle iLife, which the retail ones don't).
Because the come-with-your-Mac disk contains only the drivers specific to that generation and model line of Mac, it contains a stub of code that verifies that your hardware matches the driver set on the install/restore DVD.
Your friend has a different model of Mac, with different hardware, so her install/restore disk won't work in yours. Solution: go get the retail boxed version of Leopard.

My install disk is saying mac osx10.6 cannot be installed on this computer

I am trying to reinstall my osx and the computer is saying cannot be installed this computer

Actually I bought the disk off eBay, but it is definitely genuine and since it was for the 13" MacBook Pro (which I have) I thought (having read the caveats about disks being hardware specific) it ought to be useable.
It's definitely a genuine set as it came with the full "Apple" packaging, booklet, wallet and even the two white Apple-logo stickers that they stick in there for some bizarre reason. Yes, I did notice (having received the disks) that there's a statement on them regarding them not being for resale, but the seller didn't happen to mention that on his auction (yeah - go figure!).
At the time of purchase I thought they were specifically for my hardware. Seeing the "2010" mark on the disks was a bit of a 'raised-eyebrow' moment, but I just find it hard to believe that the discs are being so 'touchy' given that they are for the correct model MBP, just separated by one year.
In fact, as I touched-on in my original post, some contributors to this discussion forum went as far as to say that you could even install cross-platform with the discs for more-recent hardware. I know that not everybody gets these things right when discussing stuff, but I'm just surprised that there's such a wide range of opinions regarding this.
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Thanks all for the input so far.

"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer"

Hi everyone,
I've browsed through the other related topics but my situation is slightly different.
I just bought an older Macbook but it came with no install disks. It's a late 2007 model thats 2 gens old.
I have a retail version of Leopard 10.5 bought at launch day and also a retail version of Leopard Server 10.5
I formatted the drive through disk utility to do a fresh install and when I popped in my leopard disk I get this error. I'm in a bind as I have a presentation to do on Wednesday and desperately need this laptop to work. What can I do since I've bought leopard AND leopard server and neither of them work.
Please let me know
Thanks for your help

The previous owner should be able to call AppleCare to get them. If he can't, then consider it stolen property and report the previous owner to the police.
The previous owner must give you the discs when selling you the machine. They are only licensed for the machine.
Message was edited by: a brody

How to reinstall Mac os x 10.5.6 to my imac desktop 24 inch all in one i put in disk and held c down and it came to a message saying os x cannot be installed on this computer HELP?

Ok here lately when i came into my office and go to cut on my imac desktop 24inch all in one it would come up to a white screen with a grey folder with a question mark blinking in the center of the screen well i just want to reload the machine but when i put my Mac os x install dvd that came with it into it you gets past the folder blinking to the screen where it has the Mac os x installer bar at the top but in the middle of the screen in says Mac os x cannot be installed on this computer and has two buttons one that says ok and the other that says restart how can i get this to stop giving me this error and get to where i can just reinstall the os PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand, while you may have knowledge with PCs you don't have the diagnostic tools available to you to professionaly diagnose a Mac. Apple does not make those tools available for the general public, they are only available to Apple and AASPs. To install the OS on the machine you need to locate the original 10.5.x install disc that shipped with the machine and insert it into the SuperDrive. Below are Apples instructions for setting up the machine:
Turn on the computer.
Insert the Mac OS X Install DVD into the optical drive, or insert the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive into the USB port.
Restart the computer.
Press and hold the "C" key while the computer starts up. The computer will start up using the Install media. Alternatively, press and hold the Option key at startup to select the volume containing the installer.
If your are using a wireless mouse, a mouse icon should appear asking you to turn the mouse on so that the computer can discover it.
Select a language, then press the right arrow key.
Click the Utilities menu, the choose Disk Utility.
Select a volume to erase (usually called Macintosh HD).
Click the Erase tab.
Click Erase... Important: This step will completely erase your hard drive. If you have installed Microsoft Windows using Boot Camp, or have multiple partitions, this procedure will erase the partition you select.
A dialog box appears asking if you want to erase the partition: click Erase.
After the partition is erased, choose Quit Disk Utility from the Disk Utility menu.
Part Two: Installing the operating system
When the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Installer screen appears, click Continue.
When the license agreement appears, click Agree.
Select the disk you erased. It should now be highlighted with a green arrow.
Click Install. A status bar appears on the bottom of the screen while Mac OS X installs.
An Additional Information screen appears, advising you that you operating system has been installed. Click Continue.
An Install Succeeded screen appears. Click Restart.
Part Three: Completing the Mac OS X Setup Assistant
When the restart has completed, a welcome video plays, then country/region selection screen appears.
Select your country or region and click Continue.
Select a keyboard layout and click Continue.
A migration screen appears. If you wish to migrate your data from another Macintosh, see Migration tips and tricks. If you do not wish to migrate, or want to migrate later, select "Do not transfer my information now" and click Continue.
A Wireless Service screen appears if you have wireless services available within range of your computer. Select "On" and click Continue.
If the network is password protected, you be asked for a password when you select it. Type the password and click Continue.
An Apple ID screen appears. This is used to purchase content from the iTunes store. When complete, click Continue.
If you do not have an Apple ID, click Continue to move to the next screen.
A Registration Information screen appears. You are not required to fill this out, but it is helpful if you do. When complete, click Continue and your product registration will be sent immediately.
If Mac OS X servers are available on your network, you'll be asked if you'd like to log on to them. If not, click Continue.
A Create Your Account screen appears. This will be used to create a User Account with Login ID and Password for you computer. You should remember this password. You'll be asked for it when you install new software or perform other administrative tasks on your computer. When complete, click Continue and your account will be created immediately.
A screen to select your user picture appears. Take a snapshot with the built-in camera or select a picture from your Library. When complete, click Continue.
A MobileMe screen appears. Select an option and click Continue.
A Thank You screen appears. Click Go to complete the Mac OS X Setup Assistant.
Eject the Mac OS X Install DVD by dragging its icon to the Trash.
Good luck.

MAC OS 10.5.2 Cannot Be Installed on this Computer-Help!

My Hard Drive recently failed. I was able to use Disk Warrior to recover my files and I am now ready to re-install MAC OS X using the installation disc that came with my MacBook.
I inserted Install disc 1 and the Mac OS X Installer began. It asked for me to select a preferred language so I chose English. Immediately following that screen I received a dialog box that said "Mac OS X Cannot Be Installed on this Computer".
I used to Disc Utility in the MAC OS X Installer to verify that the new hard drive. It passed. I made sure that the hard drive was set for MAC OS Extended (Journaled). And after a little online searching I even learned how to partition the drive for GUID Partition Table to support an Intel - Base Processor system.
I have restarted the system several times from the MAC OS X Installer menu but I get the same message every time. "Mac OS X Cannot Be Installed on this Computer".
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo 2 Ghz Processor, 2GB of Memory, New 250GB Hard Drive
Any ideas why I cannot perform this install?

I had this happen to me a few months ago. I went into the Apple store and the guy told me that he's seen this many times. Apparently the Leopard discs get tiny scratches (that are invisible to me) and won't do a fresh install, only an install over another OS. So it wouldn't work for me or you because we're trying to install Leopard onto a blank HDD. He ended up hooking up his version of the install disc via firewire external drive and it installed fine. I was not happy with this solution. Sorry to hear about this, hopefully you can figure it out, but you might just have to go to the Apple store like I did.

"Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer" - retail DVD on MacBook3,1

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