Mac osx cannot be installed on this computer

Hello everyone hopefully someone can help me out here. I recently purchased a mid to late 2008 macbook pro13 for my wife. the person I bought it from got it with gingerbread installed on it. the original mac os seems to be there. I cannot get it to boot into anything other than gingerbread. So I bought a set of Snow Leopard 10.6.2 build number 2z691-6317-a from eBay and when I went to install them last night I got the error listed above. What can I do to get this back to OSX. My wife doesn't like gingerbread. Thanks for your help.

you need to boot to the OS install disc (by inserting the disc then restart holding down the C key)
once booted to this select the disk utility and then mac HD from the left side
click on the erase tab then make sure the format says mac OS extended journaled
then click on the erase button
once this is done close the disk utility window and choose the option to install mac OS X if you have 2 discs once the first one is done insert the second and install those apps as well.
after the reinstall is completed when the mac is restarted the setup assistant will appear and it will be like new mac

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Core duo 2 ghz: Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer

My intel core duo 2ghz macbook pro will not accept the instal of Leopard.
getting this error from the CD boot
"Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer"
"restart"
I have confirmed this Fujitsu drive is formated GUID.
A Tiger install disk allows booting and Tiger install.
Whats the scret handshake to get this Leopard install to happen? Any help is appreciated.

What is the source of the DVD? Retail? DVD from a different computer?
Stedman

"Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer" Error

What Mac/Specs:
I am trying to completely clear out and reformat a 13" MacBook Pro 2.26Ghz with the 250GB hard drive (mid-2010 version) which had been running Mountain Lion to its "factory" settings.
Hurdle 1:
When I tried to reformat it I had the erase/partition options greyed out. Duh- needed to use a different start up disk.
Actions taken & Hurdle 2:
I then inserted the original disk (with OSX10.6) and started up with the C key held down but ended up getting the above error message "Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer".
Actions taken 2:
I tried to "backup from Time Machine" (as that was the only option I could click other than restarting) and managed to access the Disk Utillity that way. I was then able to erase and re-partition the drive as Mac Extended Journaled and made sure that the S.M.A.R.T. verification was verified before I did so.
Hurdle 3 (= Hurdle 2):
This got me to the point of having a clean slate but the error message persists.
Question:
What can I do to move forward? I do not want to reinstall Mountain Lion, I want to pass on the computer restored to its original factory settings.
Please and thank you.

Sorry for the late update- I ended up checking the disks (I have two MacBook Pros bought two months apart) and tried the other one. Turns out that though they were the same OSX (10.6.3 v1) they had different teeny serial numbers.
To answer BDAqua- yes, it was the disk for the same MacBook Pro model but clearly not "same" enough. And no- the disks had never been used. Pleased to report that it is all sorted now, but wanted to thank you massively for your answer anyway.
You had it in one!

Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer...help?

I have an older mac book (2007) with a 2ghz Intel dual core with 2 gb ram. I would like to erase the current OSX (10.5.8) and install Snow Leopard (10.6.X) from a disk that I have from my iMac. When I put the disk in and boot, holding down "c" it goes to install but then gives me the error message that it can't be install on this computer. Any suggestions or explanations?

It will not install - the Snow Leopard installer you're trying to use is machine specific - you need to go to Apple's website and order the Retail version of Snow Leopard in order to install it to your Macbook.
There is no work around on this since the Gray/Grey Snow Leopard DVD will be looking for an iMac and not a Macbook.

I have osx 10.6 installed, need to reinstall: says osx cannot be installed on this computer

A friend has purchased a used macbook, by searching the serial number it originally had osx 10.5. It currently has osx 10.6.8 installed. she wishes to start fresh, i have 10.6.3 discs that have worked before, when i boot into the disc it simply says that osx cannot be installed on this mac. this is said when booting into disc or trying to click the install with the disc showing in finder
it is a 2.2ghz with 1gb of ram. specs shouldn't be an issue as it is running it fine now, and can support up to 10.7.
any thoughts?

You need to use a retail DVD and not a different Mac model's original disks.
(108668)

OSX cannot be installed on this computer

I tried to install 10.5 on my iMacIntel(currently at 10.4.11)
iMac5 Intel core 2Duo 2.16ghz 1g RAm and I get a msg "cant install MacOSX on this computer"
Ive tried booting from the disk and installing from the disk but I get the same msg.
Any Ideas?

Just to clarify a bit further:
Machines newer than when an OS was first released can only be installed from the discs that originally shipped with those machines as those discs may contain special drivers needed in order for those machines to work properly. Since those devices did not exist at the time the original OS was created, that makes perfect sense.
You should be able to install any other machine that supports Leopard from the DVD that came with your purchased copy of the OS.
What you cannot do is install other machines with Leopard using the Software Restore disc that ships with newer machines.
This is because the Leopard disc that ships with a new machine not only has the drivers for that new machine, but it may only contains the parts of Leopard required for that machine; for example, it does not necessarily contain drivers for hardware used only with PowerPC Macs while the Leopard DVD you purchase does.
So the rule of thumb is you should use the DVD that came with your purchased Family Pack of Leopard to install Leopard onto any machine other than those that were introduced after Leopard was released.
Machines that were introduced after Leopard was released should only have Leopard (re)installed from the Software Restore disc that shipped with those machines.

Mac OSX 10.6 cannot be installed on this computer

Hi everybody - this is my first post on here so please be gentle!
My kit:
13" MBP, Intel core 2 duo @ 2.26GHz. 2MB DDR3 RAM.
Current OS 10.5.8
I've been getting the "Mac OSX 10.6 cannot be installed on this computer" error message repeatedly whenever I try to upgrade to SnowLeopard.
Having spent a lot of time scouring these forums, I've tried pretty much every trick I spotted:
Formatted the disk and partitioned using GUID.
Resized the volume to be 130MB smaller than the partition size.
Tried booting from a USB image of SnowLeopard.
All of the above just take me back to the error message (which is now burned into my brain!!).
I do have a full TimeMachine backup which has been very handy with all of this experimentation.
Now here's the thing - my copy of 10.6.4 is a 'grey' label one. It is for the 13-inch MacBook Pro (which I have), but wasn't issued specifically for my machine. It's labelled "(c) 2010" which suggests it was made for a more modern MBP as my machine is from 2009.
From other threads, some people say that the disks are 'hardware locked' to specific machines. Others say that the more modern installation disks aren't so fussy. Do you think this could be the source of the problem? Having bought these genuine 10.6.4 disks, I'd hate to shell-out for the retail version of SnowLeopard only to find it hits me with the same dreaded error message!
Many thanks for any light you can shed on this for me.

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.
If there are no further ideas, I'll have to put it down to experience and go buy the retail version. If anyone has any further advice or experiences of this issue, positive or negative, I'd still be glad to hear from them though.
Thanks all for the input so far.

This version of Mac OS X 10.7 cannot be installed on this computer. Why Not. Mac Mini has the required spec.

Hi...
I hope that you can help me!!
I am trying to update a recently purchased pre-owned Mac Mini to OSX Lion. ATM it is running OSX 10.6.8, with 2GHz Core 2 duo processor, and 2GB of DDR2 SD RAM. There is 30+ GB of hard drive available. The App Store has acknowledged the fact that I have previously bought OSX Lion, but when I try to download, it displays the following, "This version of Mac OS X 10.7 cannot be installed on this computer." It meets the required specs. Help!! How can I upgrade....

What model is it? There are some early Intel minis around that have had CPU upgrades. They can't run Lion, at least not without hacking.

Itunes cannot be installed on this computer because it requires mac os x

I just got the iphone 3g and dug out my eMac to use for the syncing. I pulled it out and downloaded the .mpkg file and put it on a thumbdrive (I have no internet at my house) and I tried to install it on the eMac and got this error --- "itunes cannot be installed on this computer because it requires mac os x 10.3.9 or higher" but I only have 10.2.8... Why does it matter what OSX I have? It's new software but who cares??
What should I do? I dont have to get the next OSX do i?!

Why does it matter what OSX I have?
Newer iTunes versions require specific components in Mac OS X to operate correctly.
What should I do? I dont have to get the next OSX do i?!
You need to purchase and install Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5.
(33528)

OSX mavericks cannot be installed on this computer.

Imac running osx 10.6.8 after reformat of hard drive and reinstalling original OS 10.6.4. I then installed 10.6.8 combo upgrade. After downloading OS X 10.9.5 an alert appears and states "OS X mavericks cannot be installed on this computer." Prior to the reformat this imac was running the original mavericks. Doesn't make sense. Is there a way to access the original OS X 10.9 and attempt a download, then do a 10.9.5 combo upgrade?

"Prior to the reformat this imac was running the original mavericks"
You can reinstall Mavericks using OS X Recovery.
Startup your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys.
From there you should be able to access the built in utilities to reinstall OS X (Mavericks) using OS X Recovery

"OSX Maveracks cannot be installed on this computer" is the message tht I get when I try to download Maveracks. I have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 installed, 167 gb free space and 3 gb of memory. What would keep it from loading?

"OSX Mavericks cannot be installed on this computer" is the message that I receive when trying to download Maveracks. I have a late 2007 iMac with Snow Leopard 10.6.8 installed, 167gb free space and 3 gb memory. What are reasons that it won't download?

Does your computer meet the requirements listed below?
To install Mavericks, you need one of these Macs:
iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later),
MacBook Pro (15-inch or 17-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
Xserve (Early 2009)

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.
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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
<http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdatev11intel.html>
OSX's Software Update will get the correct version.

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!

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 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.

Mac osx cannot be installed on this computer

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