New iMac turns on/loads fine, but trying to install Snow Leopard gives 'bad RAM' 3 beeps + grey screen

New iMac arrived today, turned on and loaded fine.
After getting to the desktop, I inserted the Snow Leopard disk and restarted the computer.
I held alt at startup and selected the Snow Leopard disc from the options.
The computer proceeded to give me the 'bad RAM' error: grey screen + 3 beeps, over and over.
So did I get an iMac with bad RAM? Poorly seated RAM?
Very frustrating, I'm disappointed Apple.

Good luck: Don't install a version of Mac OS X earlier than what came with your Mac
Earlier versions of OS X, including the present retail version now sold, contain drivers incompatible with the firmware installed on new Macs. You will get the exact same error code you are observing.
I'm having a hard time believing it is a RAM problem if the computer works fine in OS Lion but gives the error when installing Snow Leopard.
This has nothing to do with memory. If you don't believe me run Apple Hardware Test and see for yourself.
If AHT passes and your iMac boots Lion, Apple will tell you to pound sand.
As I said earlier,
A new iMac should have shipped with Lion. Attempting to install an earlier OS version will not work.

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Hi I am trying to install snow leopard, Hi I am trying to install snow leopard onto my iMac g5 currently, Hi I am trying to install snow leopard onto my iMac g5 currently running 10.3.9. I open disk ,click install- nothing happens. Any ideas? Thanks Dan

Hi I am trying to install snow leopard onto my iMac g5 currently running 10.3.9. I open disk ,click install- nothing happens. Any ideas? Thanks Dan

Snow Leopard requires an Intel-based Mac, so as Niel indicated your iMac G5 cannot run it. The last version of Mac OS X your iMac G5 can run is Mac OS X 10.5.8.
Regards.

Trying to install snow leopard on an iMac.

My iMac is running 10.5.8 and I am trying to install Snow Leopard, but the machine keeps spitting the disk out without any prompt boxes. The software was ordered from Apple and is fresh out of the package. The machine accepts other disks just fine. Am I missing something?

Check the disc for smudges or scratches. Also check on a different machine. Bad discs are a rarity, but do happen. Last resort, call Apple and get a replacement.

I have OS X 10.5.8 on my iMac, I'm trying to install Snow Leopard. When I insert the disk and click install it will start to install, then once it gets about 1/4 of the way done my computer restarts and it spits the disk back out.

I have OS X 10.5.8 on my iMac, I'm trying to install Snow Leopard. When I insert the disk and click install it starts, but when its about 1/4 of the way done the computer restarts and my disk spits back out. When I look to see if it installed it still says 10.5.8. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac6.1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
I bought the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Install DVD from the Apple Store.

Im trying to instal snow leopard on my macbook. its running tiger 10.4.11 and it meets all the requirements but it ask me for a restart to begin instalation progres, i restar it and it doesn't happen anything

im trying to instal snow leopard on my macbook. its running tiger 10.4.11 and it meets all the requirements but it ask me for a restart to begin instalation progres, i restar it and it doesn't happen anything. anyone can help me?

I assume the restart was prompted during the installation process?
First of all, that restart will take several minutes while files are moved into place and should not be interrupted.
If it fails, or you have interrupted the process, you'll need to boot from the installer (hold down the C key on startup) and use Disk Utility to erase the drive prior to continuing the installation.
That will wipe all data on the drive, though, so if you didn't make a backup before beginning the upgrade, you'll need to get your data off safely before proceeding. That may likely require the use of another Mac to access yours in Target Disc Mode.

I am trying to install Snow Leopard, but everytime I put the disc in, it will spin and then eject itself.

I am trying to install Snow Leopard, but everytime I put the disc in, it will spin and then eject itself.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1172/en_US/Snow_Leopard_Installatio n_Instructions.pdf
This should give some insight.

Im trying to install snow leopard but when I go to the utility disk I can't find the Macintosh HD

Im trying to install snow leopard but when I go to the utility disk I can't find the Macintosh HD

I'm trying to reinstall it because about six months ago a friend at the time crashed it and it has been stuck in white screen of death since then. and I'm trying to get my computer to work again.

Error message when trying to install snow leopard

Hello,
I just tried to install snow leopard version 10.6 and get an error message mid installation that kicks the cd out of the drive and stalls. I can't complete the installation. I have a macbook pro 1,1 with 1.83 ghz processor with 1gb of ram and 25 gb of harddrive space left. i currently have version 10.4.11. any ideas about why this is happening or how to trouble shoot?

See the following:
How to Install OS X Updates Successfully
A. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions:
Boot from your current OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. 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 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 Using Restore Option of Disk Utility:
Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
Select the destination volume from the left side list.
Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
Check the box labeled Erase destination.
Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the external backup drive. Source means the internal startup drive.
C. Important: Please read before installing:
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.
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.)
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. To upgrade:
Purchase the Snow Leopard Retail DVD.
Boot From The OS X Installer Disc:
Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.
Restart the computer.
Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.
Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple logo appears.
Wait for installer to finish loading.
E. If updating:
Download and install update(s)
Use Software Update, or
Download standalone updater(s).
I suggest you backup your Tiger system, then boot from the Snow Leopard DVD, use Disk Utility to erase your hard drive, then install Snow Leopard. You can then selectively restore your files from your backup. To make this process easy be sure to create your new Snow Leopard user account with the same username that you have for your Tiger account. Any third-party software that you have you should reinstall rather than trying to copy from the Tiger backup.

Trying to install Snow Leopard, can't b/c time machine using hard drive

I am trying to install Snow Leopard so I can then upgrade to Lion on my MacBook Pro. (It's now running an older version of OS X. I went through this whole process successfully on my desktop.)
Snow Leopard is saying it can't install on my hard drive b/c Time Machine is using that drive for backups.
I tried turning off Time Machine but that doesn't seem to make a difference.
I don't have any available external drive at home-- is there a way to disable or change settings or uninstall Time Machine so that Snow Leopard will be able to install? Is the best way to get an external drive and specify that as the Time Machine backup drive? I'd rather just get rid of Time Machine on this computer for now, but I've read on here in other discussions that deleting it can cause other problems.
Thanks for any advice!

The Apple store may use or have these...
You must repair the HD, your best bet is likely DiskWarrior.
Your best bet is DiskWarrior, you need the CD/DVD though.
http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/
But others that may work…
Drive Genius…
http://www.prosofteng.com/products/drive_genius.php
TechTool Pro…
http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=83
Good luck!

Early 2008 macbook trying to install snow leopard

I'm having trouble trying to upgrade from 10.5.8 to Snow Leopard install DVD 10.6.3 purchased from Apple. The upgrade is on my Macbook 4.1.
Model Name:          MacBook
Model Identifier:          MacBook4,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          2 GB
Bus Speed:          800 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          MB41.00C1.B00
SMC Version (system):          1.31f1
Serial Number (system):          W8807RU50P1
Hardware UUID:          E9A18B88-B719-5148-BFC6-2A053878A80E
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State:          Enabled
I have done all the software updates. Made a clone back up to an external drive. Checked my hard drive it's GUID. Put DVD in held down 'C' key start up from install DVD all ok and begins install it then freezes at 39 minutes to go. (6 minutes in) Een tried leaving it all night and nothing. Had to quit installer and hence no OS 10.6.3 install. If it helps with diagnosis and reason for failure I have a new folder in my hard drive with name "Mac OSX Install Data" with no entry symbol on it.

Perhaps your disk drive is corrupted. Next time do the following:
Booting From An OS X Installer Disc
1. Insert Snow Leopard Installer Disc into the optical drive.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.
4. Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple
      logo appears.
5. Wait for installer to finish loading.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. 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.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro 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.
Continue to install Snow Leopard.

Trying to Instal Snow Leopard partition on Lion

Hi Everyone
I just recieved my new IMac and I need to instal Snow Leopard on one of the partitions. Unfortunately everything I have tried has failed. I desperately need 10.6.6 running on my machine. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Yes, I created a separate partition for this purpose. I've tried to instal Leopard and failed. Then Snow Leopard and failed again. I thought all I had to do was press "C" on the keyboard at start up and it would boot off of the instal DVD. All it ended up doing was beeping.
Any help or ideas would be great. Thanks!

Imac 27" - installed Snow Leopard from macbook pro - just get grey apple

I have a friends imac he bought second hand and it starts okay but the mouse moves but the click is unresponsive. I wiped it via firewire target mode and installed snow leopard.... all that happens is I get as far as the grey apple screen.... I checked again via target and it appears it installed okay. It won't launch into safe mode... kinda stumped

If you installed Snow Leopard via FireWire target mode on the iMac using the disks that came with your MBP, then that's the problem. First, of course, is the fact that that is illegal. The real technical hurdle, though, is that those gray disks that came with your MBP install a system that works only on your MBP.
Your friend needs his own Mac OS X install disk. If the machine didn't come with one, he will need to either buy SL retail, or call Apple and request a replacement for the gray disks that shipped with the machine (which contain things not on the SL disk, like bundled software and the [Apple Hardware Test|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509] boot system).

Trying to install Snow Leopard Server into Parallels 9

Help! I have a 10.8 macbook, purchased Parallels 9 and Snow Leopard Server to create virtual environment for old ppc software (namely final cut pro 6), but the SLS installation halts saying not enough free RAM, but laptop meets min 2gb requirements... Does anyone know how to solve?
I get as far as b in step 6 here
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=17285039&postcount=564
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Lulu

lulumalmgren wrote:
Help! I have a 10.8 macbook, purchased Parallels 9 and Snow Leopard Server to create virtual environment for old ppc software (namely final cut pro 6)...
Final Cut Pro 6, which is a component of Final Cut Studio 2, is not a PowerPC application; it was written for Intel Macs and should run fine in 10.8, Mt. Lion.
The problem is that there is a "bug" in the installer application that triggers the "PowerPC" dialog box when attempting to install FCP 6 into a Mac running Lion, Mt. Lion or Mavericks.
If the MacBook is old enough to run Snow Leopard, one solution is to partition your hard drive, or add an external one, and install Snow Leopard on it. Then use the "dual-boot" method to run either Snow Leopard or Mt. Lion on your MacBook. When running Snow Leopard, you can then install FCP 6 and run it.
In theory, once you have successfully installed FCP 6 into Snow Leopard, you could then upgrade this partition to Mt. Lion as well, and it should continue to run.
If your MacBook will not run Snow Leopard, review Jeremy Johnstone's method to use Terminal to install FCP 6 into Mt. Lion:
http://www.jeremyjohnstone.com/blog/2012-03-11-installing-final-cut-pro-studio-2 -0-on-mac-os-x-10-7-lion.html
...and as Bill Gates always says:
"You can never have too much money, or too much RAM!"

I'm trying to boot my new iMac running Mavericks from an external hard drive with Snow leopard but it fails with a window telling me to power down manually. It works with my old iMac.

I have made a bootable copy of OS 10.6.8 onto an external G-drive from my 2007 24" iMac with success. I can't boot up my my new 2013 imac that has Mavericks installed. Any suggestions?

trey4 wrote:
I have made a bootable copy of OS 10.6.8 onto an external G-drive from my 2007 24" iMac with success. I can't boot up my my new 2013 imac that has Mavericks installed. Any suggestions?
Why do you want to run Snow Leopard on your new 2013 iMac with Mavericks?

Disk Utility doesn't show new drive when trying to install Snow Leopard

Please help because I've searched everywhere. My MacBook's hard drive failed. It's done for. I bought another internal, Western Digital 320gb WD3200BEVT. So it's brand new and when I boot from the Snow Leopard install I don't see the new hard drive in the Disk Utility App. All I see is my CD-Drive. No where is my new drive so that I can at least format it. People suggested on other forums that maybe it's the cables but i don't think it is cause the hard drive you just slide in and out. There are no jumpers on this drive either, so that's out. I've narrowed it down to two things, bad hard drive or this drive just isn't recognized by by Snow Leopard?

If you have tried restarting a few times and it still doesn't show up I'm afraid you are gonna have to go back in and check the connections. I know they just slot into the carriage, but possibly it is not in tight. I can only suggest you open it up and check everything thoroughly. If after a thorough check, if it still does not mount you may want to take the hard drive back and swap it. Are you sure it was only a hard drive failure in the first place? I only ask this because WD hard drives have quite a solid reputation.

New iMac turns on/loads fine, but trying to install Snow Leopard gives 'bad RAM' 3 beeps + grey screen

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