ReInstalling Mac OS X Issues

I have been having a lot of issues with my mac mini recently. The problems started a while ago, when it would not mount .dmg files. Seeing as I never really install stuff, I just got on with it. And i've fixed that issue now anyway:). Since then, I have had major issues with startups (it would turn on and then display a grey background with a flashing question mark / finder icon), but this problem seems to have stopped since I moved it to a more ventilated space. It is now running deadly slow, and the dock no longer wants to appear. I thaught the best thing to do would be to wipe the HDD and do a factory reset. I have spent the past two days copying files and apps off the HDD onto an external USB HDD (I wish it was firewire!), and have finished copying my files today. I stuck in my OS X install disk, and waited for the disk to pop up (takes around 2 minutes). I then clicked the install icon, waited fo it to load, gave it my password, and clicked restart. My computer then logged out, and returned to the log in screen. It does the same thing if you try and shut down or restart from the login screen, or the blue apple logo in the top left, too. Whats going wrong!
Please help me
Many thanks in advance,
Joe

try this - insert the mini's original install disk, and the reboot the system. When the grey screen appears, hold the C key down and keep it held down until you hear the optical drive spinning up and the disk being read.
This should force the system into booting from the install disk instead of the internal drive, which appears from your description to be either physically failing or to have directory and/or file structure errors. Once you have the mini running from the install disk, select 'erase and install' not archive and install. This will reformat the drive, thus removing directory or file issues. If the hard drive still exhibits problems after that, it means it is likely in need of replacement since it would largely indicate physical failure. Otherwise, once the reformat is complete and the reinstall of a fresh copy of MacOS, go through the process of updating the system before adding software. Then reinstall any and all applications possible from their install disks rather than your backup. If the drive was suffering directory or file issues previously, there is no way to be sure that applications were actually not corrupt, so rather than risk trying to use them again, a reinstall of these is far better.
Once the reinstall of MacOS and updating it has completed and you have reinstalled applications, check software updates again, and before you put back your data files, check the drive for errors and repair permissions (using Disk Utility). Only then put your files back from your backup.
After all that, continue to monitor the drive using Disk Utility to check for errors to see if anything recurs. If it doesn't, then it was very likely nothing more than a bit of corrupted data on the drive that caused the problems. However, if errors begin to appear again, it suggests the drive itself may be in need of replacement.

Similar Messages

How to reinstall mac os x without erase boot camp?

Situation:Today, i was using mac os x this morning, it worked fine. then when i went home from work, start up the macbook pro, it took like 4-5 minutes to start the login, then take 30-45 secs, then the desktop starting to freeze!
Notes: I have Boot Camp on it.
Question: Can i reinstall mac os x without erasing the boot camp patition?
Thank you to reply!

Yes, if you think it's necessary you can hold c and boot off the installer OS X disk for your 10.6 and simply reinstall OS X and bundled programs right over the previous ones without it touching your files or other programs.
However, you should take ANY opportunity to transfer your files off the computer (manually, not via TimeMachine) just in case there is a bigger issue afoot, like a failing hard drive.
You might also want to take a look at the free OnyX, run all the maintainence and cleaning aspects and reboot.
Covers a ton of bases in one place.
http://www.titanium.free.fr/

I get a message of "Could not find installation information for this machine." after trying to Reinstall Mac OS X.

I would like to repartition the Main HD to two Partitions but could not do so and keep on getting an error message of "Could not unmount disc.." so I tried choosing the "Macintosh HD" partition and tried Partitioning it but the option is not available. So to my frustration I tried clicking on "Erase" to see whether doing so would allow me to finally partition my HD but still can't. And now since I erased my Macintosh HD partition I could no longer boot to Lion.
Before doing the above steps I downloaded the Lion Recovery Disc Assistant and created an external Recovery HD using an 8GB flash drive. I used this as startup destination by choosing it as boot destination from pressing Option before startup. I tried using Mac OS X Utilities to Reinstall Mac OS X from the external drive but I only get "Could not find installation information for this machine." message. I also tried booting from the Recovery HD partition on the HD but i also get the same message.
I have a new iMac that came with OS X Lion 10.7.
Anybody have idea how to fix this?

Partitioning on-the-fly may fail if the disk is too fragmented. You cannot run Erase for the internal disk as it contains its system components. The same if trying to run Boot Camp in order to create the Windows partition, it may fail if disk is too fragmented.
If I correctly understand what you want, then you must boot from an external disk, therefore copy Lion to a 4 GB (or higher) flash drive, run the installer, and then choose the option to partition the disk, this is done after rebooting into the installer from the external drive. You cannot do that if the Lion installer is on the internal drive as it cannot erase or repartition itself.
If this fails (did you try this?), then perhaps you can try to create a Lion boot flash or DVD by using a non-Apple app called Lion DiskMaker, when ready restart, after chime press option / alt key, then choose to boot from this newly created boot disk or flash drive. This reportedly works OK (tried with an older version of Lion, not recently, was OK). It is better to work with a flash drive, Lion is not optimized to run from optical media.
WARNING: disregarding the method, you MUST always back up your data when repartitioning or installing / reinstalling.
Hope this helps to solve you issue. Before any attempt, backup, backup, backup.

How to reinstall mac os

hi, i have macbook pro early 2011 with having installed latest OX, i want to format my Hdd and reinstall os again to fix speed issues, can i able to install os free of cost again, or i have to buy it again, please advise me, thanks

Re-downloads under the same Apple ID are free. Just do the following:
Install or Reinstall Mavericks or Mountain Lion from Scratch
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
OS X Mavericks- Erase and reinstall OS X
OS X Mountain Lion- Erase and reinstall OS X
OS X Lion- Erase and reinstall Mac OS X
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible
because it is three times faster than wireless.

I am trying to reinstall Mac OSX, but my computer does not read installation cd

Hello, I am trying to reinstall Mac OSX, but my computer does not read installation cd. After restart, I hold C but either eject cd or doesn't read and computer boots up normally. I even ordered a new pack of installation cd, but still the same problem. Is there anybody can help me fixing this issue, because my Macbook pro has lots of software problem and when I spoke to tech, they said it needs to reformat and reinstall the OSX to solve all my problems. Please help me to reinstall my OSX!

Possible solutions:
You need to hold the c key down before booting
You need to use the built in keyboard, you have other hardware connected
You need the machine specific 10.6.4+ disks for that machine, the retail 10.6.3 disks won't work
There is a firmware password on the machine preventing the at boot key command functions
Try the option key for Startup Manager to boot from the disk, right after the "bong"
Your Superdrive lense is dirty or not operating, other hardware issues
You have malware of some sort

How to reinstall Mac OS X

I am trying to use Boot Camp to get my recently purchased Windows 7 running but I was having issues with it. After doing some research I found out that it's because I need to format my HDD and the easiest free way to do this is to reinstall Mac OS X. So I used time machine to back up my HDD, and I was wondering how I go about reinstalling Mac OS X. My other question is should I use time machine to restore my info before I use Boot Camp or after?
Thanks for all help! =D

The error from Boot Camp means that it cannot find 50 GBs of contiguous space at the end of the drive in which to place the partition.
If it cannot, then the only solution is to defragment the drive. A simple solution if you have an external drive your can use:
1. Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X 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 Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) 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 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.
2. Clone using Restore Option of Disk Utility
1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
4.Check the box labeled Erase destination.
5. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
6. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the external backup drive.
Source means the internal startup drive.
3. *Boot from the external drive*: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION button until the boot manager appears. Select the icon for the external drive then click on the downward pointing arrow button. The computer should boot from the external drive.
4. Restore the Clone
1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
4.Check the box labeled Erase destination.
5. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
6. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Source means the external backup drive.
Destination means the internal startup drive.
Shut down the computer, disconnect the external drive, then restart. The computer will start from the internal drive with your old system all intact and the hard will be defragmented. Boot Camp Assistant should be able to make the 50 GB partition you want.

Wanted to restore macbook but cannot reinstall mac osx lion, any help?

tried to reinstall mac os x lion after buying a 2009 macbook air from someone. just wanted to reset the machine to factory settings, but everytime i try the screen says it is temporarily unavailable. anyway to help this problem?

Hi tonysaez,
I apologize, I'm a bit unclear exactly when or in what context you are seeing the "temporarily unavailable" message. If you are having issues restoring your Mac to factory settings, you may find the steps outlined in the following articles helpful:
OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support
OS X: How to erase and install - Apple Support
What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support
Regards,
- Brenden

Can't reinstall Mac OS

Hi there
I am having a major nightmare that is just getting worse. I am an experienced Windows user and made the jump to Mac with a 27 iMac w/ 3TB Fusion Drive. A faulty RAM issue damaged my Mac OS X partition to the point that even the repair in DU cannot fix it. Ironically, the Bootcamp partition worked fine. After recovering the files I needed (by installing OS X on an external HDD and booting from that), I have decided to reinstall OS X. However, I have encountered more problems!
Within DU (boot and OS X version), I cannot erase the corrupted Macintosh HD partition. I can create a new partition, but it doesn't seem to save it once I leave that screen. When I go to 'Reinstall Mac OS X', the only drive I can install to is 'Recovery HD' which is locked. I appreciate that Apple should be sorting this out, but I work 6 days a week and would rather sort it myself if I can. I should note that I have since erased the Boot Camp partition so I can see empty space, but can't use it!
Please can someone help? I am happy to provide any more information should it be required
I have added a screenshot below to show what I mean...
Message was edited by: mdc92

What you need for Mavericks, OS X 10.9: Apple Support Communities
See if this helps be sure to pay special attention to the External Drive section.
And a special thanks to a brody.

Unable to Reboot After Software Update - Unable to Reinstall Mac OS 10.4.10

Hello,
I just bought a Macmini 9 months ago, and I believe I may need to either erase the HD to reinstall the original Mac OS (10.4.10) or else replace it. However, I am not familiar with Mac and don't know how to reformat the disk. Can anyone help?
Each time there is a software update, I experience problems starting up from the HD. After the last update a few days ago, I am unable to start up from the HD at all. I tried using the original install CD 1 to reinstall Mac OS 10.4.10 with archiving. However, I received an error saying "unable to install because there is a newer version already installed." Therefore, I tried to start up from the HD again by pressing Option key at startup, but the Macmini continously turned off by itself without rebooting. I tried reinstalling Mac OS with the erase option, but it failed. After that, the Mac OS install CD1 only gives me the option to reinstall additional applications, but when I select continue, there is not HD shown to install the applications.
Disk Utility First Aid on CD1 was unable to repair the disk. I received the following messages: "Invalid sibling link", "Volume check failed", "The underlying task reported failure on exit", "1 HFS volume checked", "1 volume could not be repaired because of an error."
At the bottom of the page under Disk Utility, the following information about the disk is available. Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled); Capacity: 111.5 GB (119,690,149,888 Bytes); Available: - ; Used: - ; Number of Files: - ; Owners Enabled: - ; Number of Folders: - .
System Profiler is able to identify type, disk identifier, file system, etc. It shows the volume supports journaling, but is not journaled.
Scan Image for Restore shows Library_Preferences (Empty), and Root applications are all grayed out.
I performed the Apple Hardware Test (ver 3A129) by pressing D at startup. The test ran for 5 minutes and 6 seconds. It reported "No trouble found".
It seems the HD is empty, but the install CD is not offering any options to reinstall the OS, only the additional applications. I believe it is a partition error, but I am not familiar with Mac and hesitate to proceed any further.
How do I reformat the disk so that I can reinstall the original Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5?
Your help is sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

Good news!
The usual reason why updates fail or mess things up, is if Permissions are not fixed before & after every update, with a reboot... you may get a partial update when the installer finds it doesn't have Permissions to change one obscure little part of the OS, leaving you with a mix of OS versions.
Some people get away without Repairing Permissions for years, some for only days.
If Permissions are wrong before applying an update, you could get mixed OS versions, if Directory is the slightest messed up, who knows!
If many Permission are repaired, or any Directory errors are found, you may need to re-apply some the latest/biggest updates.
I only use Software Update to see what is needed, then get them for real via...
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/
That way I can wait a week or so, check the forums for potential problems, and get Permissions & such in order before installing.

Problem reinstalling Mac OSX 10.5

I am having a problem with reinstalling Mac OSX 10.5 after putting in the disc to do it everything was fine it asks what language I want and then it tells me that it can not be installed on this computer. I am trying to install it on a MacBook bought last year it is an intel machine and I have always kept up on the system updates. I don't want to take it in to a store more because I am stationed in Japan and getting it to a store requires more work than it is worth. If there is any advice on what to do I would greatly appreciate it.

You need the original grey system discs for each Mac model you own, not just to be able to reinstall the OS but also to reinstall the model's bundled retail application software (like iLife, if included) & to run the very model-specific Apple Hardware Test it contains if that is ever required.
The retail Leopard discs do not include either of these capabilities, so unless you are desperate to get Leopard reinstalled on the MacBook, you should try hard to find the original MacBook system discs. Failing that, you can contact AppleCare & request a replacement disc set. Generally speaking, Apple will ship one to you for a nominal replacement cost if you can show that you own that model by providing its serial number or other proof of purchase information.
Regarding installing Vista or Windows XP, both the retail Leopard & system discs include Boot Camp, which includes a convenient utility to format the hard disk for dual booting. While complicated, this can be done without that utility but you still need the hardware drivers the disc contains to get the full use of the Mac's hardware when running Windows. I have no idea if say an iMac's system discs have the Windows hardware drivers that also support a MacBook or if this too is model-specific, so on that you are on your own.

How do I reinstall mac os 10.7, if I don't have a backup?

I had to reinstall mac os 10.6 to my macbook, which was running mac os 10.7 before, coz, all of a sudden, it could not be booted. Now I would like to know, how I can reinstall mac os 10.7. which I bought in the app store. It doesn't work from my backup medium. Do I have to buy it again on a DVD?

The Mac App Store was released with 10.6.6. It is most certainly on 10.6.8.
The Mac App Store has nothing to do with iTunes. You access the Mac App Store from the Apple menu:
You don't need an install disk inserted for the Recovery HD or Internet Recovery.
If your Mac came with Snow Leopard installed, then it likely doesn't have internet recovery. There were EFI firmware updates that enabled the recent ones to have internet recovery. So, if that is working (ie you get to the internet recovery screen holding down cmd-R), but your wireless password doesn't work, then disable you wireless password for the moment.
Or, is it your AppleID password that doesn't work?

I deleted Mac Os hard drive partition during bootcamp windows 8 installer. Now i can't reinstall Mac Os

I just reinstalled Mac OS (mountain lion) and installed windows 8 via Bootcamp. During the install I accidently deleted the partition where i installed MAC os on.
Now i just can't install Mac OS, i run windows fine. I been searing the web for a solution, but nothing seems to work for me.
I've tried to make a partition in disk manager in windows (once with NTFS, and also in FAT32 format), then i reboot my computer and hold the command key, go into revocery and press reinstall, but I cant choose any of the discs who appears. I tried to delete the diffrent partitions in disk utility in the recovery. But the system just gives me an error, and woun't allow me to delete any of them. I still got my partition with Mac Os Mountain Lion install on (the recovery) on, but how do i get it installed again? I also tried to press the command + r button and do it through the web, but without any luck.
I've tried this topic https://discussions.apple.com/message/17703007#17703007 , but dosent work!
Really hope someone can help me, since i haven't found a topic who solved this for me.

You can't install OSX on a Fat or NTFS formatted partition. OSX needs HFS+.
Boot to recovery, erase your disk, reinstall OSX and then redo Windows.
Read the Boot Camp directions (available on page 1 of Boot Camp Assistant)

After reinstalling MAC OS 10.6.8, config the permissions to read/write/no access, my MacMini [mid 2010] refuses to reboot. I tried to reboot in safe mode with fsck, but after the steps to be taken, it says fscs not done, root device is read only

After reinstalling MAC OS 10.6.8, I config the permissions to read/write/no access, my MacMini [mid 2010] refuses to reboot. I tried to reboot in safe mode with Command+S and fsck, but after the steps to be taken, it says fscs not done, root device is read only. I also tried to bypass the Mac firmware password by taking one Ram card out and reboot the macmini while holding COMMAND+OPTION+P+R. But no luck. The macmini is not able to see the mac OSX installation CD.
Please help ??

f.fromleiden wrote:
After reinstalling MAC OS 10.6.8, I config the permissions to read/write/no access, my MacMini [mid 2010] refuses to reboot.
How and where did you change which permissions? And what was the goal?
Do you have a complete backup of your system? and more importantly data files?
What happened that prompted the need to reinstall the 10.6.8 update?
The immediate road forward would be to boot from the optical drive and revert the changes you made.
What happens when you boot with the install cd and hold down C or hold down the option key?
[Off topic: I've been to Leiden a few times ]

I cannot able able to start my macbook and then i started my mac in a recovery mode now mac os X utility window opens with 4 options 1. Restore From Time Machine Backup 2. Reinstall Mac OSX 3. Get Help Online 4. Disk Utility if i try to restore my mac wit

i cannot able able to start my macbook and then i started my mac in a recovery mode now mac os X utility window opens with 4 options 1. Restore From Time Machine Backup 2. Reinstall Mac OSX 3. Get Help Online 4. Disk Utility if i try to restore my mac with time machine no option appears if i reinstall from Mac OSX error comes and cannot able to recover from disk utility please help how can i reinstall mac OSX

Guitar21,
your MacBook Pro has booted into its Recovery mode. From the OS X Utilities menu, select Disk Utility. On the left-hand side of the Disk Utility window, select your internal disk’s boot partition (typically called “Macintosh HD”). On the right-hand side, press the Verify Disk button if it’s not greyed out; if it is greyed out, or if it reports that errors were found, press the Repair Disk button. Once the verification/repair is completed, exit Disk Utility and select Restart from the Apple menu to restart in normal mode. Does it get to the login screen now?

How do I reinstall mac os x 10.5.8 without a full install dvd?

I am needing to reinstall Mac OSX 10.5.8 but don't have the original disk the macbook came with. I have tried using a Snow Leopard full install DVD but I keep getting the error message of "OS X cannot be install on this macbook" (paraphrased). I have tried resetting the PRAM and NVRAM but still nothing.
Any one know how to do this?

Using a Snow Leopard install package will not re-install Leopard.
If you tried using a Snow Leopard install package to install Snow Leopard that shipped with a new Mac purchase, the OS X install package that ships with a new Mac purchase is model specific.
Contact Apple or AppleCare to request a replacement Leopard install package that shipped with your Mac when new.

ReInstalling Mac OS X Issues

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