Trouble With installing Snow Leopard on my 4 year old Macbook

I'm trying to install Snow Leopard to my 4 year old Macbook stuck on 10.5.8, but it keeps saying "The application 'Install Mac OS X' cannot be used from this volume." I've tried almost everything to solve this, but I can't find anything at really helps my situation. I've looked on some of these discussions, and they haven't really helped much. My Macbook has a: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, and is stuck on OS X 10.5.8. Please give me your input and help

Are you using a Retail version of Snow Leopard that looks like this?
Or gray discs that look like this?
The gray discs are machine specific and will only work with the MacBooks that they were shipped with.

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Need HELP with installing snow leopard!!

I am trying to install snow leopard on my one year old iMac. Install is successful. Restate works. But then I get the spinning wheel with a blank screen. No dock...no hard drive icon...nothing. I reminded from the disc twice and still the same thing. Help!!! Need suggestions.

Before you go off and buy anything I suspect your machine came with Leopard on it (V10.5.x) and you bought your machine during the transition time where Snow Leopard (10.6.x) just came out and Apple was giving upgrades to customers buying during the transition. If that is the case your machine should work fine with the 10.6.x disc you were provided. You should have received a 10.5.x and 10.6.x disc if that is the case, you can easily tell by looking at the media.
Click on the Apple symbol in the upper left of your screen and see what version of OS X is loaded on your system. If it's 10.5.x then you know you're on Leopard. If you want to upgrade to Snow Leopard there are some things every user should do prior to upgrading. First is BACKUP your system either using Time Machine or create a clone using SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner. A backup is the #1 priority.
Next then you can simply pop the Snow Leopard 10.6.x disc in your computer and follow the on-screen instructions. If for some reason it doesn't work then contact Apple.

I would like to install snow leopard instead of lion on latest macbook pro MD318 (oct.2011) Does anyone know if this is possible? If so, will I have to use install-disks of previous model (eg. MC721) or will retail-disks serve?

Experiencing serious problems with lion, I would like to install snow leopard instead of lion on latest macbook pro MD318 (oct.2011) Does anyone know if this is possible? If so, please tell me how. Will I have to use install-disks of previous model (eg. MC721) ? Or will retail-disks serve?
Thanks steph

Snow Leopard is currently running on this MBP 15", late 2011 model, due to my need to run an old version of FileMaker.
A retail disk with 10.6.3 did not work, I restored my previous Snow Leopard install with Disk Utility.
However, it is not the shipped software and is not officially supported on this Mac. Therefore, your advice to troubleshoot Lion is the best option.

Installing Snow Leopard 10.6.3 on my MacBook

I installed Snow Leopard 10.6.3 on my MacBook using the installation disk, and followed the instructions. The software seemed to install, the computer rebooted, but when I checked info, it tells me I still have v10.5.8. How do I get v10.6.3 to install?

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:
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.
C. Important: Please read before installing:
1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. 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:
      1. Insert OS X 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.
      6. Follow instructions.
E. If updating:
1. Download and install update(s)
2. Use Software Update, or
3. Download standalone updater(s).

How do I install snow leopard on a 2.1 ghz macbook with 10.5.8 Leopard installed? I have a 10.6.2 unstall disk. It says it can't install snow leopard on this computer.

How do I install Snow Leopard on my Macbook 2.1 ghz, with 10.5.8 Leopard installed?
I have the install disk for Snow Leopard 10.6.2, but when using it for installation, it
states that "Snow Leopard cannot be installed on this computer"!
I understand some features of iOS5 cannot be used unless my iMac and Macbook have
10.7 Lion installed. Correct?

It sounds like your Snow Leopard install disk is the disk that came with another model of Mac (grey lable with no pictures). If so, that's not legal and won't work. You need a retail (white label with the picture of a snow leopard) copy of the installer for each system that didn't come with Snow Leopard.
Regards.

Problem with installing snow leopard 10.6.3... :(

Hi everybody
I wanted to install snow leopard 10.6.3. After loading first, I format hard drive and and installing first, it fell in a loop! in each loop, you should install mac os x! and I can't eject DVD. please help me!

Are you using a retail version of the 10.6 DVD?
And what procedure did you select before formatting the drive? I just wonder if you were already booted into a previous version of OS X and then selected to run the 10.6 automatic installer (double-click the Install Mac OS X icon on the install DVD).
To eject the DVD you could turn off the Mac and then turn back on again and hold the mouse button or the Eject button on the keyboard.

Cannot install Snow Leopard on a new HD in MacBook

I have an older white MacBook that I want to install Snow Leopard onto again. I swapped the existing harddrive back to the original one I received from Apple when the MacBook was purchased. Before putting the hd into the MacBook I made sure to partition and format with Mac Journaled.
During startup I put the Snow Leopard disc and press C to boot from disc. Slowly but eventually, the Snow Leopard process begins. My MacBook cannot seem to detect the HD that is in the machine... When I run Disk Utility, it does not populate but the DVD drive with the Snow Leopard disc is found.
Any suggestions?

What you are saying boils down to the MacBook is not recognizing the HD now installed in it. (Regardless of the formatting, Disk Utility should at least list the drive if it is communicating with the MB's hardware.)
Open the MB & make sure the HD is installed correctly, if necessary by removing it & reseating it, making sure connectors are fully mated, nothing is interfering with its fit into the space for it, etc. Close everything up & restart it, listening for any sounds that indicate the HD is spinning up. If not, it may have been damaged. You can also run the Apple Hardware Test from your original grey system disc set (see the label of the disc for instructions about how to do that if necessary) & see if it detects any hardware problems. If so, make a note of the error code & report that.

I have installed snow leopard 10.6.8 on my macbook, i got a problem that every time i want to save or put something on desktop it, says you dont have permisson why is this, also my dock want stay the same everytime i start up it defaults back?

i have installed snow leopard 10.6.3 on to my macbook which was currently 10.4.11, i wanted to do this so i can run Final Cut Pro 10 which needs 10.6.8 or higher. so i updated the snow leopard to 10.6.8 installed final cut pro ok. the problem i got is else where i cant save on put anything on desktop, it says i dont have permisson, and when i try and click on my documents same again. also i adjusted my dock to smaller added a few applications onto it, but every time i restart the laptop it defaults back why is this?!! so annoying. i had a look at my disk utilites and i have still got 10.4.11 on my Macintosh i can switch too? i installed the snow leopard 10.6.3 on my Data Disk. can anyone help me out why i am getting these problems and what i need to do to solve it?

disk0s2: I/O error.
disk0s2: I/O error.
The MBP's disk is damaged and requires replacement.
Genius Bar Reservations: http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

HT1338 How do i get mountain lion when my system is pre snow leopard? Maybe 4 years old??

Cant get my mac to update, or it cant find any OS X updates. The system is old, pre snow leopard i think

Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, and/or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard — Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
     Snow Leopard General Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
       2. 1GB of memory
       3. 5GB of available disk space
       4. DVD drive for installation
       5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
           fees may apply.
       6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and
           terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service — this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
     Lion System Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
           or Xeon processor
       2. 2GB of memory
       3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
       4. 7GB of available space
       5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
     OS X Mountain Lion — System Requirements
       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 7,1 or later
         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) —
             Model Identifier 5,1 or later
         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 2,1 or later
         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         7. Xserve (Early 2009) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Are my applications compatible?
         See App Compatibility Table — RoaringApps.
     For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion.

Trouble with Update snow leopard 10.6.8 and 10.6.7

Hi,
Since one week, I have trouble with snow leopard.
My child has shut down our imac roughly with the on/off button. So after the restart and before the blue screen the display
is frozen with crazy pixel. I have to look for information for a week, tried all the reset (alt cmd P R , reset smc, safe mode etc ...)
After that I' installed all the OSX snow leopard with the DVD with the 10.6 version
This version is ok and the imac works fine but if I'upgrade this version to 10.6.8 with the combo package
I have the same problem : the display is frozen with crazy pixels
And If I' upgrade with the combo package 10.6.7 somme windows are grey and the menu is grey, the apple menu is black
The fonts are bad.
Before all these installation, I perfromed a smc reset, four times nvram reset, erase hard drive and after
that installation of snow leopard.
The Safe Mode works. Hardware test is OK . disk is Ok ( I used the disk utility),permission is OK
Do you have a solution
Thanks

Hello,
Are you using software Update or getting it directly?
Try re-installing the big 10.6.8 Combo...
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399
Repair Permissions afterwords, reboot.
If that doesn't do it, it sounds like a video card problem, have you blown the dust out lately?
Boot off your *original* Install Disk while holding down the *d key*, (not c key), then run the extended Apple Hardware Test. Some disks require you to use the Option key at bootup to select AHT. Some Discs have it inexplicably on Disc #2.

Install Snow Leopard over brand new Lion based MacBook Pro

Dear Forum.
This is actually a hardware question plz this is not a meant as a discussion whether Lion beats Snow Leopard etc.
Plenty of threads around communities tells how to install 10.6.8 over 10.7 But there is a warning sign!!! :
I have a brand new top-of-the-line MacBook Pro (shipped with 10.7.2) and for some reason it won´t even start from a 10.6.8 DVD
I was thinkin´ go scratch the 750 GB HDD at one of my other Macs, but for some reason I´m afraid that Apple now have bugged the HW so it won´t be able to install 10.6.8 no matter how sofisticated changes are made??
Anyone knows or have any experience??
With love from Denmark, Thanks everyone for reading this

so it won´t be able to install 10.6.8 no matter how sofisticated changes are made??
Read here > Don't install a version of Mac OS X earlier than what came with your Mac

Install Snow Leopard on new partition (on new MacBook Pro)

I need to install OS X 10.6 on my new MacBook (10.8.2) because older programs won't work on my new machines.
I've successfully created a new partition. However when I hold down option button on startup I only see original partition and Recovery-10.8.2 but not the new partition. How on earth does one install an older version of OS X on a new machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. It does. The newer Mac OS X versions contain the drivers for older supported machines. The older OSes don't contain the drivers for newer computers, as those didn't exist when the older OS came out.
2. Restart the computer with the Option, Command, and R keys held down, open the installer, and specify the new partition as the destination.
(111896)

2004 Macbook, Can I install Snow Leopard or is it too old?

I inherited a macbook in 2004 from my brother who passed away.. I don't have much information on it nor do i have the manual. it is a 60 GB which is pretty filled up. I just bought an ipod shuffle and it needs itunes 10.1. I tried to download it, but i now need snow leopard for that! I am afraid to purchase Snow Leopard if it will not work. Any Suggestions?

Yes. Click here for the complete requirements.
(56391)

Installing 10.6 on my 5 year old Macbook Pro

I am not sure exactly how to back up all of my items from my hard drive, as there are probably some items on it that I use, but don't know exactly where it is stored.
The reason why I mention this is I want to upgrade from 10.5.8 to 10.6. Is it as simple as putting in the disk, and just following the instructions? I don't want to do an erase and install, but I do want everything 10.6 has to offer, including the newer version of iLife etc....
Can someone please recommend or advise how to install 10.6 on my Macbook Pro including how to back up everything to an external hard drive.
If I don't back it up, I know there is a risk but I am sure this is relatively unlikely something will go wrong, right?
Or, does installing 10.6 just wipe everything on the hard drive anyway?
Any help appreciated,
(PS the OS as it states on my profile is for my wifes new Macbook!)
Thanks, Ian

Snow Leopard does not come with iLife. That is a separate program. It comes bundled with new Macs, but has never been part of the OS.
The Mac Box Set is a retail version of Snow Leopard that is prebundled with iLife. There are Snow Leopard installers only prebundled with iTunes. iLife was partially bundled with previous operating systems as outlined below:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1490798&tstart=0
You don't need to buy the Mac Box Set, unless you find the iLife applications already installed on your Mac are not compatible with Snow Leopard, or you don't have the original installation discs for the iLife on your Mac. If that's the case, contact the original owner of your machine for those discs, or AppleCare if it is a recent Mac you bought from Apple or an authorized reseller. The prebundled discs are not for sellers of Macs to keep for themselves. They should call AppleCare for you if they weren't Apple Authorized resellers in the first place.

Trying to deal with a recurrent problem regarding my one year old Macbook Pro

I have restored my hard drive three times and already took my Macbook Pro to a check up where it got supposedly repaired... What should I do? I don't download anything odd and I haven't the slightest idea of what's going on... Help would be appreciated.
But really, I freak out everytime it stops turning on and today it shut down on its own, those error reports aren't getting me any help either and I am a clueless sixteen year old girl that had less issues with her 2007 Windows... Or maybe I'm just freaking out and get too scared because this thing cost me and my parents quite a lot.
So, explain this to me like am 5.

AkiraScrolls wrote: I have restored my hard drive three times and already took my Macbook Pro to a check up where it got supposedly repaired... What should I do?
Take the computer right back to the repair shop for them to fix it like they should have done in the first place. You should have gotten a case number. You should not be charged for the repair work under the same case number. Were the original repairs done under warranty? Do you have Apple Care? If yes to the above, call Apple Care and explain the situation to them. Or Call Apple Customer Relations (1-800) 275-2273. Wait for a human to come on the line and ask politely and firmly that you want to be transferred over to the Customer Relations department.

Trouble With installing Snow Leopard on my 4 year old Macbook

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