Unable to install Snow Leopard

I hope one of you has a solution for this strange problem. First off, this is for installation on a Macbook Pro Core Duo 1.83 with 2 GB RAM and 120 GB HD.
_The Problem_
I can install and update Leopard no problem on this machine. However, when I try to install snow leopard the installation will never finish. I do not receive a message, the computer just suddenly shuts down. Now, I know some people have had the problem that the screen just kind of dims and the machine seems like it's off, but it is definitely off.
I have ruled out:
Disk Drive: I thought it was the disk drive but I get the same issue installing from an external.
RAM: Tried known-to-be-good RAM. Nothing
Hard Drive. I installed SN on this hard drive once by putting it into an external drive. It ran fine.
Additional info:
When I installed SL on the HD in an external, I had no problems. I ran it through a different computer, however. But when I put that HD into the computer it would not complete updates. I was running 10.6.2 and tried to update to 10.6.4 but it would shut down during the update. Snow Leopard did run fine otherwise and had no problems installing iLife.
I should also add that this is not the first time I had SL on the machine. It was my regular machine before I got the computer in my sig. When I installed SL then, I had the same problem but was able to install it by running the disk from my iMac (which I no longer have) with the computer in target disk mode.
Could it be the disk? I've tried it on other computers to test it out and it works ok. I just can't work out why Snow Leopard is causing such problems for this machine.

Sorry about that. I clarified a bit further in the post. When I installed it and ran it through an external HD that was on a different computer. I don't know why I didn't run it through the laptop. Bit sloppy of me. I think at the time I thought that the problem was with the HD. Now I'm just puzzled. After spending the day trying to get SL installed, I just installed Leopard, ran the updates, and everything is fine. Is is possible that this is a bum disk? I installs ok on other computers...
I just wanted to add that I appreciate your help!

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TS3626 Mac os x 10.4.11 unable to install snow leopard

I couldn't install osx snow leopard family pack in to my Mac osx 10.4.11?? I've tried many times. It's start installing aswell but after 10 to 15 minutes it's stops with the error says couldn't install on your computer.. The installer could not copy the necessary files.click restart to restart your computer and try installing again.
I have a intel core 2 duo processor, speed 2ghz memory 1 gb..
Please help me solve this problem.

I suggest the following:
How to Install OS X Updates Successfully
A. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions:
Boot from your current Tiger 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:
Boot From The Snow Leopard 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.
When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the installer. Install Snow Leopard.
E. For updating:
Download and install update(s)
Use Software Update, or
Download standalone updater(s).

Unable to install Snow Leopard via disk or USB drive

I have a white MacBook bought in the summer of 2008. A few weeks ago, I attempted to install Snow Leopard and got a disk error (the one where it tells you to clean the disk and start again). I returned the disk, got a replacement, tried again and got the same message. At that point, I called Apple, and the person I talked to concluded that the problem was my optical drive rather than the disk. The optical drive was replaced a year ago under warranty, and it works fine with everything but Snow Leopard. Then I decided to try to install Snow Leopard from a USB drive instead. Everything worked fine until it was restoring Snow Leopard from the CD to the USB drive (I was doing this through Disk Utility), and I got the message Restore Failure Input/Output Error. I don't know if this means that the disk is screwed up after all or that this is a different version of the same problem with my optical drive. I'm really not sure where to go next. I don't need Snow Leopard, but I'd like to be able to update, and I'm not sure what my next step is. My MacBook is my only computer, and I am reluctant to leave it for several days to have the optical drive fixed yet again, if, in fact, that's the problem. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Understood that you don't want to leave your Mac for several days to have it fixed, but ultimately this is something you probably will need to do unless you are willing to buy an external optical drive.
The failure error message probably means the optical drive is defective, although there is some small chance you got two defective DVD's in a row. If you have an Apple Store in your area, take the MacBook & the DVD in & ask them to check both. They should be willing to help you install Snow Leopard by an alternate method even if your optical drive is the problem.

Unable to install Snow Leopard "Not Interchangeable"

I have attempted to install Snow Leopard twice so far, both times unsuccessful.
What is happening is it installs for about 10-15 mins and then wants to restart the the computer. fine. Once it comes back up, it has me select a language, then it searches for a disk to install the new program... Once it finally recognizes my Hard Drive (after about 10 more mins) I can select my hard drive and click "install". it them immediately tells me that the disk(Snow Leopard) is not "Interchangeable (or maybe 'Not Changeable')". I am not too sure what that means... If anyone has had the same issue, please advise.
Thanks, Ryan

EDIT: I have tried it again, and it seems like the initial install crashes and restarts my computer. Once it restarts, it acts like it wants to start the install again, and it is not allowed.

I am unable to install Snow Leopard on a MacBook Pro

Hi
I am unable to update to Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro. I have 2 GB of RAM. When I boot from the install disc I get an error message that this OS cannot be installed on this machine. Sorry, I don't have the error verbatim.
Am I missing something in the system requirements?
Is there another OS I need to install prior to installing SL?
Thanks
Andrew

Not impossible, but not likely, either.
I don't know why people keep telling me that what I saw couldn't have happened or is very unlikely. Whatever.
There are not many third party applications that can interfere with this, although maybe there are a few hacks & system 'enhancers' that could.
Little Snitch is not something that most people would call a "hack", and lots of people use it. I meant to quit it, and any other third-party background processes, but forgot. Shortly after I started the Snow Leopard installation, I _saw it block a connection attempt_ by the installer. I allowed the connection, but nonetheless something went wrong. When everything completed and my machine restarted, I still had 10.5.8... absolutely nothing had changed. (I'm not complaining about the "nothing changed" part... I could have ended up with a destroyed system and I didn't.)
I rebooted from the SL disk, repeated the installation and everything went fine.
Moral of the story? Do your system installs in the most controlled environment possible, which means rebooting from the disk.

Unable to install snow leopard 10.6.3

Hi
My iMac is more than 6 years old. The version is 10.5.8
With this version, I am unable to sync my itunes with the the latest iphone and hence I have to upgrade my iMac OS now. I bought the snow leopard 10.6.3 dvd but I cannot seem to start the installation process. The screen for the installation appears but when I click install, the icon appears at the bottom of the screen and then disappears. Sometimes, the entire screen flashes also. Please help!
Regards,
Sarah

So you are on 10.5.8 ... and not 10.5.3 as per your profile.   Please confirm.
If you are on 10.5.3, download and apply the Combo update below. Then try software update.
Mac OS X 10.5.8 Combo Update
Many people on these forums speak well of the following suppliers.
OWC …        Upgrade Apple iMac Memory
Crucial.com …       RAM Memory Upgrade
Both companies have facilities to guide you and will recommend the correct memory package to meet whatever needs you describe to them.
There may be benefits buying from whichever of these companie are in your own geographical location insofar as Shipping charges, Local sales taxes and Exchange rates. Check out the basic memory costs and do your sums.
Guide to required RAM.    Lookup Mac Specs By Serial Number, Order, Model & EMC Number, Model ID @ EveryMac.com

Unable to install Snow Leopard on my MacBook

Hi all, new Mac user here.
I had a Macbook 1.83Ghz given to me recently that still has Tiger installed. I upped the RAM to 2GB so I thought I was ready for SL. Everything I've been told and read said it works to go from Tiger to SL if you do it as a clean install but I can't get there. Here's what I've tried:
I'm pretty sure the optical drive is shot so I've been using an external one. With the MB running I install the SL disc. I click on "Install Mac OS X" and get the next window on which the only option is restart. I click on that and the MB restarts. Unfortunately that's all it does. All I get on restart is a gray screen, then the same gray screen with a folder/question mark, then the gray screen again. That's all it does until it eventually starts up on Tiger.
I then tried booting from the disc by holding down the Option key while starting but the OS X disc never comes up as an option. The only thing that comes up as an option that way is the HD.
Does this sound like a hardware problem or is it possible the install disc is bad? I'm completely stumped. I browsed through the forums here and it seems others have had the same issue but I couldn't find any resolutions. One of the threads suggested a Smart utility to check the disk, I ran that and it checks out fine.
Anyone have any ideas?
Message was edited by: mikhu

covey.john wrote:
We are not breaking any laws by discussing issues online, and I'm reasonably certain Apple attorneys have better things to do than censorship circa 1984. While I appreciate your legal opinion, you seem to have missed the entire point of the question. Issue spotting, Rule, analysis and conclusion are first year law students tools, but they must read the question carefully. Is there a way to install the disk, assuming the disk is hypothetical. Again, why are you attempting censor my question and digress into a legal argument...that is a rhetorical question, not posting a rehash of your speculative factual assertion will will be **** decent of you. Some of us just love knowledge, and would never consider actually crossing over to the dark side, more like turning a light on to look around. Good day sir.
You're right, we're not breaking any law discussing it online. But even if you could use your iMac disc to install SL on your MacBook (which, like stedman1 said, cannot be done) it would technically be breaking the law, and for someone who loves knowledge, you should be open to hearing that, even if you did already know.
I didn't come here for an argument. I gave you the answer and you chose to deny it for whatever reason. Heck, go download Snow Leopard from somewhere for all I care, it's your choice, and I'm not going to judge you on it, but your iMac disc simply will not work. That's what I was trying to get across in my very first post. You'll need a copy that is designed to work with your MacBook.

MBP Unable to Install Snow Leopard on New Hard Drive

I recently had a hardware failure on a my MBP drive and had to purchase a new one for replacement. I purchased a 320GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue and installed it. I booted from the Snow Leopard disc, and proceeded to do a clean install.
I tried several times, but I continue to receive a "Install Failed" message right as it seems to be completing. I've formatted with Disk Utility from the boot CD as well as via target disk mode. I created a GUID partition, Mac OS Extended Journaled. Didn't work. I also ran Disk Warrior on it via target disk mode. Nothing.
Although it took several hours, I was able to run the Snow Leopard install disc from my MacPro and install it on my MBP with was connected via target disk mode. The install completed successfully, but the MBP will not boot now. I've held the "D" key to force booting from the startup disk, but it either freezes or gives me a kernel panic. Ideas?

From the date you joined the Discussions, (June 2009), I'm wondering if your computer shipped with Leopard (10.5.x) or Snow Leopard (10.6.x)?
If it came with Leopard, you need to boot from the original OS disk(s) that shipped with your computer and do the hard drive install from that version, then do the upgrade.

Unable to install Snow Leopard to a brand new Macbook Pro

I have a new MB Pro that I'm unable to install 10.6.3 onto. This is a machine I got for work, and it has a corporate image on it. I thought I'd be able to create an additional partition on the hard drive and do a fresh install of 10.6.3 on it.
If I just put the disc in and boot, holding down <option>, then I can choose the Mac OS Install Disc. However, after a few minutes, the DVD spins down and the machine just sits there.
If I boot into the existing partition, and run the installer from there, I can point it to the new partition and it starts installing. However, with around 36 minutes left, the machine reboots, and ends up sitting on the grey screen with the Apple logo. Again, I can hear the DVD drive spin down.
I tried this with 10.6.0 discs as well, but since this is a brand new machine I realized that it would probably need 10.6.3. Unfortunately, even that isn't working.
Is it possible that our IT department has done something that would prevent me from booting off of install media?
Thanks for any help...

It sounds like your computer is trying to use the install disk and is having some issues reading it.
Your IT department may have put a firmware password on the computer (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352) but I don't think this is the case as you are able to use the option key to enter the start up manager and select an install disk an start the boot process.
It might be time saving to just ask your IT department if there is something about the computer's setup that prevents you from booting to an Install disk. A basic task that many users want to accomplish requires that ability, repairing the disk with the install disk: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1782
Make sure you are using the original install disk that came with the computer. If you are using the original Mac OS Install disk then check the disk in good lighting for scratches or smudges. A dirty or damaged disk may not respond like it should.
Do you have an original Mac OS X 10.6 Retail Install disk? If so, try using the C key or option key with that disk. It should at least start up using that disk and eventually (1-5 minutes) bring you to the Language Selection screen. If it does then you have dirty or damaged install disk. Try cleaning the disk with a soft, clean, lint-free cotton cloth.
Hope that helps.

MacBook froze; unable to install Snow Leopard again

I've been having small issues with my MacBook going a bit slow and the expose not working every now and then. But the other day it froze completely so I had to force shut it down and start it back up. When I started it back up the laptop stayed on the startup screen (the white screen with the apple) but there was a bar that looked like a status bar of some sort at the bottom of the screen but nothing was changing and it would appear a disappear. So I tried to repair and verify the disk through disk utility. But then I get the message that the volume has invalid B-tree node size. So then I tried to reformat the computer but then every time I go to install it tells me that the contents of the disk can't be changed and Mac OS X couldn't be installed.
Now, I'm not computer science major or anything so I don't know if this means a software problem or hardware problem. but I have a feeling it is software. But again I have NO idea. I would really appreciate any help with y problem!

Yeah I rebooted for the install disk to repair. When I click on Verify Disk it shows this in the details box:
"Verifying Volume Macintosh HD
Checking Journaled HFS Plus Volume.
The volume could not be verified completely.
Error: This disk needs to e repaired. click Repair Disk."
and then I get the message saying:
"Disk Utility stopped verifying Macintosh HD
This disk needs to be repaired. Click Repair Disk."
So when I click on Repair Disk, it says this in the details box:
"Verify and Repair volume Macintosh HD
Checking Journaled HFS Plus volume.
Invalid B-tree node size.
The volume could not be verified completely.
Volume repair complete.
Updating boot support partitions for the volume as required.
Error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk...disk, and restore you backed-up files."
and then I get the message saying:
"Disk Utility stopped repairing Macintosh HD
Disk Utility can't repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible reformat the disk, and restore your baked-up files."
When I tried to reformat I just started the computer up from the Mac OS X again. I pressed alt to choose to start up from the install disk and I followed the directions to reinstall the system. When I did so a yellow triangle appeared nxt to the disk and I got this message:
"The contents of this disk can't be changed.
Mac OS X couldn't be installed on this disk."

Unable to install snow leopard (update from Tiger)

Yeah, I know, it's not exactly an original thread title. I'm running 10.4.11 on a Macbook. As far as I know I meet all the requirements except that I don't think I'll be able to benefit from OpenCL. Anyway, I got the yellow caution icon and a message saying I need to run disk utility and do a GUID partition but I'll lose all data. I don't have a backup so that's not a good option for me. I thought I saw a thread somewhere describing this problem at one of the other Mac sites but I can't seem to find it. Can anyone assist?
Message was edited by: Victor Foster

Not my intention to start so much consternation. I was just venting my disappointment. Actually, If I were to back up everything, I'd need at least 100 gigs of space, which leaves me 60 gigs. That might be a bit much for DVDs, etc. No worries. It may take me a month or two but I'll eventually get an external drive. That's been on my list of need to do for far too long anyway. I know how it is to lose everything as that happened to me not long ago. If I were to be selective, I could probably get away with just backing up about 60 gigs. but the conventional wisdom seems to be you need at least one half more space than what you back up, right? So I need a 200-250 gig external drive, I think. I also need a backup scenario for my Linux and Windows boxes but I want to start with the Mac since it's my primary machine. I'm just frustrated I've been unemployed so long but I'm not alone in that I'm sure, Well I guess that's it for now.
Message was edited by: Victor Foster

Can't install Snow Leopard on MacBook Pro - DVD won't mount

I am unable to install Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro as the DVD won't mount. This is an early 2008 vintage MacBook Pro, intel core duo...
I'm using a OS X Snow Leopard install DVD (family licensed). This DVD has been used to install 3 other Macs in my house without a problem (about a year ago), but cannot be used to upgrade my MBP. Actually, this disk mounted on the MBP exactly once - inserted with system up, the disk mounted. Upon running the installed (a year ago), the computer restarted but hung in boot. After getting the disk ejected and the computer restarted, the disk would never mount again. I've defered upgrade for a year but at this point need to upgrade my MBP at least to Snow Leopard and possibly Lion.
The problem doesn't seem to be with the DVD, since it continues to mount fine in other computers, and in fact a borrowed Snow Leopard DVD also will not mount on the MBP.
BUT ... the problem also does not seem to be with the optical drive in my computer, as it can read & mount the install/restore disks that came with the computer as well as other CDs and DVD ROMs. Only the Snow Leopard install DVDs fail to mount.
I've also tried mounting the 10.6 install DVD on my Mac Pro desktop, making it available over the network (ethernet) with DVD/CD sharing. I can mount the remote disk from my MBP that way, but when I launch the installer, the application launches (its own menus are displayed, I can quit from menu, for example) but does nothing -- no windows open, nothing.
I've also tried "Remote Install" (again with the DVD made available with the Remote Install MacOS X application on my desktop), but when I boot the MBP with option held down, the remote disk is not available as a startup disk.
Zapping the PRAM did not help.
Am off to the store to get an optical drive cleaning kit and a blank DVD big enough to burn a new disk image, but would appreciate any further ideas at this point....

Solution that worked: Copy the Install DVD to a USB flash drive and boot from that.
http://www.maciverse.com/install-os-x-snow-leopard-from-usb-flash-drive.html
Up and running with Snow Leopard now and working on the updates.

Cannot install snow leopard in macbook pro early 2011. disk is rejected. what do I do?

Unable to install snow leopard in macbook pro early 2011. When I put in the disk, the computer does not accept it. What can I do?

lord1908,
some Early 2011 MacBook Pros originally came with Snow Leopard installed, and some originally came with Lion installed. If yours originally came with Snow Leopard installed, then you should be able to install Snow Leopard from its model-specific grey Mac OS X Install DVD. (The white retail Snow Leopard DVD can’t be used with it; it was made for use with earlier models, which originally came with either Tiger or Leopard installed.) If yours originally came with Lion installed, then it won’t accept any Snow Leopard DVD; instead, you’d be able to use OS X Internet Recovery to download and install its original version of Lion from Apple’s servers.

I am unable to load webpages after installing snow leopard

I am currently typing this on my iPhone. After installing snow leopard this morning I am unable to connect to either safari or Firefox. Both come up with server errors and will not load the webpages. The Internet is still connected over wifi and I am able to both send and receive emails. I am Oma MacBook running the Internet on an at home wifi connection. Please help!

Why are you posting this in the Mountain Lion forum?

Unable to print on HP J6480 after installing Snow Leopard

After installing Snow Leopard I've been unable to print from my HP J6480. I get an error message saying to check for updates from Apple and the manufacturer. Apple shows no more updates. I've added a printer driver v2.6 from Apple, but that hasn't helped. Had no problems printing before this. Any suggestions?

Never mind. Just went to Hewlett Packard site and the suggestion was to reinstall the printer. I did so and it now works. Of course, the reinstall wiped out other printers I had on there....Adding Snow Leopard has resulted in much more work than I thought it would be!

Unable to install Snow Leopard

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