Upgrade from OS X 10.6.8 to Mountain Lion

Hi, my MacBook has the following specs: 2 GHx Intel Core 2 Duo, with 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, with about 200 GB of available space on my hard drive, running Snow Leopard 10.6.8. I tried to purchase and download Mountain Lion and got a message stating "We could not complete your purchase, OSX Mountain Lion is not compatible with this computer". On another discussion thread, I saw a comment where you can upgrade directly from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion - did I misunderstand this?? Does anyone have any ideas on why I can't upgrade? Any & all help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi, You understood perfectly, but Apple seems a bit secretive as to what is required, & many Macs can't run ML/10.8, but may run Lion/10.7.
(For my money, OSX went really down hill fast after 10.6.8)
Snow Leopard/10.6.x Requirements...
Lion/101.7 System requirements
    •    x86-64 processor (Macs with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, or Xeon processor.)
    •    At least 2GB of memory, (I say 4GB)
    •    Latest version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.8), with the Mac App Store installed
    •    At least 4GB of disk space for downloading, (I say 40GB at least)
Like Snow Leopard, Lion does not support PowerPC-based Macs (e.g., Power Macs, PowerBooks, iBooks, iMacs (G3-G5), eMacs).
Lion also does not support 32-bit Intel Core Duo or Core Solo based Macs. Rosetta is no longer available in Lion, which means Lion no longer supports PowerPC applications.
But you have to call Apple to get Lion/10.7 if it indeed will run it.
Macs that will support OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
As usual, the newer the Mac the better:
    •    MacBook Pro – 13″ from mid 2009 or later, 15″ from late 2007 and newer, 17″ from late 2007 and newer
    •    MacBook Air – late 2008 and newer
    •    iMac – models from mid 2007 and newer
    •    MacBook – 13″ aluminum from 2008, 13″ from 2009 and newer
    •    Mac Mini – early 2009 and newer
    •    Mac Pro – early 2008 models and newer
    •    XServe – early 2009 models and newer
Macs that are NOT expected to support OS X Mountain Lion
Older Macs and those with weaker GPU’s will likely be left behind:
    •    Anything with an Intel GMA 950 or x3100 integrated graphics card
    •    Anything with an ATI Radeon X1600
    •    MacBook models released prior to 2008
    •    Mac Mini released prior to 2007
    •    iMac models released prior to 2007
    •    Original MacBook Air
This list of compatible and incompatible Macs and system requirements are based off of the first OS X Mountain Lion Developer Preview and may be subject to change, we will update when we learn more about the specifics. OS X Mountain Lion will be released this summer but presumably long before that we will know precise system requirements and what Macs are and are not supported by the new version of OS X. Stay tuned.
http://osxdaily.com/2012/02/16/os-x-10-8-mountain-lion-system-requirements/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Mountain_Lion
Your Mac must be one of the following models, according to the Cupertino giant: iMac (Mid 2007 or newer); MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer); MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer); MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer); Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer); Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer).
At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac.
Then click on More Info>Hardware and report this upto but not including the Serial#...
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac7,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 6 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM71.007A.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.21f4

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When upgrading from osx 10.7.4 to osx mountain lion I get the following Alert! This update requires OS X version 10.8.

When upgrading from osx 10.7.4 to osx mountain lion I get the following Alert! This update requires OS X version 10.8.

Sounds like you downloaded the 10.8.1 update instead of the Mountain Lion installer from the Mac App Store.
You have to purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store to get to 10.8

Can I upgrade from snow leopard 10.6.8 to mountain lion? Not sure how old my MacBook is. How can I find that information?

Can I upgrade from snow leopard 10.6.8 to mountain lion on my MacBook?

Choose About this Mac from the Apple menu, click on More Info, and compare the model identifier with MacBook5,1, which is the earliest MacBook that can run Mountain Lion and newer.
A MacBook older than that which has a Core 2 Duo(not Core Duo) or better CPU and at least 2GB of RAM can run Lion 10.7, which is available by clicking here. Neither Mountain Lion nor Lion support PowerPC software such as Microsoft Office 2004.
(122866)

If I upgrade from Snow Leopard 10.6.8 to Mountain Lion, will I lose Microsoft Office and iMovie?

If I upgrade from Snow Leopard 10.6.8 to Mountain Lion, will I lose Microsoft Office and iMovie?

Check to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported.
Application Compatibility

HT1752 How do I upgrade from OS X 10.6.8 to mountain lion

How do I upgrade from OS X 10.6.8 to mountain lion
also need update for iphoto6

Upgrading to Snow Leopard, Lion, 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.
You can purchase Snow Leopard by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service. The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will receive physical media - DVD - by mail.
Third-party sources for Snow Leopard are:
Snow Leopard from Amazon.com
Snow Leopard from eBay
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.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download.
Be sure your computer meets the minimum requirements:
Apple - OS X Mountain Lion - Read the technical specifications.
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
7. Xserve (Early 2009)
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps - App compatibility and feature support for OS X & iOS.
Am I eligible for the free upgrade?
See Apple - Free OS X Mountain Lion upgrade Program.
For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Apple - Upgrade your Mac to OS X Mountain Lion.
Model Eligibility for Snow Leopard and Lion.
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 MobileMe service; fees and terms apply.
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.
iPhoto upgrade can be purchased on the App Store after you upgrade to Mountain Lion.

What are the best practices in upgrading from mac OS 10.5.8 to Mountain Lion?

I what to upgrade two iMac's from 10.5.8 to Mountain Lion. I have the harddrives backedup. I also have Snow Leopard family pac on disc.
I want to know the best way to upgrade and get a clean install of the new OS.

First check that the Macs will run Mountain Lion.
Then install Snow Leopad
Update to 10.6.8 for App Store needed for Mountain Lion
Using App Store purchase, download and install Mountain Lion.
Allan

Upgrading from Snow Leopard (10.6.8) to Mountain Lion

So I purchased Mountain Lion online and received the redeem code from Apple. I've redeemed the download for Mountain Lion but have been having issues trying to even initiate the download. I've gone into system preferences and turned off the computer's sleep mode to prevent the computer from going to sleep during the download. When I click download, the App Store seems to load for a second and then it just goes back to saying download (as if I never pressed the button, or at least that's what it looks like). I have gotten it to start downloading once (as indicated by the icon that appeared in my dock), but about mid-way through it failed and said I had to retry.
I'm upgrading from Snow Leopard (v10.6.8) so I don't have launchpad. I'm also limited in my ability to get fast internet (I have to go to a coffee shop to get decent internet where I live). So I guess a couple questions:
1. Is there a minimum internet speed requirement for downloading Mountain Lion? (If not, I'm willing to wait at the coffee shop even if it takes a while)
2. If it isn't necessarily an internet speed issue, could it possibly be downloading somewhere where I can't see it download? (although I this seems unlikely as I have had the download appear in my dock on at least one occassion)
3. Is there anything else on my end that might be causing issues with the download that anyone can think of? (I've called apple a couple of times already so I just wanna make sure there isn't anything glaring that I might be missing before I try to call them again)
If there is any other info that might help diagnose the situation, let me know and I'll try to describe what's happening on my end
Thanks!

Yeah, that's pretty much what I have (1.5 MBps down and up). The connection isn't consistent though (it drops and reconnects on an inconsistent basis). I guess the problem I'm having is getting the download to even initiate, which has, to my knowledge, only happened once (this morning). I go back to school on Wednesday where I have a 10 MBps down and up connection. Trying to get this done as soon as possible with school starting up again next week to try and make sure everything is up and running smoothly.

How to upgrade from OS X 10.4.11 to mountain lion?

i recently got a macbook and it is quite an old one because its second hand, and it has software version 10.4.11 on it.
i've had troubles downloading things because no programs are built for such old software.
i think the only way to get past this is to upgrade to a newer software version, but i don't know what's best etc, i want mountain lion but i'm not sure wether i could go from such old software to a newer one!
it would be really helpful if someone could help me!

You can upgrade from 10.4 straight to 10.6 with no problems. Any program that runs under 10.4 should run under10.6. See this list for compatibility with 10.6: http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/ You might have to upgrade some drivers for printers, etc....
And you will have to install Rosetta if you have any Power PC applications http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/snow_leopard_installing_rosetta/ I recently upgraded an older MacBook (model 1,1) straight from 10.4 to 10.6.
Once you are at 10.6.8 Lion is still available from Apple. You will have to call Apple Customer Care 1-800-692-7753 or 1-800-676-2775. to purchase it. Then within 3 days you will get an email with a code which you can use to download Lion from the App Store. The price is $19.99.
Lion will require at least 2gb of RAM but really needs 4gb to run smoothly. You can put two 2gb RAM sticks in your model 2,1 but it can only use 3,3gb. This is a hardware limitation and cannot be changed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_GB_barrier
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/faq/macbook-pro-core-2-duo-3-g b-memory-limitation-details.html
OWC tests have found that there is a slight speed increase with having two 2gb sticks in rather than one 1gb and one 2gb. Your model is in the gray lines at the bottom of the graph. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_MacBook/
As for third party programs see this list for compatibility with 10.7 http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
Also Lion doesn't run any Power PC programs. To see if you have any Power PC programs go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up select Applications under Software. Then look under Kind to see if any of your applications are listed as Power PC. Universal and Intel will run under Lion.
Before Mac switched to Intel processors in 2006 they used Power PC processors from 1994 to 2005. Power PC 601 through 604, G3, G4 and G5. Applications written for the Power PC processors need the application called Rosetta to run on Intel processors. This was part of the Operating System in 10.4 and 10.5 but was an optional install in 10.6. With 10.7 Lion Apple dropped all support for Power PC applications.

Can I upgrade from Leopard(OS X 10.5) to Mountain Lion(OS X 10.8)?

I have a 2 1/2 year old iMac still in the box with Leopard pre-installed. How do I get my iMac up to date with Mountain Lion? Is Mountain Lion too much for my iMac's Intel 3.06GHz Core i3 processor and 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM?

No, you don't have to bother with 10.5.8.
When you have installed Snow Leopard, run Software Update to download and install the latest updates for Snow Leopard to bring it up to 10.6.8, or download the combo update from here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399
Check via Software Update whether further updates are required.
You should now see the App Store icon, and you now need to set up your account:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4479
To use iCloud you have to upgrade at least to Lion, but some functions are only available in Mountain Lion:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4759
You can also purchase the code to use to download Lion (Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM, running the latest version of Snow Leopard), or you can purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store - if you can run that:
http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

Problem upgrading from snow leopard 10.6.8 to mountain lion. Damaged partition.

Hi, here's my problem: I can't install ML and I can't go back to SL.
This is the story:
- trying to install ML on my iMac SL 10.6.8 > error: HDD is damaged and can't be repaired.
- trying to start up from original SL install disk to return to the original state > error: the contents of this disk can't be changed
- trying to start up from 'start up disk HD osx 10.6.8' > error: you can't change the start up disk, start up disk couldn't gather enough information.
- trying to start up in safe mode > the grey screen with the apple appears but nothing happens except that the computer runs warm.
- using disk utilities:
     -- first aid: verify disk: error: disc needs to be repaired. Click repair disk. // (but the repair disk button stays grey and can't be clicked.)
     -- restore: when opening the time machine back up there are just files, no disk images or something like that.
     -- erase: error: couldn't unmount the disk. // (probably because you can't erase a partition you are already using).
That about sums it up. All this is leaving me with a useless iMac.
We can't have that, can we?
Please help. Thanks.

Thanks Walter.
I just solved the problem myself. Here's what I did:
I used the 10.6.8 install disk to start the computer, in disk utilities I unmounted the partition with my OS ( HD MacIntosh ). Then I could erase the partition (I have up to date back ups of my files). After that I could install 10.6.8 again. After it is installed completely and I have run the apple software update I expect that installing ML won't be a problem anymore.
I advise anyone encountering the same problems to have a look at the posts in this community concerning the upgrade from snow leapard to lion because the same problems, and a lot of them, occured with this. Which, I think, is a sad thing.
Minus points for Apple.

HT4759 can I upgrade from snow leopard to current version of Mountain Lion on my Mac? So I can use icloud on all devices?

Can I upgrade from Snow Leopard - OS X 10.6 - on my current Mac to Mountain Lion - OS X 10.8.2? Or even up into IOS?

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
As your Mac is running Mac OS X 10.6, first open  > Software Update and install Mac OS X 10.6.8. This update will add the App Store, so open it and try purchasing Mountain Lion. If your Mac is compatible, the computer will start downloading Mountain Lion.
While your Mac is downloading Mountain Lion, you should make a backup of your files. Also, check if your apps are supported > http://www.roaringapps.com
If your Mac isn't compatible with Mountain Lion, see if you can use OS X Lion > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4949 If it's compatible, call Apple to purchase Lion > http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57

How to upgrade from OS X 10.5.8 to Mountain Lion

I am running OS X 10.5.8 on my MacBook Pro and want to upgrade softwre. Do I need to install Snow Leopard and Lion, then Mountain Lion? I want to be able to get Mountain Lion

If you check the model number, you can tell which year it is. Apple menu/About This Mac/More Info/System Report:
Macbook Model Numbers
If the computer is compatible, it has been reported you can get Snow Leopard here:
Snow Leopard Purchase

HT1338 how to upgrade from OSX 10.4.11 to OS Mountain Lion

My sisters MacBook has an OSX 10.4.11 IOS, and I want to upgrade to the latest OSX Mountain Lion. Would it be possible? I would appreciate any information or help that could be extended. Thank you.

Upgrading to Mountain Lion - http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade
Mac OS X: System requirements for Mountain Lion (10.8) - http://www.apple.com/macosx/specs.html
Lion and Mountain Lion application compatibility - http://roaringapps.com/apps:table

How do I move from os x 10.5.8 to Mountain Lion?

How do I upgrade from OS X 10.5.8 to Mountain Lion?

You have enough memory, however it can be bumbed up to 8GB
(2-4GB modules) 2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Install/upgrade RAM or storage drive in Mac's
You have a Intel Core 2 Duo and a old NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, so 10.8 is going to run slow.
10.6.8 max would be best for that machine as it's 4 years old, in it's near end of life stage.
If you backup your files off the machine to a Storage Drive, then erase and install 10.6 fresh from the disk, the machine will run very fast, because 10.6 has updated video drivers.
Most commonly used backup methods
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
You can then choose to go to 10.8 from there, but it's not going to be as fast as 10.6 is.
If you upgrade 10.6 over 10.5, then go to 10.8, your machine is going to crawl really bad, so somewhere you have to do a fresh install to get your performance.
You will have to call Apple via phone and order the 10.6.3 white retail disks, they only take phone orders for that disk now.

How do you upgrade from Mac OS x 10.6.8 to Lion?

How do you upgrade from Mac OS x 10.6.8 to Lion?

First check to be sure your hardware meets the hardware requirements for Lion.
Backup your data. I suggest a bootable clone as the way to go.
Then open App Store and purchase and download the Lion installer.
Then install Lion.
Allan

Upgrade from OS X 10.6.8 to Mountain Lion

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