[SOLVED] Cannot install OS X onto new mac hard drive

[Roblee1994]

Hello! I was given an IMac to replace the harddrive as the past drive had completely failed and could not even startup. I installed the new harddrive, inserted disks which I had been given, and the computer just freezes... And goes no where.(I think this is because the disks are older then the past operating system) I want to be able to install the newest OS onto this mac, but without a recovery partion I cannot access disk utility etc.. This mac was mid 2009 and will not boot from the Internet and download the OS through there. I don't want to install mavericks through a torrent as its for a friend, but I feel as if this may be my only option left. Lemme know your suggestions!


Mac model number, A1311

 

[Ijack]

You need to use the correct version of OS X for the computer, not just any old disks. You say the disks are older than the Mac; this means that they probably don't know about the hardware in the Mac. Without the correct disks, or access to another Mac, it is almost impossible to install OS X on a Mac of that age.

BTW, threats of using a torrent to download a pirated copy of the OS are not going to win you any friends on these forums.

 

[ToineF]

make sure the harddrive is formated for MAC...

 

[Ijack]

The format of the hard disk wouldn't cause the computer to freeze when running install software.

Of course, it is quite possible that the diagnosis of a faulty hard disk is incorrect and that the real fault is with the disk controller. This would explain the symptoms experienced. So why are you sure the hard disk is faulty?

 

[ToineF]

right.. the harddrive is probably bad.

 

[Roblee1994]

Hey man, thanks for the help. I was told the harddrive was faulty by my peer, so I don't think the problem lies within the disk controller. I called apple and asked to order the correct OS disks, they're charging a fee of about $50. Hope this will fix it! I am yet to format the new drive as I have not been able to access the disk utility, to partition it. Will this become a problem when I get the OS disks?

The format of the hard disk wouldn't cause the computer to freeze when running install software.

Of course, it is quite possible that the diagnosis of a faulty hard disk is incorrect and that the real fault is with the disk controller. This would explain the symptoms experienced. So why are you sure the hard disk is faulty?

 

[Ijack]

If the faulty hard disk diagnosis is correct then you will be able to boot from the new CD and run Disk Utility from it. This will allow you to partion and format the new hard disk. If you still can't boot from the CD then the problem lies elsewhere.

 

[Roblee1994]

Great! Thanks again for the help Ijack. Ill report back when the CD'S are delivered, and I pop em' into the Mac.

If the faulty hard disk diagnosis is correct then you will be able to boot from the new CD and run Disk Utility from it. This will allow you to partion and format the new hard disk. If you still can't boot from the CD then the problem lies elsewhere.

 

[kirkdough]

Hi. I am having the same issue that Roblee is having. My late 2009 mac mini had suddenly stopped booting past the welcome grey screen. The drives would be recognized on 'Option' boot up but clicking on either MacHD or Recovery Partition (mini was running on Maverick before failure) led to nothing but grey screen and spinning wheel. Took mini to store and they said it was faulty HDD (tech could not run diagnostics on drive). So I replaced it with Toshiba 1TB 5200rpm SATA drive. Same exact issue - grey screen.

Issue: cannot get original Mac OS X startup disk nor original 10.6.3 Snow Leopard Install disk to run and thus cannot get to Disk Utilities to format drive. When I run 'Option' or 'C' boot up with Mac OSx disk - drive spins but nothing happens and disk is self-ejected. When I run 'Option" boot up with Snow Leopard (SL) disk, I get Mac Install OS x drive/disk logo, but when I click on it nothing happens. The SuperDrive spins a few times and then quiets and the computer stays in grey screen with spinning circle. Then I am unable to eject SL disk and have to shut off computer, restart and eject during boot up.

I have replaced disks with brand new ones (via Apple Support) - nothing. Tested all disks in our Macbook pro and they work fine.

Things I have tried: Replaced 1TB with 500GB and still not working. Firewire Target Disk Mode from Macbook Pro - nothing.

Several trips to store and calls to support have left me in same spot - nothing. Help???

 

[ToineF]

kirkdough: I think your Hard Drive failed. It's a common thing.

 

[kirkdough]

ok. So why cannot I format the new replacement drive? I have tried a 1TB and a 500GB drive. Suggestions?

 

[ToineF]

ok. So why cannot I format the new replacement drive? I have tried a 1TB and a 500GB drive. Suggestions?

if you have a new drive, i would suggest trying to format it with another computer and installing mac os X on that drive using another computer.

Once the new OS is on the drive, install it in your laptop and try booting.

 

[Ijack]

Again, this could indicate a faulty disk controller. An Apple Store ought to be able to test this.

 

[kirkdough]

Again, this could indicate a faulty disk controller. An Apple Store ought to be able to test this.

Yeah I thought so too. But i have been to the Apple Store three times about this and they told me to install lower memory HDD.
Ist visit - HDD faulty; need to replace it.
2nd visit - 1 TB too big; firmware cannot support - go smaller.
3rd visit - 500 GB too big, try replacing HDD closer to the original 120 GB drive size.

Useless.

 

[ToineF]

i am really having a hard time seeing why a smaller HDD would work? Like I said, try installing the OS elsewhere and boot from it.

Or just get a PC....

 

[Ijack]

I'm afraid that you have been misinformed. The 2009 Mac Mini will support a 1TB hard disk. Even if it didn't, that wouldn't explain your symptoms. Try a different Apple Store or an independent shop that supports Apple equipment.

 

[kirkdough]

Thank you so far.

I have bought a cheap HDD enclosure and cloned my Macbook Pro (MP) drive onto the new blank HDD I had bought for the Mac Mini. Successfully booted the MP (with Maverick OSx) from the new cloned HDD - so HDD works fine.

Installed the cloned HDD into Mac Mini, as well as replaced the RAM, and the Mac Mini booted into a blank, grey screen (Apple logo only). Using the 'Option' boot-up, I am able to see two drives (Mac HD and Recovery). However, clicking on either one results in blank, grey screen and nothing else.

This is the exact same issue I had/have with the original HDD in the Mac Mini. Any suggestions? What other issue could it be since HDD is fine/working?

 

[kirkdough]

I'm afraid that you have been misinformed. The 2009 Mac Mini will support a 1TB hard disk. Even if it didn't, that wouldn't explain your symptoms. Try a different Apple Store or an independent shop that supports Apple equipment.

I agree 100%. There are multiple upgrade kits -- up to 1.5TB drives -- sold online for this model. It was a blow-off answer from The Genius Bar.

 

[Ijack]

A fault on the main logic board (specifically, the disk controller) would be consistent with what you have experienced so far.

 

[kirkdough]

A fault on the main logic board (specifically, the disk controller) would be consistent with what you have experienced so far.

Thank you. This is outside my knowledge base so I apologize. Is the disk controller repairable without replacing the entire logic board? Is it worth ($$) moving forward with this or scrap it and buy another computer?

 

[Ijack]

I don't think the ordinary person could replace the disk controller. You would need to take it to a competent computer repair shop (it sound as if your local Apple Store doesn't meet that criterion) to get a diagnosis and estimate of repair costs. They should have the appropriate tools to pinpoint the problem.

Note that I am not saying that the fault is the disk controller, or even the main logic board. I'm just saying that a fault here would be consistent with your symptoms, something that the "Genius" at the Apple Store didn't seem to consider.

If you can't get a reasonable quote for repair you could always put it on eBay "for spares". Apple equipment usually commands a good price, even in "non-working" condition. There's always someone who, rightly or wrongly, believes they can repair it for minimal outlay.

 

[kirkdough]

I will check with a local computer repair shop to get diagnosis/repair quote and make my final decision based upon the cost outlay.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated and very helpful. Thank you for taking some time to help. Best to you.