Dead Harddrive, can't reinstall

Hey All,

So after 3 years and two weeks the Hard Drive in my Macbook Pro 15" laptop died. I never had apple care etc, but got a new hard drive in just fine. Unfortunately, I split a family licensed version of Leopard a few years ago when it came out with a roommate who I haven't seen in over a year and he retained the installation DVD. I do have a friends Leopard disk that came with his brand new Macbook Pro (also 15" but different model.) But it doesn't seem to be working. Is this because the CD is to be paired only with his model? Is there anyway I'll be able to get this to work, or am I SOL? I'm especially annoyed because I have paid for everything, I just am no longer in contact with the person I split the family license with. Any and all help is appreciated.

Many thanks,

AG

yes, if it's grey CD it's model specific. You'll need to get another copy.

Check the formatting on the new HD

Yes, you will need to purchase your own copy of the OS or use the original disk that was supplied with your Mac.

A new copy will need to be a retail version. The disks supplied with Mac are system specific and will not work on other machines.

Is there any likelihood that Apple will be sympathetic to the fact that while I did previously pay I no longer have access to the Leopard Disc?

Not sure, but I wouldn't state that you split it with your estranged roommate

No.

You should be able to get a replacement set of the original disks that came with the machine from Apple. Have seen members state they have gotten these for as low as $20.

For others reading this, there is a reason it is called a Family Pack and not a Roommate Pack. This is but a single example of how saving a little could end up costing everything you spent plus much time down the road.

To the OP:

Save yourself some headaches and just buy a retail version of Snow Leopard for $29.95 at your local Apple store or Best Buy, etc. SL can be installed clean or it will do an upgrade over Leopard.

Regards.