Snow Leopard Fresh Install ?

Have a corrupt 10.4.11 installation on a MacBook Core 2 duo with 2 GB. Computer will not boot into it's old OS. Trying to install Snow Leopard from the CD - without success. Installation process either ejects the CD or runs for hours without progress.

I would like to format the drive, but I'm unaware as to how to do this without being able to boot into Tiger.

Any suggestions??

As always, Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions,

JA

Is this a retail version of Snow Leopard, or did you get the disc from a friend?

6string (steel?)

Bought it today, 29.95 plus tax at the apple store ...

Thanks for your reply!

JA

Ok, insert the disc and immediately shut it down.

-Restart the computer and hold the 'C' key down as soon as you hear the chime until you see the spinning gear.

-Select language and click continue.

-Select utilities>disk utility in the menu bar (this takes a few seconds to appear).

-Select the HD at the top of the list on the left.

-Click erase tab.

-Format Mac Os Extended (Journaled).

-Name Macintosh HD.

-Click erase.

-Quit disk utility menu, and continue with installation.

6string:

I had to shut the machine down from some interminable process and then restarted and

chime
c down
apple logo appears
spinning gear appears
release c

I'm waiting ....

I'll repost as soon as something happens

thank you for your reply!

JA

It takes a minute or so.

nada ...

is that a Taylor?

A seagull (hand made Canadian guitar). Has served me well for many years, and plays and sounds nicer than any Taylor or Martin I've played.

As for the nada, I would try again, this time the same procedure, except holding option instead of C.

OK, trying again with Option key ... plenty of disk (CD) activity but nothing to show for it

JA

OK

Option key ejected CD

tried Option key again, and now i'm presented with a CD emblem that's entitled "MAC OS X install DVD" and below that an upward pointing arrow. I'm unsure as to how to proceed.

I was here earlier today and I tried clicking on the arrow, clicking on the CD emblem, and hitting enter, all of which resulted in the spinning gear going on for ever and ever.

any tricks to try here?

Ok, try resetting PRAM and try again.
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

If this doesn't fix it, I would get your original install disc and try.
If it doesn't work with your original disc, I would be suspecting that you may have a faulty Optical Drive.

Did you try clicking on the arrow under the OSX Install DVD? That should work. I see you said you did, but it should boot from the DVD.

6string and dtravis7

first of all, thanks for your interest!

I clicked on the arrow, and am waiting and looking at the spinning gear ...

(while I look follow 6string's link about reseting my PRAM (programmable read only memory?)

JA

How long have you let it set at the spinning gear? It might take a few minutes. If it still does not go in, I am wondering if there is an issue with the optical drive on the Macbook.

ten to fifteen minutes each time. plenty of time for something to occur

the process linked to by 6 string says to locate four keys, command, option, p and r ...

can't find the command key!

any clues?

as always, many thanks to you guys for your interest and help!

JA

It's my wife's MacBook. I don't think we have used it before tonight!!!

The Optical Drive, that is ...

Command is right between the Left side of the Spacebar and Option Key. It used to be called the Apple Key in past times. You boot with Command+Option+P+R all held down after the startup sound and keep them down till you hear at least 2 more startup sounds.

Take a look at the 10.6 DVD. Be sure (even though it's new) it's not scratched or has any fingerprints.

Hi Dennis... glad to see you back and check your inbox mate

jda8818, also, did you try the original instal disc?

If no joy there, I would be heading for a remote install.