So I have gained an iMac (Autumn 2009 version) from my neighbour. It was having kernel attacks and wouldn't boot. He'd lost the AHT disk and there was no diagnostics built in via the D command on startup. It looked like possible malware and there was no option to upgrade or update as everything had been disabled and wasn't able to be re-enabled.
It was wiped with the intention to re-install and this is where we've hit a snag. It now fails when trying to install (unable to extract files from basesystem/essentials.pkg).
Things I've tried so far, often in combination with formats in between making sure the partition are GUID with correct size and name:
Installing from OSX 10.6.2 disk
Installing from USB OSX 10.9
Recreating the USB with a different method
Repairing the internal HDD
Installing to an external HDD
Reset PRAM
Running MemTest (pass).
Reseating RAM
Trying RAM in different slots
Trying new RAM
Trying new RAM in different slots
I don't have easy access to another mac so I've not been able to create a hdd test disc (only have SeaTools for Windows), but seems a bit odd that it wouldn't install to my external drive (which is healthy) if it was the internal HDD failing.
If it was the CD drive surely it wouldn't fail at the same point when installing with the USB stick (healthy)
Every single time it fails at the same point.
Logic board and HDD were both replaced in 2010.
Any ideas? \o/
It was wiped with the intention to re-install and this is where we've hit a snag. It now fails when trying to install (unable to extract files from basesystem/essentials.pkg).
Things I've tried so far, often in combination with formats in between making sure the partition are GUID with correct size and name:
Installing from OSX 10.6.2 disk
Installing from USB OSX 10.9
Recreating the USB with a different method
Repairing the internal HDD
Installing to an external HDD
Reset PRAM
Running MemTest (pass).
Reseating RAM
Trying RAM in different slots
Trying new RAM
Trying new RAM in different slots
I don't have easy access to another mac so I've not been able to create a hdd test disc (only have SeaTools for Windows), but seems a bit odd that it wouldn't install to my external drive (which is healthy) if it was the internal HDD failing.
If it was the CD drive surely it wouldn't fail at the same point when installing with the USB stick (healthy)
Every single time it fails at the same point.
Logic board and HDD were both replaced in 2010.
Any ideas? \o/