Really stuck and need help, MBP 2008 install OS on SSD

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lNomNoml

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#251691 6-Jul-2019 22:25

So I have a MacBook Pro 2008 that I found in a junk pile.

It works, however I don't have the login password for the user.

I bought myself a SSD to upgrade it but now I am struggling to install a fresh Mac OS on it.

When I select the option to Install Mac OS X Lion from the recovery system it get stuck at the "your computers eligibility will be verified with Apple" animated loading icon just doesn't get anywhere.

I don't have another Mac to assist me or any recovery disks.

I have managed to format/partition the SSD so the system does pick it up, it's currently connected via USB dock.

Reason I am doing this to to learn more about Apple since my knowledge is extremely limited.

Help?

Update: I think I know why it was thrown out, looks like the original hard drive is on it's last legs, takes ages to load and it's extremely loud.

Nate001

638 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2271214 6-Jul-2019 22:54

Sounds like you've been trying to install new OS on SSD externally? You can swap it into the machine first, then during boot hold CMD+R to boot into recovery mode and try to install via internet. That would eliminate the current slow HD.

lNomNoml

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#2271216 6-Jul-2019 22:59

Nate001:

Sounds like you've been trying to install new OS on SSD externally? You can swap it into the machine first, then during boot hold CMD+R to boot into recovery mode and try to install via internet. That would eliminate the current slow HD.

Sorry should have mentioned in my main post this results in the same problem being stuck at the "your computers eligibility will be verified with Apple" window.

I am currently trying to figure out how to make a bootable USB flash drive on my windows PC to try and install that way.

However I have a really bad migraine at this point and may call it a night.

lNomNoml

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#2271227 7-Jul-2019 00:03

So I managed to figure this out, will leave this here for anyone else who has this problem.

I downloaded the Snow Leopard dmg from here: https://themacgo.com/mac-os-x-snow-leopard-10-6-dmg-mac-free-download-offline/

Downloaded TransMac from here: https://www.acutesystems.com/scrtm.htm

Then followed this guide: https://pureinfotech.com/create-macos-bootable-usb-windows/

And now I'm on Snow Leopard 10.6, will try to update to the latest this Mac can do which I thin kis 10.11

1024kb

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#2293714 10-Aug-2019 20:53

If you're ever stuck with lost/forgotten user/pass for a Mac -

Boot holding Apple + R (Recover Console)
Select Utilities
Select Terminal
Type resetpassword
Press Enter

Follow your nose from here.

Alternatively, boot holding Ctrl + S (single user mode)
Type /sbin/fsck
Type /sbin/mount -uaw
Type rm /var/db/.applesetupdone
Press Enter
Type reboot

Welcome to your new Mac.

Megabyte - so geek it megahertz