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I can’t install original or newer OS.

Hello all,

I am seeking help as, Ideally, I would like to format my MacBook Pro 7,1 (mid 2010) and update the OS from 10.6.8 to El Capitan. I have started by trying to re-format to original factory settings by using the dvds which came with the laptop (please see photos) but when I try to boot from DVD by pressing C after turning the laptop on with the disk already in, I can hear the disk running but within a few seconds the disk gets ejected. The same happens if I try using the Snow Leopard OS install disk. This is why I tried to install directly El Capitan which I downloaded from the Apple support page but, as soon as I try to open it, a window appears saying that the OS is not supported. I therefore downloaded Yosemite which is fine as it lets me open it but after I select the disk where I want to install it, I press “install” and after the process ends nothing happens, I turn the computer off and on and also nothing happens.

would anyone be able to suggest what it is that I am doing wrong please?

thank you very much in advance.

Posted on Nov 27, 2020 10:56 AM

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Posted on Nov 27, 2020 3:39 PM

Create a bootable macOS 10.11 El Capitan USB installer using these instructions:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372


With a 2010 model you can actually upgrade to macOS 10.13 High Sierra, but you may first need to upgrade to 10.11.


Make sure have a good backup before you attempt to upgrade macOS.

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3 replies

Nov 28, 2020 12:06 PM in response to HWTech

Hi again,

I have tried the instructions you have sent and unfortunately, for some reason, it wouldn’t work. Trying to open ElCapitan from a bootable drive had the same issue as when I was trying from the installation file on the desktop. Eventually, I stumbled across an old installation download of Yosemite in my Applications’ folder which I had never installed because I would have lost the ability to use Logic 8. To cut a long story short, I managed to instal Yosemite and from Yosemite to El Capitan was pretty straightforward.


Thank you sincerely as without your advice, I would have never gone to my Applications’ folder to find Yosemite which would, eventually, help to solve my problem.


Regards

I can’t install original or newer OS.

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