Macbook pro won't book after inserting system install CD from newer Mac

03-04-2012, 09:16 PM

I have a 2008 MacBook pro and had cracked the screen a while ago (but had installed Leopard v10.5 before that happened). So, I just connected it to my TV screen in order to be able to see the screen and use the system install CD to wipe the computer clean before I sell it for parts.

I read in forums that I can use the system install disc from my new macbook pro to do so, so I instersted the disc and pressed C as I restarted the computer. It shut down and now it will not book back up at all. It has been connected to a power source the whole time, so it's not that.

How do I get it to turn on again? Is the problem with the disc that I inserted?

I am not tech savvy so the more you can simplify your response(s)/talk in layman's terms, I'd appreciate it!

agentx · 03-05-2012, 05:08 AM

You will not be able to use a newer machine specific "Grey" install disk with an older device.
You need a retail version of OS or original grey disk for machine to reinstall OS.

benwiggy · 03-05-2012, 05:30 AM

Do you not have the original disks that came with the MBP?

A 2008 MBP should have come with Leopard on it to start with, so when you say you "installed Leopard on it", what disk did you use?

If you just want to wipe the disk, then try using Target Mode. Boot up the old MBP while holding down T. If both your MBPs have FireWire, then you can connect them together, and the old MBP will appear as an external hard drive.

You can then wipe it using Disk Utility from your new MBP.

acme.mail.order · 03-05-2012, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentx


	You will not be able to use a newer machine specific "Grey" install disk with an older device. You need a retail version of OS or original grey disk for machine to reinstall OS.

IIRC that applies to the "Install" part - I *think* you can still use the utilities as long as the hardware is grossly compatible (ppc vs. intel, can accept the same OS version etc.)

akl: describe, in copious detail (including measured time and sounds) what happens when you power on the machine whilst holding down the C key on the keyboard.

And if you just want to part it out, simply pull the drive. No one in their right mind wants a used laptop drive anyway.

03-04-2012, 09:16 PM	#1
akl8609 Guest Posts: n/a	Macbook pro won't book after inserting system install CD from newer Mac I have a 2008 MacBook pro and had cracked the screen a while ago (but had installed Leopard v10.5 before that happened). So, I just connected it to my TV screen in order to be able to see the screen and use the system install CD to wipe the computer clean before I sell it for parts. I read in forums that I can use the system install disc from my new macbook pro to do so, so I instersted the disc and pressed C as I restarted the computer. It shut down and now it will not book back up at all. It has been connected to a power source the whole time, so it's not that. How do I get it to turn on again? Is the problem with the disc that I inserted? I am not tech savvy so the more you can simplify your response(s)/talk in layman's terms, I'd appreciate it!

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03-05-2012, 05:08 AM	#2
agentx Hall of Famer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Brighton, UK Posts: 3,809	You will not be able to use a newer machine specific "Grey" install disk with an older device. You need a retail version of OS or original grey disk for machine to reinstall OS.

03-05-2012, 05:30 AM	#3
benwiggy League Commissioner Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,040	Do you not have the original disks that came with the MBP? A 2008 MBP should have come with Leopard on it to start with, so when you say you "installed Leopard on it", what disk did you use? If you just want to wipe the disk, then try using Target Mode. Boot up the old MBP while holding down T. If both your MBPs have FireWire, then you can connect them together, and the old MBP will appear as an external hard drive. You can then wipe it using Disk Utility from your new MBP.