Clean install of Yosemite on a MBP - HELP please!
I’ve been trying to do a clean install of Yosemite on my MBP, but have had problems. I’ve read how to do a clean install which, of course, requires Yosemite to be downloaded to an external HDD.
It won’t install on any one of my three WD Black external HDD’s (two are 1TB and the third 2TB.) At the last moment, I get an error log but no installation. I still don’t understand how to correct that problem.
Next, I bought an 8GB thumb drive that Apple support suggested; however, the download app says that it’s 3.6 GB too little when I’ve tried twice to install Yosemite on it.
Next, I bought a 32GB thumb drive which took the download, but the MBP won’t recognize it.
Next, I purchased a 3.0 USB 500GB Passport HDD. However, Disk Utility won’t change it to GUID which is needed for an install. I tried twice to install it on the Passport HDD but can’t change it to GUID so no download.
Next, I tried a 2 USB 250GB Hitachi HDD, but then when I tried to download Yosemite from the App Store, It doesn’t download. I get only a spinning wheel on the Apple site, but no download.
Is there a limited number of download attempts that can be made?
I’m frustrated, to say the least, so I’d be grateful for any suggestions AI members can make.
Is there any way to bypass using an external HDD IF I can ever get it to download again.
Thanks in advance,
Unhappy camper
Comments
I finally got my early 2008 MBP w/Yosemite to recognize the 32GB thumb drive and repaired permissions and the internal HDD. However, the MBP is overheating within minutes of booting and gets extremely flaky.
I decided to ditch it and get a replacement. I tried using Disk Utility to erase the internal HDD, but unfortunately, "Erase" and "Security Options" are grayed out, so I'm assuming the internal HDD can't be erased. I deleted whatever files I could and did a "Erase Free Space", but that still leaves Mail and some other stuff I'd like to get rid of before dumping the MBP.
I haven't figured out how to do that, so I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Another question: Is there a market for an old, flaky MBP for any purpose, or should I just destroy it as It probably isn't worth fixing. I assume I could get a Mac Mini for what it would cost to repair it.
Another question: Why would a new USB 3.0 'My PassPort' not be changeable or modifiable from a "Master Boot Record" to GUID? That negates Yosemite OS from being installed on it.
You don't have to destroy a whole computer even if it's old and flaky. You can send it to me for decoration, at least.
Seriously, I don't know what you guys have over there in the states, graigslist, swap meets, eBay (spares and repair sell really well), contact owc that sell used macs, etc.
I 'd make an installer on the 32gb thumb drive. (nb every time you download yosemite from the app store, make a separate copy and keep it elsewhere, it's always deleted after any install), but from there with the option key on startup and install yosemite on the wd. Then boot from there. See that everything works fine, then open up the mbp, and stick a hybrid hd drive in it, if the machine isn't that flaky, and install yosemite there from the thumb drive.
Easiest way, to make an installer disk is thus:
http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/159955/howto-create-bootable-mavericks-iso#post_2633029
it's for yosemite too.
Diskwarrior is your friend when it comes to all things disk related, great purchase, you won't regret it. If you can't afford it get it from elsewhere, and make a note to pay the devs at the right time. No clue why it won't let you format the drive to guid, think you are missing something out from the less than perfect disk util menu, but why don't you just get the installer on the sd card boot from there, like I said, and let it take care of installing to the wd. You can then keep booting from the wd and debug what's wrong with your internal hd, and also wipe it clean. Disk drill pro, can recover anything that's still on there if need be.
Hope I figured out a bit what the problem is. All the best.
The 32GB thumb drive has Yosemite on it. However, now my MBP doesn't respond by pressing C at start up nor Command R for recovery. The screen shows purple and/or green stripes, and the MBP repeatedly tries to boot, but doesn’t. Then it overheats within a few minutes and has to be turned off.
What else could I try? I've looked online for fixes but they cost more than the MBP is worth. I'd rather put that money into a new Mini. I'm not certain that it's the HDD that's bad. It could be the motherboard or whatever.
Would the shell be worth anything if the motherboard is toast, and I remove the HDD with my personal info on it? If not, I may as well deep-six it.
And as far as downloading Yosemite from the App store, It won't download anymore. I assume there's a finite number of times it can be downloaded.
If this is your 2008 MBP where the internal display wasn't working, it'll be the GPU. These were the ones with the NVidia 8600M defect.
The shell would be worth something on eBay but not much. Working models can be bought for ~$270 so for spares $100-150 tops. There's a $99 repair service on eBay so someone could buy the broken model and repair it. If it's not worth the hassle of shipping and eBay for $150 minus fees, just put it in the trash.
Thanks, Marvin,
I appreciate your info and suggestions. I feel I can always rely on you to set me straight when I'm in a quandary about something. I'd be rather helpless without advice from you and other AI members.