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1 Unable to install Mac OS X Mavericks
Model: Apple MacBook Pro 13" A1278 (Mid-2009) 2.26Ghz
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz
RAM: 4GB DDR3
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9400 256MB
SSD: PNY CS900 500GB
Last MacOS: OS X 10.9.5 (13F1911)
I replaced the original hard drive (Hitachi 250GB) with a solid state drive and trying to install any MacOS version via Internet Recovery by using Command+R. I've tried Command+Alt/Option+R and Shift+Alt/Option+Command+R and same result. I can see the SSD in Disk Utility, which I've formatted (Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and made sure it's mounted. I get to the point where it prompts me to sign in with my Apple ID and password which I've confirmed is correct as I've signed into another device (iPad) without issues. The problem I'm running into is when I sign in, it shows an error in red: Check the account information you entered and try again. My iPhone receives a verification prompt, which I allow and then it gives me the verification code. The problem is there is nowhere to type the code, nor does it show a field to enter it as it stays stuck on the red error. I don't have a way of connecting another MacBook and use Target Mode. I prefer to resolve this at home myself. Does anyone have any other advice or suggestions for me to try? Side note, this exact result also occurs on the original hard drive as I've reinstalled it and tried it there as well. I've also tried resetting the date and time via terminal back to 2017, 2016, 2015, etc. but same result. I've also tried using the Snow Leopard and Lion factory discs, but I can only hear them spinning, but they never actually load anything (I left each one "load" for 48 minutes). I've confirmed Firmware Password Utility was disabled and not active. Time Machine backup is not an option as it was never used or setup.
I ran the following command in terminal: defaults delete MobileMeAccounts
and was prompted with this: Domain (MobileMeAccounts) no found. Defaults have not been changed.
Current process: Boot to recovery > OS X Utilities window > Reinstall OS X > Continue > OS X Mavericks windows - Continue > Download prompt - Continue > Agree > I have read and agree to the terms - Agree > Select SSD, click Install > Prompts for Apple ID and password.
Changing Date/Time in Terminal via Internet Recovery - command: date -u 0102113317
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
crwdns2944067:015crwdne2944067:0
Is there no way to skip the apple sign in or set up later option?
I have also encountered problems to log into apple Id upon new installs, best to contact apple support on how to manage this as they may need to 'fix' something at their end.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 livfe crwdne2934271:0
@livfe - This SSD is not compatible with this system. This PNY CS900 is a fixed speed SATA III (6.0 Gbps) SSD, whereas your system is only a SATA II (3.0 Gbps) as seen here 13” MacBook Pro reference the
‘Storage Dimensions’ section. The drive is too powerful.
The SSD needs to support SATA II data rate either fixed speed or offers auto sense. Review the given drives spec sheet if it doesn’t state backwards compatibility or explicitly state SATA II as supported it’s a SATA III only drive and your symptoms lines up to what is expected when exceeding the systems data rate.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0
@livfe There isn’t an option to skip unfortunately.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Jay Hernandez crwdne2934271:0
@danj I’ve actually used this exact PNY SSD on multiple older MacBooks and MacBook Pros with no issues. I don’t see how it would keep the Apple credentials prompt from coming up.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Jay Hernandez crwdne2934271:0
@jayhernandez - Sadly PNY often upgrades their drives so if you bought one years ago it likely was a SATA II (3.0 Gbps). That’s why one needs to be doubly sure you have the correct drive.
Even I’ve been burnt by Seagate as they updated their SSHD drive which was an auto sense drive hybrid to a fixed speed SATA III (6.0 Gbps). I had bought 10 drives for a client to upgrade their older MacBook Pro’s. I was caught flat footed!
I had to rush a second order from a different source making sure it was the older rev. I was only able to find 8 drives from them and had to scrabble to find two more. I lost my shirt on that repair and it took much time messing up other pending repairs.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0
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