[Macworld]

Post your comments for DVD-less Snow Leopard installation on older Mac here

[wakayama]

You don't even need to find a usb drive, as long as you have 7 gigs or so of free space on the internal drive. Since you're in disk utility as per the hint, select the drive (NOT the volume) and then click on the partition tab.Assuming you only have one partition thus far, click on that partition, and then then the bottom of the graphical representation of the drive, click the '+' sign (if you have two or more partitions already, select the one with the most space available). Then make the 7 gig drive, apply the changes - your existing setup should not be altered, though if it does, you still have your backup....right? - and then clone the disk image to the new partition as per the above hint.

[JMHammer]

Wakayama's advice is very good, as it does not require the user to purchase another device. Let's just emphasize, however, that a full backup ought to be created just before repartitioning the drive.

[cincyflygrrl]

While we're on the subject of converting a Leopard machine to Snow Leopard, I have an original, underpowered Mac Mini with Leopard that I'd like to upgrade to Snow Leopard, but don't have access to any version of the OS.

Does anyone have any thoughts on finding an online resource where I might download Snow Leopard? Thanks.

[Chris Breen]

JMHammer, on 31 December 2012 - 08:37 AM, said:

Wakayama's advice is very good, as it does not require the user to purchase another device. Let's just emphasize, however, that a full backup ought to be created just before repartitioning the drive.

It's a technique that I've used as well. But for this kind of thing -- upgrading someone else's computer with a computer you have with you on the road -- I stay away from partitioning. It's hard to be certain just how backed up that other computer is unless you take the time to do it yourself and then test the backup. If something goes wrong and you can't restore it to its original state, you're going to feel awful. And I'm not sure I'd want to partition my own Mac while traveling. I have a backup at home, but not with me.

Plus, with the key drive method you can leave the drive with the person you've helped should they later need to reinstall the OS.

[wozjob]

Quote

While we're on the subject of converting a Leopard machine to Snow Leopard, I have an original, underpowered Mac Mini with Leopard that I'd like to upgrade to Snow Leopard, but don't have access to any version of the OS. Does anyone have any thoughts on finding an online resource where I might download Snow Leopard? Thanks.

You might be able to buy one from the Apple Store by phone. You need to call Apple directly, not your local Apple Store. I was able to buy Leopard this way.

[cincyflygrrl]

Quote

You might be able to buy one from the Apple Store by phone. You need to call Apple directly, not your local Apple Store. I was able to buy Leopard this way.

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

[ike185]

This was actually what helped me install Mountain Lion as my DVD drive was busted from my Mid 2009 MacBook Pro. Never thought of using my hard drive as suggested by wakayama.

[JMHammer]

Quote

And I'm not sure I'd want to partition my own Mac while traveling. I have a backup at home, but not with me. Plus, with the key drive method you can leave the drive with the person you've helped should they later need to reinstall the OS.

I agree that using an external device – key drive, whatever – is best. But sometimes one is not available, and in any case they're never free. Regardless, wouldn't you perform a backup of your client's system before upgrading the OS for them, anyway?

[Chris Breen]

JMHammer, on 31 December 2012 - 01:08 PM, said:

Quote

And I'm not sure I'd want to partition my own Mac while traveling. I have a backup at home, but not with me. Plus, with the key drive method you can leave the drive with the person you've helped should they later need to reinstall the OS.

I agree that using an external device – key drive, whatever – is best. But sometimes one is not available, and in any case they're never free. Regardless, wouldn't you perform a backup of your client's system before upgrading the OS for them, anyway?

I read the question as one family member helping another and in such cases the helping party may not have the time or expertise to ensure that a solid backup is in place. So, I'd make it as foolproof as possible and just try to get an installer on an external device. Ideally one that I could leave behind.

[Knighstalker]

Quote

You might be able to buy one from the Apple Store by phone. You need to call Apple directly, not your local Apple Store. I was able to buy Leopard this way. Thanks. I'll give that a try.

It's $19.99 at the Apple store online.

http://store.apple.c...06-snow-leopard

[Rollers]

All good comments; just an observation - I 'chuckle' at the phrase "older Mac". I have a 2005 PowerMac G5 2.5 Duo - "ancient" by technology standards - {that's pre-Intel CPU for you "young-ins"}. Stuck in time until I can afford a complete hardware replacement. Leopard OS 10.5.8 is the last/latest OS I can use on this liquid-cooled machine. Can't even load iTunes 11.0.1.12 on it (10.6.3 is the last) and consequently can't sync my iPhone 5 to it. However, my iPad 3 can sync to it and with Home Sharing I can continue to update the Mac's library and sync to my Apple TV. {now if I could only get my original 'prehistoric' Mac 512 from 1985 I could run a clock!}

[Spoddles]

I suspect however that, unless it has been done before, you will need to repartition flash drive or HD or whatever using Partition tab making sure you click Options button to select GUID partition type to boot on a Intel Mac. (As opposed to old Power PC 'apple partition map' or PC 'FAT' partition map. Most flash drives ship pre-partitioned as FAT.

I use HD with multiple partitions supporting 10.4.x through 10.8.x installers and basic boot volumes. (I sell/support Macs for a living and this makes life easier!)

Todd

[Droid]

Haha Mr. Breen,
you used my tweaked icon with the addition of the hair of Breen. I thought was going to be banned after that post disappeared. Glad you saw the funny side

Happy New Year.