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Browser unsupported, youtube won't play!

M

Macno

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 15, 2023
30
2
All of a sudden my old iMac has stopped playing youtube videos and I can't get a browser installed that supports it.

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SPECS
iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
ATI Radeon HD 4670 256 MB

It is running El Capitan.

Is there a way to get a newer version of MACOS running, that in turn supports a browser version that in turn satisfies Youtube? I read somewhere that you can run some software legacy program that tricks the MAC? Otherwise this is a chuck it away moment.

I only use the MAC for Garageband and Internet.
 
Last edited:
Macno said:
Is there a way to get a newer version of MACOS running, that in turn supports a browser version that in turn satisfies Youtube? I read somewhere that you can run some software legacy program that tricks the MAC? Otherwise this is a chuck it away moment.
Click to expand...
Yes. OpenCore Legacy Patcher will allow you to install a newer version of macOS your iMac does not support.

OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Experience macOS just like before
dortania.github.io

However, while the installation of OCLP has gotten a great deal easier and straight forward in the last two years, I don't recommend OCLP to users who are not technically savvy. One really needs to RTFM and understand it. One can easily get into trouble and end up with a Mac which does not boot. Additionally, later versions of macOS are designed to run on SDD storage and have higher RAM requirements. For your iMac, I would upgrade the storage to an SSD and upgrade the RAM before attempting OCLP. If you choose not to upgrade storage or RAM, and are brave enough to try OCLP, then I would install Big Sur or Ventura. Later macOS versions beyond Big Sur/Ventura will run so miserably slow as to be to practically useless.
 
This is odd since another employee at work is on High Sierra (on a 2015 MBP) and it can pull up pretty much every site, including YouTube. It works better in (last supported version of) Chrome, as her Safari breaks and goes into what I call '1990s Internet Mode' for some sites where it formats it like a 1996 website.
 
Have you tried other browsers? I'm using an older Mac OS (Mojave) and while Safari has stopped working for many websites, I'm finding Firefox still works
 
Your iMac is stated to support macOS High Sierra.

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 27" (Late 2009) Specs (Late 2009, MB952LL/A, iMac10,1, A1312, 2309): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 27" (Late 2009). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.
everymac.com everymac.com

apps.apple.com

‎macOS High Sierra

‎New technologies at the heart of the system make your Mac more reliable, capable, and responsive — and lay the foundation for future innovations. macOS High Sierra also refines the features and apps you use every day. It’s macOS at its highest level yet. Easily organize, edit and view your...
apps.apple.com apps.apple.com

Then there are several threads about browsers for older Macs, for example:

 
I've tried all other browsers that are able to run on El Capitan. They all say a newer version is needed of MACOS to update.

System says No Updates Available, otherwise I would put High Sierra on.

Regarding upgrading RAM and SSD, I can get a replacement model for £30 on eBay, just exploring options on tight budget.

Thanks everyone for all your very helpful replies!
 
Rather than OCLP (which I gather from reading can be very quirky and tempermental), I'd suggest using dosdude1's "Mojave patcher" app to upgrade the iMac to Mojave, which ought to give you more options insofar as browsers are concerned.

You can learn more and get it here:

Direct link to the Patcher download (click this link):

You WILL need to completely backup first (I recommend SuperDuper, which is very easy to use and can create a bootable cloned backup).

Then erase the internal drive and install Mojave and then "patch it".

The Mojave Patcher app will also download (see the "tools" menu) a copy of Mojave, and then offer to create a bootable USB flashdrive (16gb or larger needed).

Good luck.

Notes:
To install Mojave, erase the internal drive to "APFS, GUID partition format".
To create the USB flash drive, it should be first erased to "Mac OS extended, journaling enabled, GUID partition format".
 
Macno said:
System says No Updates Available, otherwise I would put High Sierra on.
Click to expand...
Not unheard of but still one of those head scratchers at face value.

Mac Hardware Requirements​

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS High Sierra:
  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
Click to expand...

General Requirements​

  • OS X 10.8 or later
  • 2GB of memory
  • 14.3GB of available storage to perform upgrade*
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
Click to expand...

macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com support.apple.com

Use the App Store​

To download macOS from the App Store, you must download from a Mac that is compatible with that macOS. If your Mac isn't compatible, the App Store dims the Get button, says that the macOS is not compatible with this device, or says that the requested version of macOS is not available.
  1. Use these links to find macOS in the App Store. If these links don't work as expected, try again using Safari, which is in your Applications folder.
  2. Click the Get button in the App Store to begin downloading. Software Update might open and ask you to download from there.
  3. After downloading to your Applications folder, the installer opens automatically. Follow the onscreen installation instructions. Or quit without installing to leave the installer in your Applications folder for later use.
Click to expand...

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.
support.apple.com support.apple.com

As @Fishrrman mentioned, there’s also dosdude’s patcher — although, I’m not sure why it would be necessary:


With that said, admittedly, I don’t know if updating/upgrading to macOS High Sierra is going to be the (best) solution for you anyway.

P.S. Also noted by @Fishrrman, ensure you have a recent backup.
 
I'll keep other options open, but downloading High Sierra, bootable USB, enabled upgrading to safari/firefox that both worked. So all good. Thanks for all replies.

/Thread
 
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