Change Mac mini Model Identifier?

[mbezzo]

Hi All,
So I have the first Intel Mac mini (core solo model) that I upgraded to a core 2 duo a few years ago by swapping the CPU. It's been working great ever since. Since Lion is out though, it thinks my mac mini is unsupported as the model identifier (macmini1,1) technically isn't compatible with Lion, but my upgraded CPU is. Trouble is, it won't let me install. Does anyone know of a way to change the model ID on a NON hackintosh? It's pretty straightforward on those, but can't figure it out on a real mac. Maybe it's not possible?

Thanks,

 

[boda]

Looking for same tip

I have an iMac 4,1. I also changed the processor to a Core 2 Duo and was able to install Snow Leopard. I made a Lion Mac OS X Install ESD to a thumb drive, but the iMac will not boot to it. I remember a tip from years ago, about changing the identifiers in the install package to enable a unauthorized install. I think it was for one of the iLife suites or an iMovie versions. If someone can remember, or find it, please let us know. I will keep looking and post any updates.

 

[mbezzo]

I'm just gonna put my "unsupported" mini in Target Disk mode and install Lion to it that way. Should work fine. I'll report back.

 

[mbezzo]

and... Nope! Doesn't work. Installs fine, but when I boot the mini from the Lion install, I get the big ol "no" sign. Same with the recovery partition. It's obviously doing a check on the hardware before boot. How VERY annoying.

 

[mbezzo]

Got it!!

Okay, so turns out it's an easy fix! Here's how to install Lion on an Unsupported Intel machine:

1. Put the unsupported Mac in Target Disk mode and plug it into a Lion supported Mac.
2. Run the lion installer and make sure to choose your unsupported Mac's hard drive. Let the install finish.
3. Boot back into the supported Mac's OS, and put the unsupported Mac back to target disk mode.
4. Delete the PlatformSupport.plist at /System/Library/CoreServices on the unsupported Mac's hard drive
5. That's it! Reboot the Unsupported Mac and it should boot right in to Lion normally.

 

[boda]

Thank You!

I was in the process of trying the target disk mode technique, but I never would have figured out to delete the plst file. Great tip!!

 

[Adamanter]

Hi, i have the same problem, i fear that in this way with future updates the mac wil stop at the start as appear with your first try. I have done the same step with the same results. Your first idea for me is the right way, update the model name from "Macmini 1,1" to "Macmini 1,2", somebody know ho to do this? WIth the hackintosh i have find several way but with a normal mac no.
Could somebody help me?

Okay, so turns out it's an easy fix! Here's how to install Lion on an Unsupported Intel machine:

1. Put the unsupported Mac in Target Disk mode and plug it into a Lion supported Mac.
2. Run the lion installer and make sure to choose your unsupported Mac's hard drive. Let the install finish.
3. Boot back into the supported Mac's OS, and put the unsupported Mac back to target disk mode.
4. Delete the PlatformSupport.plist at /System/Library/CoreServices on the unsupported Mac's hard drive
5. That's it! Reboot the Unsupported Mac and it should boot right in to Lion normally.

 

[mbezzo]

You'll need to delete this file again after updating to 10.7.2...