New HD from '10 mini swap to '09 mini, possible???

[holycowe]

I need some help before surgery my MacMini '09 (leopard) again.
Just bought a new '10 mini and upgraded to ssd and 4gb ram. Removed the orig. hd (comes with SL) and have no use for it.
I also have an older mini (early 09) leopard, 2gb 2gb ram, 120gb hd. Tried to upgrade to SL from dvd installation comes with the new '10 mini but it didn't let me. Searched a lil bit and look like apple want another $29 for it.

Since I have a new and bigger hd removed from the '10 mini, can I just install it in the older '09 mini??? Will it boot up with no problem at all or I will have to do something else?
Just want to ask before spend time open it up
Thanks alot

 

[spinnerlys]

It should work, as it is the same size (2.5"), but you need to run Software Update after installation of the HDD to get the right drivers.

And the grey Restore DVDs are model specific, thus they only work with same model (Mac mini 4,1 is different from a Mac mini 4,2 for example).

 

[holycowe]

Thank you! Now I can just install it when I have time.
Just worry about spending couple hours and no go at the end.

 

[ReggaeFire]

You don't even need to run software update. It will just work.

 

[holycowe]

Nope, its not working.
Doesn't boot, question mark and folder flashing. Put in SL installation dvd to boot. Same problem "OSX can not install in this computer". Go to disk utility and the new hd appears to be just fine.
Connected the old hd with exclosure and booted again. Went to startup disk but the new hd is not there to select.
Btw, the new hd comes with '10 macmini was never turned on, plugged in or set up. I just opened the box and replaced it with ssd.
Please let me know if I gotta something like connect to the new mini and complete the set up before install it in the older mini.
If not, well I just spend another $30 for the sl disc then

 

[ADent]

Are there jumpers to slow the drive down to SATA I speeds?

Seems odd. I never have just opened something, I always at least boot it to make sure it wasn't DOA.

So I guess you can hook it up to the new 2010 mini and see if it boots that machine externally. Then hook it back up to the 2009.

You should be able to install SL from the new machine onto the drive externally, or onto the 2009 directly if you use Firewire Target Disk Mode on the 2009 and hook the two up with a FireWire cable.

SL Upgrade disks should work too. Though if you do a clean install you will lose iLife.

 

[Nabby]

I'd suggest you plug the drive back into the 2010 machine and do the initial setup, then move it back to the 09 and see if you are good to go from there.

Nabby

 

[holycowe]

Bingo!!! Removed the hd and put in enclosure, connect to new macmini and using grey installation dvd that comes with the new mini. Installation went smooth and now the 09 mini working better with SL 10.6.3
Using software update to update all the good ones but I dont know why 10.6.4 is not appear for me to update?
Again, thank you all for your help