Problems with Re-install! Some experienced insight needed...

[ozone]

I picked up a demo MB Air which worked fine, but had problems with the software update. I did an erase and full install, I let it run, and when I checked on it, the installation had "stalled" at 38 minutes left. Nothing happened for about 15 minutes, so I Quit out, and then restarted the installation process. This time, I let the machine check the DVD for its integrity. Arrghh! At the 35% mark, it told me to ensure the DVD was "clean of fingerprints". Something tells me the DVD might be a lemon. There does seem to be a scratch...

I wasn't sure what to do because now I was stuck, but then I realized I had my own copy of Leopard, and used that for a fresh install. That worked, but the trackpad wasn't working well, and then I realized the MBA specific DVD must install additional software solely for the MBA. Well, the MBA started up successfully, did the internet software update, and then.... my trackpad functions all came back and it's nice and smooth. I still haven't tried installing Disc 2 of the MBA disks.

So, my question is... by going the route I did, what am I *MISSING* on my MBA that would have otherwise been installed by using the MBA disks? Does the software update cover everything?

p.s. I notice that Remote Disc also shows up in my Finder too after the software update.

 

[SFStateStudent]

So, my question is... by going the route I did, what am I *MISSING* on my MBA that would have otherwise been installed by using the MBA disks? Does the software update cover everything? p.s. I notice that Remote Disc also shows up in my Finder too after the software update.

Definitely take the disks back to Apple and they may just swap them out right then and there. If not, then they'll send you those disks in the mail. Though it sounds like you got it working, it still lacks the complete erase and install that you need for your MBA to operate w/o issues. If the disks are scratched or fingerprinted, the Remote Disk will still recognize the scratched disk, so that's probably not an option. Check with BB and they might have a backup set, and if they don't, I'm pretty sure the Apple Store can help immediately by doing the erase/install while you wait...

 

[Cynicalone]

So, my question is... by going the route I did, what am I *MISSING* on my MBA that would have otherwise been installed by using the MBA disks? Does the software update cover everything?

Everything should be installed after the software update.

 

[SFStateStudent]

If you'll notice that after the erase and reinstall, you should do a software update and everything that you'll need for 10.5.6 should show up and be downloaded and installed during the software update. Keep us advised...

 

[ozone]

Well... so far, everything seems to be fine. By chance, I tried using my external DVD drive for the iLife install and it didn't work - and since it was a retail DVD I knew it should work. I started to think maybe the DVD player was flaky. I then tried Remote Disk, and it was fine - even worked for some things on what I thought was the "damaged" system disk!

Huh... well, so far, so good.

Happy Holidays!

 

[SFStateStudent]

Good to hear... Happy Holidays