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Another choice - Both iMacs have firewire ports, so you could connect both Macs with a Firewire cable. Boot the older Mac to target disk mode (Boot while holding the T key). It will not boot completely, but show you a floating Fireware icon. Then, boot the newer iMac, holding the option key. From the boot-picker screen, you should see the older Mac as a choice, so select that, then press enter. When you have booted, Open Disk Utility, and restore the system from the old Mac to your wiped drive. When that completes, then you can copy the El Capitan installer app to the new system. Restart to the newer Mac, without the firewire cable attached. Run the El Capitan installer app. Should update for you.
Good luck!
 
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Another choice - Both iMacs have firewire ports, so you could connect both Macs with a Firewire cable. Boot the older Mac to target disk mode (Boot while holding the T key). It will not boot completely, but show you a floating Fireware icon. Then, boot the newer iMac, holding the option key. From the boot-picker screen, you should see the older Mac as a choice, so select that, then press enter. When you have booted, Open Disk Utility, and restore the system from the old Mac to your wiped drive. When that completes, then you can copy the El Capitan installer app to the new system. Restart to the newer Mac, without the firewire cable attached. Run the El Capitan installer app. Should update for you.
Good luck!

An excellent idea - I've used this method myself in the past to install Snow Leopard and it works like a charm. :)
 
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after creating disk image to usb on my old mac which finished fine, however when i try to boot up to the usb on the newer imac that i am traying to restore to el capitan i get this damn warning - see pic
 

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after creating disk image to usb on my old mac which finished fine, however when i try to boot up to the usb on the newer imac that i am traying to restore to el capitan i get this damn warning - see pic

You just need to change the time and date and then all will be well. ;)

Before you install, set the clock on the Mac to a date when the certificate was valid, perform the install, and then reset the date back after installation. To change the date from Terminal (which is likely all that will be accessible), follow these steps, which set it to 1 February 2016:


  1. In the installer, choose Utilities > Terminal.
  2. Enter sudo date 0201010116, press Return, and enter your password.
  3. Quit Terminal and continue the install.

i will also try this what a PAIN in the ass

Don't despair - you're approaching the finish line. :)
 
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You are booted to the installer, right? I don't think you need the sudo when you are not booted to an actual booting system. Can you get the date command to work at that point? (without a sudo)
 
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well not sure on this one -
  1. Enter sudo date 0201010116, press Return, and enter your password.
i booted up to the usb , selected utilties in the menu above and then terminal in termianl ran the command and it says command not found SUDO - the line shows the pic :

You are booted to the installer, right? I don't think you need the sudo when you are not booted to an actual booting system. Can you get the date command to work at that point? (without a sudo)

This is correct, I've not done it for a while and forgot that from the OS X Installer, sudo is unnecessary.
 
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Yes sudo is not required, I was able to finally get it installed now TY so much fellas. my next step is too upgrade the RAM and possibly replace the HDD with SSD later after i get the ifxit set to take off the glass and so forth. for now i want to just use it for storage and nostalgia. Any help with emulation and games? i found this site https://macintoshgarden.org/games/the-oregon-trail-ii - is there a emulator that works for my Imac ? sheepshaver i tried the version but it says not compatible. also i do not have a retail disk to install .iso files. any assistance most appreciated. thanks..
 
Yes sudo is not required, I was able to finally get it installed now TY so much fellas.

Excellent news! :D

my next step is too upgrade the RAM and possibly replace the HDD with SSD later after i get the ifxit set to take off the glass and so forth.

When you tackle this, take your time because most mishaps happen when people rush through the stages and make sure that you take shots as you work so that you can backtrace your steps if needs be later.

for now i want to just use it for storage and nostalgia. Any help with emulation and games?

Of course!

i found this site https://macintoshgarden.org/games/the-oregon-trail-ii - is there a emulator that works for my Imac ? sheepshaver i tried the version but it says not compatible. also i do not have a retail disk to install .iso files. any assistance most appreciated. thanks..

I've never used SheepShaver but have a look at this Reddit thread that contains instructions on using it to run OT. :)
 
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I ended up getting it imaged finally however really dissapointed can not play old games on it.. maybe just use it as dvd player and burner with my sony dvd external drive , firewire camera.
 
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