MP 1,1-5,1 Working guide to reinstall MacOS on Mac Pro 3.1 (2008)?

[omega2812]

Hello,

I've trawled the Internet and performed so many steps I can't recall now!

I have a 2008 Mac Pro 3.1 which I want to sell on and have taken the hard drive out.

I simply want to install MacOS (any version) onto it to resell and have a fresh working OS to sell/demonstrate that it works to the buyer.

I simply have been unable to do this, I've tried everything.

The closest I have been able to get is to have it boot from a USB onto a screen that says 'OS X Base System' or a flashing folder with a question mark.

Things I need clarifying are:

- Which format to format the new HDD in? I suspect it was Mac OS Extended Journal, but could someone confirm?
- Which key combination to press during startup? I see Options, Option + Ctrl, Option + R, but could someone clarify?

Finally, for the bootable media, is there a known working guide out there? I've tried everything, even bought something off eBay to try and install, all fails with the folder and question mark.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm at my wits end here!

Thank you.

 

[lostom]

Hello,

I've trawled the Internet and performed so many steps I can't recall now!

I have a 2008 Mac Pro 3.1 which I want to sell on and have taken the hard drive out.

I simply want to install MacOS (any version) onto it to resell and have a fresh working OS to sell/demonstrate that it works to the buyer.

I simply have been unable to do this, I've tried everything.

The closest I have been able to get is to have it boot from a USB onto a screen that says 'OS X Base System' or a flashing folder with a question mark.

Things I need clarifying are:

- Which format to format the new HDD in? I suspect it was Mac OS Extended Journal, but could someone confirm?
- Which key combination to press during startup? I see Options, Option + Ctrl, Option + R, but could someone clarify?

Finally, for the bootable media, is there a known working guide out there? I've tried everything, even bought something off eBay to try and install, all fails with the folder and question mark.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm at my wits end here!

Thank you.

Probably need a disk of any older OS version ( snow leopard maybe) and start from there, allowing you to get into the app store.

Mac OS Journel sounds right, not sure but think option R is the one as well.

 

[Ghostbuster386]

Good morning,

Here are a couple of guides from Apple that should help.

Create Bootable installer

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

You can use a USB flash drive or other secondary volume as a startup disk from which to install the Mac operating system.

support.apple.com

Apple Startup Commands

Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support

Learn about the Mac features and tools that you can access by holding down one or more keys during startup.

support.apple.com

Reinstall Mac OS

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

You can use macOS Recovery, your computer's built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.

support.apple.com

 

[Spectra.red]

If you can find the Snow Leopard CD, insert it and hold the 'c' key while booting.

 

[Rob1n]

Here is a simple tool to create a bootable usb with mac os:
http://dosdude1.com/apps/Mac OS X USB Drive Creator.zip

The right format is Mac OS Extended (journaled) with a GUID partition table.
Before using the tool I would recommend formatting your usb to the same thing as the drive. ^^

After creating the bootable drive, insert it in the computer and hold down options once you hear the boot chime.
You will now see all the bootable drives in the computer (in your case only the usb).
Select the drive with the arrow keys and now you will boot into the installer.
You can now just follow the steps on screen and install mac os normally.

The latest supported os on a mac pro 2008 is Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan, Here is a download link (From apple)

http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-41424-20191024-218af9ec-cf50-4516-9011-228c78eda3d2/InstallMacOSX.dmg

I do have to point out that you may experience the issue where it says "no packages were eligible for install". Here is a link to another forum post on how to resolve that issue:

No packages were eligible for install SOLVED !!!

A friend gave me his 2008 iMac for a clean install of the latest OS X that his iMac could have (El Capitan). I got into my app store from my MacBook pro mid 2010 and i downloaded El Capitan.app into my app folder. After that i erase a usb 16gb to extended journaled, gave the name MyVolume, open...

forums.macrumors.com

I hope you know what to do now, and if you have any further questions you can reply to this post.

 

[JMSanctum]

Simply download a copy of MacOS El Capitan ( link here ) and use it to create a USB bootable installer. Disconnect your Mac from the internet/Wi-fi, then open System Preferences>Date and Time, deselect the option Set time and date automatically (you will be asked to insert your password) and set the clock to a date prior to 2015. Then, boot from the USB installer and proceed installing MacOS as usual.