
You will definitely want to max out the RAM at 6 GB as all newer system need more RAM (Snow Leopard will run on 2 GB).8 USB Disk Formatter/Format Tool Download for Mac iOS (Free + Paid) So, if your friend does not give you disks, then order Snow leopard from the Apple store, update that to 10.6.8, and go from there. Without knowing your model, a mid 2007 most likely came with Tiger (10.4.x) it can go to the current OS by upgrading, but you need - at a minimum - Snow Leopard (10.6.8) in order to get the app store with which you can then download newer OS versions. Holding the C key will only work if you have inserted an install disk. Second, a 2007 iMac should have had install disks - ask your friend for them he is supposed to give those along with the hardware (if he wants to comply with the licensing agreement).Ĭommand + Option + R will not work on a 2007 iMac you need disks. That way, you can easily revert if you don't like the newer OS or it slows down the computer.įirst, did you format the hard drive? Needs to be Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and GUID partition scheme to be bootable.

If you want to upgrade, then get yourself an external hard drive, format it properly, and make a full backup of your system, either Time Machine (in your apps) or a bootable clone using CarbonCop圜loner. If it does what you want it to do, you might be better off than trying to upgrade to a new OS which likes fast processors and newer hardware, including lots more RAM. When you're all done, check how much RAM you have installed and, since you're new at this, play with the OS you've got for a few days - you might find that a machine that age with an older, slow processor, might be happy to stay with Snow Leopard. When done, boot into the internal drive and update whatever updates there are - do a few at a time, restart the computer in between, do some more. After it is formatted, proceed with the OS install.


Choose Disk Utility and then your new hard drive > choose Partition > 1 partition, Mac OS Extended (Journaled) under options, make sure it is GUID selected. Go past the languages screen and then stop when you see Utilities up in the file menu/upper bar. When you get it, insert it and boot up with the C key - that should get it to boot from the DVD.

That Snow leopard is a retail version which will install the OS.
