MacOS – Install Mavericks on Unsupported MacBook 4,1

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I've spent the last 2 days trying to install Mavericks on my MacBook 4,1. It is from Early 2008. It is unsupported, but I would like to install Mavericks on it. Is there a workaround for bypassing the system check or just generally getting it to install?

I've tried:

  • SFOTT (found out it's for Macs that have 32-bit EFI and/or processors; I have 64-bit versions of both)
  • Making a plain USB installer by using DiskMaker X (fails at the prohibitary (⊘) symbol when booting)
  • Doing SFOTT on a partition on the internal HD (same result as SFOTT)

Oh, and if you need it, here are hardware specifications:

  • MacBook 4,1; Early 2008
  • 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
  • 160 GB internal HD
  • 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • Intel GMA X3100 144 MB
  • 64-bit EFI and processor
  • Current OS is Mac OS X 10.7.2 (11C74)

And one more thing: I don't want to give up trying.

Best Answer

@Thinkling You were so close...I'm currently running Mavericks 10.9.5 on my Blackbook 4,1 Early 2008. Here's how:

Make a plain USB installer by using DiskMaker X, but after its complete, navigate on your new thumbdrive to: /System/Library/CoreServices/PlatformSupport.plist and completely delete that file.

Boot holding option key, select your thumbdrive, and install away.

Worth Noting: I had to install the kext file for my graphics (Intel GMA X3100 144 MB) to work properly, and I'm still fighting a no sound issue, as well as machine not sleeping with lid closed. Other than that, I've got Messages working, and haven't had any other issues in the month i've had it installed....

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