Install Error "this software cannot be installed on this computer"

[ChickieBell]

I haven't had a Mac since my first computer in college 20 years ago, but have been considering crossing over to the Mac side for some time. I recently purchased an iMac with the following specs:

 

WipeDrive for Mac was used to wipe the hard drive because my friend wanted all his personal info off the hard drive. Yes, I now know that was a really dumb move since the working Tiger 10.4.11 OS would have done the same thing more simply and for free.

 

I have been working on this issue for a week and a half and am literally about to go crazy with frustration. I've made phone calls, posted on two other forums, and even called Apple.

 

My problem is this. When I boot from the Install Disc 1, I get the screen where you choose a language, then a "preparing installation" message, followed by an "Alert This software cannot be installed on this computer" message.

 

I have searched and searched and compared to make sure I had the right Restore disks and even finally broke down and made a phone call to Apple - the wait was long, the actual call was brief - but the lady asked for my serial # and told me I had the right Restore disks.

 

I'm pretty PC savvy, but don't even pretend to know my way around a Mac. Here is what I have tried so far:

 

I can still use the Utilities drop down menu at the upper left even though I have the "this software cannot be installed on this computer" message in the middle of the screen. I used the Disk Utiliities function to erase, reformat (GUID), and repartition (Mac OS Extended Journaled) the Hard Drive. I redid it and used Mac OS Extended just in case I shouldn't use the Journaled. I still got the same result - the "this software.....on this computer" message.

 

I've held down the D key and used the Apple Hardware Test (both types) and everything checks out OK. I've tried every test/check available in utilities and they all check out OK.

 

Here is some (very) detailed info about my computer and the install disks I have:

 

iMac 5,1

Intel Core 2 Duo

2.16ghz, 2GB RAM

Boot Rom Version IM51.0090.B09

SMC Version 1.9f4

Mat{censored}a DVD-R UJ-85J

20" LCD 1344X840

with iSight

EMC 2118

Late 2006 model

 

Here is what is on the gray Apple disks:

 

A white apple in the center at the top

Start Up and Hardware Test instructions written in small white lettering at the top right

A white Mac logo on the center right

iMac, Mac OS X Install Disc 1 on the left

 

Mac OS version 10.4.7

AHT version 3A112

Disc version 1.0

2Z691-5883-A ........on the bottom left

 

2006 Apple Computer, Inc and copyright information at the bottom center

 

"This software is part of a hardware bundle......." on the bottom right

 

HERE IS ADDITIONAL STUFF I HAVE NOTED OR FIGURED OUT ALONG THE WAY:

 

I downloaded mactracker after a kind forum user posted the link to it for me and then tried to read everything I could and according to it, some of the computers of my EMC 2118 came with 10.4.7 (8K1106) and some with 10.4.8 (8N1430).

 

I decided to do one more Erase/Reformat/Repartition under Disk Utilities. The default name for the partition that is created is "Untitled" and I had left it as Untitled the other times I did the Erase/Reformat/Repartition under Disk Utiltiies. Just for the heck of it, I changed the name from Untitled to Main and hit Erase. Normally Untitled appears underneath the hard drive name in the column on the left hand side. For a brief moment - after the Untitled disappeared, "disk0s2" showed up in it's place and then 2 or 3 seconds later - the name Main.

 

Also, at the bottom of that window, it shows that there are 2 Folders on that hard drive. Shouldn't there be just one - the one I created (Untitled, Main, or whatever I decide to name it)?

 

Also, at the bottom of that window, it is showing that 43MB of the hard drive is being used. Does that mean anything to anyone?

 

Is it possible there is still something on the hard drive that for some reason is not being erased and that this is preventing the OS from installing properly?

 

Just guessing here - but figured I'd run it by the more astute minds out there.

 

Can anyone tell me what I might be able to do to solve this problem and get my OS installed? I've spent many, many hours trying to problem solve, I've pulled most of my hair out, and I'm about to question my sanity for wanting to get another Mac.

 

Thanks a million to anyone who can offer some guidance.

[A Nonny Moose]

You need a 10.4.8 disk. I'm guessing you got a later model where the installed OS was 10.4.8.

 

Search for and download Mactracker.