Dell 17" i3 hd4000 3721 Fully working Mountain Lion 10.8.3 and (nearly) full Mavericks 10.9 Install

[kristoff]

Hi, I am importing this thread from another site, as it seems to be stagnating there. This is a great laptop and available super cheap from dell outlet (got mine for $311 shipped after using coupon from dell outlet twitter), and thought it was worth sharing. This laptop is more solid-feeling and less creaky than my Toshiba, and cheaper to boot. I am currently working on this install myself. Apolgies in advance to osxlatitude users, but I think this can do more good posted on this site.

 

 

The original thread, fyr:

 

http://forum.osxlatitude.com/index.php?/topic/2836-how-to-dell-inspiron17-3721-fully-working/

 

(quoted from Hibernian56 on osxlatitude):

 

This is my first guide, although I have built several hackintosh's following other peoples guide, I thought it might be a good time to give back to the community as I found NOTHING for this great bit of kit online. So bear with me...

 

I did this build for a friend of mine, but I would highly recommend the hardware, it's an excellent laptop.

 

Dell Inspiron 17 (3721)

17.3" HQ display

Core i3

4gb

500gb HD

 

Working:

OSX 10.8.3

Webcam

Graphics

Sleep

Ethernet

Battery indicator / charge level

Wifi & Bluetooth (requires changing the mini card under the keyboard, a 2 minute job)

HDMI out (no idea can't check)

Sound (Using VoodooHDA 2.8.4)

Trackpad (No gestures as VoodooPS2 won't work after sleep)

 

Very stable for a couple of days now.

 

Method:

Bios Preparation:

1. Make sure the laptop is plugged in...

2. Power on and hold down F2 to enter BIOS setup

3. Use the arrow keys to go to the Boot menu

4. Use the down key to move to Secure Boot and press enter

5. Select Disabled

6. Use the down arrow to move to Load Legacy Option Rom and press enter

7. Select Enabled

8. Use the down arrow an move to Boot List Option and press enter

9. Select Legacy

10. Press F10 to save and exit

11. Let the machine reboot and press F2 at the Dell logo

12. Use the arrow keys to go to the Boot menu

13. Use the arrow keys to move to LEGACY BOOT and press enter

14. Use the arrow keys and select Hard Drive

15. Press F5 or F6 to change it's position to top of the boot order

16. Press F10 to save and exit

17. Switch off the laptop for now

 

Done.

 

 

OS Preparation:

1. Get a friend with a working Mac or Hackintosh

2. Create a standard OSX installation USB key or USB hard drive using the many guides available...

3. Very Important: Copy the GenericUSBXHCI.kext file to /Extra/Extension folder on the USB installation Drive, otherwise you will get a number of different cryptic errors, most notably "still waiting for root device"

4. Make a folder called ++Tools on the USB installation drive

5. Copy all of the attached files into this folder. This will save a lot of pain later

 

 

Done

 

 

WIFI Preparation:

1. Buy an Atheros AR5B197 from eBay (or AR5B195 works too and is apparently cheaper)

2. Follow this guide to remove the keyboard http://www.insidemyl...iron-17r-n7110/

3. Disconnect the two antennae and whip out the old WIFI card, its held in with one screw

4. Put the new card in, secure with the screw and connect the antennae

5. Replace the keyboard

 

Done

 

 

Installation:

 

NOTE: This will completely erase your Windows 8 installation, there is no going back from here. Be warned, be careful.

 

1. Connect the USB installation drive to the laptop

2. Turn on the laptop

3. Press F12 at the Dell logo

4. Let the installer load to the Welcome screen

5. Get a cup of coffee (me I prefer beer, but I'm Irish)

6. Select your language and click the small arrow at the bottom

7. At the top of the screen you will see a menu for Utilities click it

8. Click on Disk Utility

9. Your main drive should say 500.11 GB etc. and be coloured grey (it will have several partitions listed below it), the USB drive is coloured orange

10. Click on the Main drive (the top grey drive)

11. Click on the tab to the right where it says Erase

12. Make sure Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is selected

13. Change where it says untitled and name the new drive Macintosh HD

14. Click on the Erase... button

15. On the menus at the top click where it says Disk Utility

16. Click where it says Quit Disk Utility

17. Install OS X should appear again, click the Continue button at the bottom

18. Click Agree to the Software Licence Agreement. If you are bored read it.

19. You should see a big picture of you Macintosh HD drive, click on it, a green arrow should appear

20. Click Install button at the bottom

21. Get another cup of coffee / beer. This takes about 20 minutes.

22. If the screen goes grey during installation, don't panic its just the screen saver, press the spacebar once to check progress.

23. When the machine restarts select the Macintosh HD drive and press enter

 

Done

 

 

System Set Up:

 

1. Hopefully if all went well you should see the Welcome screen

2. Select your country and press Continue

3. Sect your keyboard and press Continue

4. Select My computer does not connect to the internet and press Continue

5. When you see Your Internet Connection just press Continue

6. A warning pops up, just press Continue

7. The Transfer Information... screen pops up, select Not Now and press Continue

8. Agree to the Software Licence Agreement

9. Name your computer and user account then press Continue

10. Select your country and press Continue

11. Select Start Using Your Mac

 

Done

 

Post Installation

 

NOTE: Using Chameleon caused huge issues, especially with the CPU not being discovered. I edited this guide to instal chimera (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) from multifail, once I did that EVERYTHING worked perfectly.

 

1. Nearly there.

2. Click on the desktop, and then under the Finder menu at the top click Preferences...

3. Select Hard Disks under Show these items on the desktop

4. Go to the ++Tools folder on your USB installation disk

5. Download multifail and double click the multifail.pkg file

6. Go to the Boot Loaders section and install chimera (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) select nothing else. This will instal the boot loader and quit when finished.

7. In the ++Tools folder double click the ShowHiddenFiles app and select Show Special Files quit the application

8. Copy the Extras folder in the ++Tools folder of the USB installation drive to the root of Macintosh HD

9. In the ++Tools folder double click the Kext Wizard icon and click on the Installation tab

10. In the S/L/E folder inside the ++Tools folder and drag its contents onto the Kext Wizard window

11. In Kext Wizard click where it says System/Library/Extensions and click Install

12. Type in your password and press OK give it a minute or so

13. When it says Done click OK and click on the Maintenance tab

14. Select all 6 boxes, make sure Macintosh HD is selected and press Execute. This takes about 10 minutes. It asks you for your password towards the end, enter and press OK

15. Get a beer. Quit Kext Wizard

16. Eject your USB installation drive

17. Fingers crossed, and press the power button select Shutdown

 

Done

 

 

Final Step - Remove boot0: error

 

1. We need to do this final step due to the way the hard drive has been set up day 1

2. Restart and hold down F12 for Boot Options and select USB Storage Device and hit enter

3. Select the USB Installation drive and press enter

4. Select your language and then select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu at the top

5. Unmount Macintosh HD and quit Disk Utility

6. Select Terminal from the Utilities menu at the top

7. In the Terminal window type in diskutil list

8. Locate Macintosh HD and copy the identifier beside it, mine was disk0s2 yours will be in a similar format

9. In Terminal change directory to the ++Tools folder i.e. type in cd /Volumes/Install OSX/++Tools

10. In Terminal type ls to verify you can see the boot1h file

11. In Terminal type dd if=boot1h of=/dev/identifier

12. Restart the laptop

 

Done

 

Sound

 

I have used Voodoo 2.8.4 and got sound working. This MUST be done in conjunction with using the chimera (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) boot loader rather than Chameleon.

 

DSDT

 

I have attached working DSDT & SSDT files as part of the Extra Folder installation. A BIG THANK YOU to Dinesh for his help here.

 

EDITS:

Made a small edit to the WIFI section to avoid confusion.

 

--Can only attach 10mb here, so use this link:

 

http://wikisend.com/download/106804/++Tools.zip

And quoted from mikeguru on osxlatitude regarding mavericks:

 

Since Apple recently released OS-X 10.9 "Mavericks", I decided to see if I could get it working on my Dell 17-3721. Since this had been done successfully by "hibernian58" and myself with earlier versions of OS-X, I'm not going to re-hash that info. here. As mentioned in previous posts, my only hardware change was to replace the Dell 1704 WiFi/Bluetooth module with an Atheros AR5B195.

 

Instead, I will tell you that I have successfully installed Mavericks on an external USB hard drive, and then subsequently "cloned" it to my Dell's OS-X partition (using CCC), after I had first BACKED UP all my data to another external USB HD, also using CCC. As outlined in a previous post, I am running a dual-boot setup of Windows 8.1 and Mac OS-X. In order to ensure the least amount of problems, I COMPLETELY ERASED my Dell's OS-X partition and did a CLEAN INSTALL of Mavericks on it, using an 8 Gig USB flash drive prepared using [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url]. NOTE: This did NOT require me to disturb my Windows 8.1 install in any way! Since I have a dual-boot system partitioned as MBR format, I could not use the [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] USB drive without first modifying it to work on that Partitioning scheme (see link on how to modify it to install to an MBR partition HERE). Once the MBR patch was applied, I was able to install Mavericks on my OS-X partition using the modified [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] flash drive. NOTE: After installing Mavericks, It is necessary to re-boot with the [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] flash drive inserted, and then run [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url], which I downloaded and copied to the [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] drive, prior to beginning the install. This is necessary in order to be able to Boot from the OS-X partition. (You could probably get it to boot by just installing chimera (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) at this point). You may also have to perform the steps outlined HERE to fix the "boot 0 error" problem.

 

When I ran [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url], I did not change any of the "Default" settings, since I planned to use the "Extra" folder from my previous ML install on this Dell. (This was done to save time and to see if the files from the previous ML install worked, including the custom DSDT files and misc. Kexts provided by hibernian58 - THEY WORKED, with some minor changes I'll elaborate on later). After I ran [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url], but BEFORE I re-booted, I copied my entire "Extra" folder from my ML backup to the OS-X Mavericks HD. (I have attached Zipped versions of my entire Extra folder and the MODIFIED Kexts from my S/L/E folders to this Post, in case someone want to try using them - NO GUARANTEE THEY'LL WORK FOR YOU, but it might save you some time/hassles). NOTE: If you're going to install ANY Kexts in your S/L/E folder BE SURE to always do it via Kext Utility! Bad things can (and will) happen if you try installing them by "drag-and-drop" - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!! (NOTE: I customized a few of the files in the Extra/Themes/Default folder so I get some "Star Fleet" graphics when I boot up - you can edit these as you see fit...)

 

Here's what WORKS:

- Ethernet (after installing RealtekR1000SL Kext)

- WiFi (after installing IO80211Family, IOath3kfrmwr, IOBluetoothFamily, and IOUSBFamily Kexts)

- WebCam (only tested in FaceTime at present - worked without installing/modifying any Kexts)

- USB

- Trackpad (I can FINALLY disable the stupid "tap-to-click" feature, which I DESPISE!)

- Sound (after installing VoodooHDA 2.8.2 "Patch" - see attached file)

- Battery in Menu Bar (after installation of VoodooBattery Kext)

- App Store (after performing "Fix" outlined in attached file)

 

Here's what DOESN'T work (yet) in Mavericks:

- Bluetooth

- SD Card Reader

- HDMI Out

- Sleep

 

Since I have several USB mice, it's not a big deal that Bluetooth doesn't work - this will be solved in the near future, if not by me, then by one of the other clever folks here.

I also have plenty of external USB SD Card readers, so this isn't important to me right now either.

I haven't tested HDMI out with an external monitor yet, but it didn't work in ML, so I assume it's still not working in Mavericks.

Sleep (the screen shuts off when I close the lid, but it is not really going to "Sleep" - will fix later).

 

If you have this Dell laptop, let us know when you install Mavericks, and what problems/fixes you encountered.

Attached Files

 

- use link:

 

http://wikisend.com/download/501428/++tools2.zip

[Derrik]

Thanks for posting this. I went and bought a 3721 at Dell outlet as well - great machine, love it so far - but I have hit a snag with installation. I made a USB installation drive using Mavericks and #####, but I get the black screen after about a minute. In verbose mode, "dsmos has arrived" is one of the last things I see.

 

is anyone else having this problem? i posted at osxlatitude about this, but no fix so far. Thanks.

 

 

Edit:

 

Okay, after a little reading, I am understanding why this site is not interested in tonymacx86-derived software. I think I will try another approach.

 

The 3721 is a fantastic machine for the bucks (like kristoff, I got one for a little over $300 - does not feel cheap at all), and from what I have read, it is fully compatible with 10.8 Mountain Lion after a $6 wireless card swap. The screen is 1600x900, and very viewable at multiple angles so far in Windows. If only I could get the beautiful OS X to run on it. I would buy a 17" MacBook Pro if I could afford it, and if they existed.

 

Does anyone care to post a non-tony macx86-based guide to installing on it? I will do so if I get it working in the meantime. Thanks for reading.

[styrian]

Thanks for posting this. I went and bought a 3721 at Dell outlet as well - great machine, love it so far - but I have hit a snag with installation. I made a USB installation drive using Mavericks and #####, but I get the black screen after about a minute. In verbose mode, "dsmos has arrived" is one of the last things I see.

 

is anyone else having this problem? i posted at osxlatitude about this, but no fix so far. Thanks.

 

 

Edit:

 

Okay, after a little reading, I am understanding why this site is not interested in tonymacx86-derived software. I think I will try another approach.

 

The 3721 is a fantastic machine for the bucks (like kristoff, I got one for a little over $300 - does not feel cheap at all), and from what I have read, it is fully compatible with 10.8 Mountain Lion after a $6 wireless card swap. The screen is 1600x900, and very viewable at multiple angles so far in Windows. If only I could get the beautiful OS X to run on it. I would buy a 17" MacBook Pro if I could afford it, and if they existed.

 

Does anyone care to post a non-tony macx86-based guide to installing on it? I will do so if I get it working in the meantime. Thanks for reading.

Try to follow this topic: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/280756-guide-the-all-in-one-guide-to-vanilla-os-x-including-chameleon-dsdt-for-beginners-updated-for-mavericks/ and use this tool: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/files/file/11-pandoraapp/

 

I think that your booting problem is gfx-related. Just remove the AppleIntelFramebufferCapri.kext from S/L/E of your installer (but back it up for later use) or you can try to set in Chameleon/Enoch bootloader the platorm IG in it´s options. Im most cases IG 3 or 4 are working. You could also try the other values. Enable DualLink in options to because of your screen size. A good idea is to use SMBios of MPB 9,2. Set flags -f -v or -x -f -v at bootpromt. For specific hardware related issues just use the platform search.

 

Have fun.

@ kristoff

 

Quote:

 

NOTE: Using Chameleon caused huge issues, especially with the CPU not being discovered. I edited this guide to instal chimera (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) (chameleon, stolen and rebranded) from multifail, once I did that EVERYTHING worked perfectly.

 

 

It is new to me, that a "stolen and rebranded" chameleon bootloader, as you have told,  should give better Cpu support.

 

You have done a nice guide. Sorry, but I am thinking, that it is a bit displaced here because of your used and suggested "multifail" methods, as you have named them.

 

Please read this: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/ and this: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/275941-very-important-please-read-about-tonymacx86/

 

Have fun, no harm meant.

[Derrik]

I vote to start a new guide for Dell 3721 using insanelymac methods, as opposed to tonymac. I would do it myself, but I am still struggling with getting past black screen or freeze during install! It would be a shame to see such a great machine pass unnoticed. How many new 17" $300 laptops can run os x? For everyone but me apparently??

[styrian]

I vote to start a new guide for Dell 3721 using insanelymac methods, as opposed to tonymac. I would do it myself, but I am still struggling with getting past black screen or freeze during install! It would be a shame to see such a great machine pass unnoticed. How many new 17" $300 laptops can run os x? For everyone but me apparently??

Look at my last post for your black screen issue. -You should also use SMBios of MBP 9,1 and google for Pike´s github and the ssdt script. Then you should get working PM.

 

Have fun.

[Derrik]

Okay, thank you!  I will post back here if i get it working. Maybe write new guide if I have a different, open source way to install as opposed to tonymac.