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Remove the macOS Mojave patch

informatique62410 Posted messages 28 Status Member -  
_Ritchi_ Posted messages 21130 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   -
Hello,

I recently bought an iMac from early 2008 with 4GB RAM, a Core 2 Duo, and a 300GB hard drive.

The problem is that the previous owner probably patched the Mac to install Mojave. As a result, the hard drive was getting bogged down, so I replaced the drive twice, but I can’t boot the Mac. When I try to boot Linux from a CD, it doesn’t detect the CD, and I even tried Windows, but it crashes and I have to turn it off to restart.

Do you have any idea what this could be?

Best regards

5 answers

  1. Anonymous user
     
    Hello,

    You need to purchase the universal Mac OS X 10.6 installation CD, aka Snow Leopard, original:
    https://www.apple.com/fr/shop/refurbished

    Boot from this CD (hold the C key throughout the boot phase), then use Disk Utility from the menu bar, format the disk as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with GUID Partition Map, and only then install Snow Leopard. Everything is explained here:
    https://www.commentcamarche.net/faq/30592-installer-mac-os-x-10-6-alias-snow-leopard

    Best regards.
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    1. informatique62410 Posted messages 28 Status Member
       
      Good evening, sorry for the late reply. For speed, I've already tried reinstalling macOS but without success. I’ve changed the hard drive three times. The person I bought it from installs macOS from USB keys, which I think means the OS wasn’t downloaded from the Mac App Store but from fraudulent sites. So I think the USB key being infected, a “virus” would have been installed into the motherboard.
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  2. Anonymous user
     
    Good evening,

    No virus can install itself on the motherboard. It's impossible without the ability to flash the existing EPROMs on this board, which is not within the reach of an ordinary virus.
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  3. _Ritchi_ Posted messages 21130 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   6 135
     
    Hello,
    Just a note:
    This early 2008 iMac is officially limited to Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan.
    The previous owner must have reflashed the motherboard to make it accept Mojave, hence your issues. If you can, reinstall Mojave.

    A Mac’s slowness can be solved by increasing the amount of RAM, as recent Mac OS systems require at least 8GB of RAM.
    The 4GB you currently have is therefore far from sufficient, even with El Capitan.
    Unfortunately for you, your iMac supports only up to 6GB.
    It will run better, but it will never be a powerhouse, unless you put it back on Snow Leopard or Lion.

    Ritchi
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  4. informatique62410 Posted messages 28 Status Member
     
    Hello
    When Mojave was installed it never started even in safe mode and Lion starts but only in safe mode.

    I have a question: is it possible for a 2008 MacBook to have 8GB of RAM and High Sierra? Because I had one and I find it odd because the 2006 one accepted only 6GB. Is there a difference?
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  6. _Ritchi_ Posted messages 21130 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   6 135
     
    Hello,
    You write: "
    ...i find it weird because that 2006 one only accepts 6GB...
    ": which Mac are you talking about?

    I recommend this excellent app to learn everything about a Mac: MacTracker
    Install the version that corresponds to your Mac OS or iOS version.

    You will thus discover the following:
    • MacBook 13" Early 2008: 6GB of RAM and maximum Mac OS X 10.7.5
    • MacBook 13" Mid 2008: 6GB of RAM and maximum Mac OS X 10.7.5
    • MacBook 13" Aluminum Late 2008: 8GB of RAM and maximum Mac OS X 10.11.6
    • The first MacBook that accepted macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) is the MacBook 13" late 2009 with 8GB of RAM

    Ritchi
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