I have OS X El Capitan installed on my 2008 MacBook and I want to downgrade it to Mac OS X Lion but everytime I boot into Mac OS X Lion with my USB it shows the apple logo and the loading wheel but after a few minutes it shows a prohibited sign but the loading wheel still shows and it doesn't boot.
As you know that Mac is too old for macOS Recovery: Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support
Boot from that Mac's original, grey, System Install DVD, which is required to accompany the Macs it shipped with from cradle to grave.
Booting from it will offer to install Leopard.
Ok, in that case it may be possible to boot from a retail, white, Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD. The correct disc will have a green circular sticker on the box, labeled "New Version 10.6.3"
Apple no longer sells them but you can find them from aftermarket sources such as a popular auction site. They are not outrageously expensive. Caveat Emptor of course.
Consider the fact that retail, boxed Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD costs more than that Mac is worth on the used market, but only you can judge what that Mac is worth to you.
For that matter, only you can know the reason you want to install Lion on it. El Capitan is a lot more useful.
An iso image will not be useful.
I think I found out whats wrong. To test if my USB Flash Drive was working, I put OS X Base System of OS X El Capitan and it booted but then showed a prohibited symbol so I might try to use another USB Drive if I have one.
Hi,
Try to install Lion on your MacBook with Recovery Mode(Option-Shift-Command-R).
Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac – Apple Support (AU)
My Mac doesn't support internet recovery and the built-in recovery is in OS X El Capitan
Sadly, I don't have the box anymore, but I do have a iso image of Mac OS X Leopard.
I don't have any Mac OS X DVDs. I do have a blank DVD so I might be able to restore the image.
It worked! Now the utilities are showing up and I can finally install Mac OS X Lion. Thanks for all your help!
2008 MacBook not booting into Mac OS X Lion
