[GUIDE] Install Snow Leopard from USB stick/Drive (Updated 12/11/09)

Snow · #1 08-20-2009, 02:02 PM

Use this guide to avoid the Disk Utility Packages issue and Kernel Panics, especialy in 64bit (related to permissions)
It's mainly focused on Intel desktops but I guess when you apply your own custom kexts it can be used for laptops too.
This guide will be updated when needed

UPDATES

Update 12/11/09

- Mormegil's v10.6.2 modded AppleHDA kext for the ALC889A codec: http://www.mediafire.com/?ml2d2vl3d23

Update 10/11/09

- Here's the modded 10.6.2 SleepEnabler kext:

* withhout iTunes lag fix: http://www.mediafire.com/?0zykzyehgz5
* with iTunes lag fix: http://www.mediafire.com/?ezuzyjnz2iy

Update 23/09/09

- Added my DSDT aml and dsl files for reference (as requested by Taylorsyn)

Update 13/09/09

- Added new fakesmc.kext (by netkas) to the kext package and removed dsmos.
- Added details for smbios.plist modification

Update 11/09/09

- Updated to 10.6.1 (via software update) without any issues!
- Added dsdt guide links
- SMBios.plist UUID is not required so removed

Update 08/09/09

- I've added Chameleon 2 RC1 + Boot 10.1 to the guide. This installer will automatically install Boot 10.1 file so no need to do it manually.

Update 02/09/09

Ok, the commands posted below can be injected into your dsdt file so get to it!
This thread explains how to, credit to wwbsox, lanxxx & mormegil!

http://www.infinitemac.com/f84/uhci-...sdt-fix-t3849/

Update 28/08/09

I seem to have found a fix for the USB issue I was having with Leopard & Snow Leopard. Sometimes when I booted into either OS my keyboard and/or mouse would not work.
These commands added into com.apple.boot.plist seem to fix it

<key>EHCIacquire</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>UHCIreset</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>USBBusFix</key>
<string>Yes</string>

Credit to Mormegil for this one

Update 22/08/09

- Pista7, the creator of the SleepEnabler kext has modified it to include the AppleUpstreamUserClient related lag fix for us 8800GT users (and others that are affected)
Here's the modified version (not included in the kext package a bit further down the thread because not everyone require it)

http://www.mediafire.com/?lqoye5amm52

Respect Pista7!

- Added IOAHCIBlockStorageInjector kext to fix orange (external) drive icons.
- Added FakeSMC.kext (netkas) that replaces dsmos.kext. A lot of users (including myself) have reported issues with power management (restart/shutdown) when also removing OpenHaltRestart so I suggest only replacing dsmos with this.

Update 21/08/09

I was having KP's again so reinstalled SL and used only one partition on the destination drive. My conclusion is when you have Leopard installed on the first (boot) partition it can get messy at times with permission and kexts issues. You are better of either with 1 partition (dedicated drive to Snow) or Snow Leopard as the first (boot) partition.
I used the UUID strings again but I don't think this is even necessary with using only 1 dedicated partition.
Back to stable 64bit (17 hours in)

GUIDE

Required:

- Minimum 8GB USB stick or USB HD
- Snow Leopard 10A43 install dmg (http://www.mediafire.com/?yezmdyjwe5m)
- Leopard install (I used the already installed but unstable Snow Leopard install to do small work)
- Chameleon 2.0 r431 aka RC1 with Boot 10.1 (http://www.mediafire.com/?mytlwh2jymz)
- Extras folder with provided kexts as a minimum, use your own specific kexts for your mobo, kextpackage: (http://www.mediafire.com/?qeym1jwwkzc)
- dsdt.aml (patched for csmos reset if necessary and support for audio, gfx or network) Here's my custom made aml and dsl for reference: http://www.mediafire.com/?djjyr0ztkdn

ALC889a Guide: http://www.infinitemac.com/f57/guide...urround-t3746/

AppleHDA port Leo to SLeo Guide: http://www.infinitemac.com/f57/guide...a-to-sl-t3981/

Ethernet: http://www.infinitemac.com/f84/solved-ethernet-t4007/

USB fix: http://www.infinitemac.com/f84/uhci-...sdt-fix-t3849/

- com.apple.Boot.plist (http://www.mediafire.com/?zmyzng3m5hj)

Paste the Install partitions Universal Unique Identifier string inside by going to Disk Utility, then right clicking the Install Partition and then copy (or write down) the string.

Also add your EFI strings (GFX, Audio, Network) when available and Chameleon boot commands.

- smbios.plist.txt (http://www.mediafire.com/?ikmrdyyjdmf) Match it to your own hardware!

Quote:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>SMbiosvendor</key>
<string>Apple Inc. or Apple Computer, Inc. depending on mac model</string>
<key>SMbiosversion</key>
<string>boot.rom.string.goes.here</string>
<key>SMmanufacter</key>
<string>Apple Inc. or Apple Computer, Inc. depending on mac model</string>
<key>SMproductname</key>
<string>mac,model goes here</string>
<key>SMsystemversion</key>
<string>1.0</string>
<key>SMserial</key>
<string>serial.goes.here.doh</string>
<key>SMfamily</key>
<string>for Mac Pros put 'macpro', for iMacs just put 'mac'</string>
<key>SMboardmanufacter</key>
<string>Apple Inc. or Apple Computer, Inc. depending on mac model</string>
<key>SMboardproduct</key>
<string>Apple.motherboard.model.goes.here</string>
<key>SMexternalclock</key>
<string>Your CPU FSB in MHz, non-multiplied</string>
<key>SMmaximalclock</key>
<string>Your CPU max speed in MHz</string>
<key>SMmemtype</key>
<string>put 24 for DDR3 RAM, 19 for DDR2 RAM or 18 for DDR RAM</string>
<key>SMmemspeed</key>
<string>Memory speed in MHz</string>
<key>SMmemmanufacter_1</key>
<string>For example Kingston Technology</string>
<key>SMmemmanufacter_3</key>
<string>Or OCZ or whatever you have</string>
<key>SMmempart_1</string>
<string>manufacturer part number</key>
<key>SMmempart_3</string>
<string>as listed in datasheet or find it with CPU-Z under Windows</key>
<key>SMmemserial_1</string>
<string>Again use CPU-Z...</key>
<key>SMmemserial_3</string>
<string>...under Windows to find your serial numbers</key>
</dict>
</plist>

- KextUtility v2.3.2.d (http://www.mediafire.com/?5zyjn5eleyy)
- MkextTool if needed (http://www.mediafire.com/?b4fqowtmjj2)

Lets Go!

- Use Disk Utility to partition the USB stick/drive (name it Install) and make sure it has a GUID partition table.
- Right click the new partition and select info, then write down (or copy paste into text file) the Universal Unique Identifier string.
- Install Chameleon on the new USB partition by selecting custom install to select drive. In Snow Leopard this will fail at the end of the install process but still be installed properly.
- Back in Disk Utility select Install and then click Restore (top right) using 10A43 dmg file as the image (browse for it, do not mount) and Install as the Destination, then UNCHECK Erase Destination.
- Create a folder named Extra on the Install partition and copy these items in it:

* com.apple.Boot.plist
* dsdt.aml
* smbios.plist
* Extensions Folder holding following kexts as a minimum:

fakesmc / NullCPUPowerManagement / OpenHaltRestart / SleepEnabler / OAHCIBlockStorageInjector (to fix the drive icons) and PlatformUUID (Error 35 & Time Machine fix) which also need to be edited to match with your Mac adress.
First open system profiler and select Network tab, then on the right check your MAC-adress.
Now, right click the kext, select show package contents then contents folder and then modify info.plist (below PlatFormUUID key)
Only the last set of digits is need to be replaced, remove the : and use capitals.

- Reboot and use the proper key to select which drive to boot (mostly F12)
- Select Install as your boot drive and use these flags -v -x32 (x64 paniced during install and I had to continue via -x32)
- At the Install screen select Disk Utility from the top menu and then select the Partition you would like to have Snow Leopard installed.
- Partiton using GUID (if you need to partiton) and Erase with Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format .
- Install Snow Leopard and reboot into Leopard (or previous Snow Leopard)

Now is where it got confusing for me (using other guides) and I had to use my own methods to get it all working properly so here is what I suggest:

- if Leopard is installed on the same drive as the new Snow Leopard install and you are already using Chamelon V2 (RC1 or RC2) then you can just replace all the UUID strings (com.apple.Boot.plist, PlatformUUID) with the one you get now in disk utility for the new Snow Leopard installation. If it doesnt boot then install Chameleon anyway and replace boot file.
- if no other OS is installed on that drive then just install Chameleon on it, also replacing boot file and then also edit the UUID strings in both files.
- Move the dsdt.aml file and extra folder in the root of Leopard Snow
- Reboot and choose Install again as boot partition (this should load all the proper kexts) and use -v -x32 flags.

When all goes well you are now booted into Snow Leopard.

- Use Kextutility ASAP because we need proper mkexts and permissions. Try Disk Utility, Terminal & KextUtility and check for errors.

Reboot without any flags into Snow Leopard and hopefully 64bit will now finaly run stable!

Hopefully this will help all those with KP's in 64bit and during install and also "No Packages" & Permissions issues.

Credits to sk1nhd33t for pointing me in the right direction!

Good luck and enjoy the OS!

THE END

Gurruwiwi · #2 08-20-2009, 05:34 PM

This is specifically for gigabyte mobo right? You should edit the title, because use laptop users dont need most of the kexts (openhalt, nullpower, etc)

Please correct me if I am wrong. Snow Leo really is a much tougher cat to tame, I find

Otherwise, great guide!

Snow · #3 08-20-2009, 05:42 PM

Not specific for Gigabyte, I dont think so. Use your own kexts but follow the guide for install method.
I want to keep the Packages & KP info and the title is at its max size so I won't be editing yet m8.

Actualy when looking back and with this method SL is pretty easy to install and require less fiddling around with custom kexts. It does though require proper permissions on everything.

It better run too because my Nick has been "Snow" for decades (in games and to other people)

Later bud

Gurruwiwi · #4 08-20-2009, 05:59 PM

Ok my good man, will do and I'll report back!

Cheers

DocShadow · #5 08-20-2009, 11:05 PM

Used your kexts and had success in booting in 64 bit SL.

Thanks

"Snow Leopard 10A43 install dmg" .... Interesting sense of humour

flip360 · #6 08-21-2009, 01:55 AM

i also have success in booting 64 bit except my Realtek 8139c Network card is not working in 64bit mode. if anyone has a solution be glad to hear it

Seems stable and very responsive, 6 hours now with gaming and apps all over

zod1988 · #7 08-22-2009, 12:52 AM

Wow, big thanks to you, man.

At first I thought it didn't work either, but it even booted the Installer in 64Bit mode without any trouble.

My Install is now rocksolid if you look past the fact that somebody still has to figure out how to make RadeonHD 3850s work under Snow Leopard.

Once again, huge thanks to you!!

Snow · #8 08-22-2009, 07:17 AM

Alright, I'm glad it worked out well for you guys. I've also Updated the guide with IOHCIBlockStorageInjector (fix HD icons) and FakeSMC (replace dsmos but experimental) kexts.

Laters

maya77 · #9 08-22-2009, 11:41 AM

Does not work for me.

Same steps, same kexts, just replaced mach_kernel on Install with AMD one (tried both, Dmitri's and Modbin's).

KP on boot, after loading kexts.

I have no luck with SL at all. :-(

-AMD Opteron 180
-nForce4 Asus mobo

Snow · #10 08-22-2009, 11:54 AM

Ouch, sad to hear that m8, must not work for Nforce and/or AMD then. I'll edit the guide to 'Intel only' when more users confirm non working.

Besides my guide I can't really help you out with that system m8. I had an AMD rig once but it was too much trouble everytime I had to install or update so I switched to Intel.

Anywa, good luck and thx for the report!