OS X Lion istallation problem....Help!!

[linziluv]

Ok, so I got a MacBook Pro for valentines day....I've always had windows so this is all new to me! When I got it the guy told me OS X Lion was installed and the HD had a windows partition that I decided I didn't want it partitioned so tried to get rid with disk utility to no avail.....anyway, long story short I've completely messed up trying to reinstall lion! The guy I got it off told me to press alt when booting to enter recovery mode....the drive seems to be empty but I can't resize or delete any partition without getting a "can't unmount disk" error no matter what I do. Also, when attempting to put a fresh copy of lion on I'm asked for apple ID and password to download lion from the app store! The guy said it shouldn't do it....but it is!! It won't boot to OS at all now.
I know, I know, I should have left it alone lol but I thought how different can it be?!
The lad I got it off has said to go round this evening but I want it sorting now!!!
Anybody any advise??!

 

[Kaveman]

You can't repartition a drive you're running from. Need to boot of anther drive, i.e a DVD install disk or an external drive.

Of course you need an Apple ID and password to download Lion from the App Store. When you boot from the Recovery Partition it should give you a number of options for reinstalling, but they all need to get OSX from the App Store and its a large download.

 

[linziluv]

Thanks for the reply. With my windows laptop it came with OS already on a partition and could reinstall windows no problem. I didn't get any disc with the Mac as assumed it'd be the same?? Obviously I don't mind buying Lion, it just seems stupid that every user would need their own copy rather than on the laptop.
So basically if I can get it on a disc I can solve this problem??

 

[Kaveman]

OS X isn't like Windows, the Recovery Partition ONLY holds the installer. Never assume Apple and MicroSoft or that Windows and OS X are the same. Very different!

If the laptop is still under AppleCare you should ring the AppleCare number, it should be on the documents you got with your laptop and the may give you a redeem code to reinstall OS X. (I can't speak for Apple) But you'll need your Proof Of Purchase documents.

Getting rid of a Bootcamp partition in Lion is a real pain, as you've found, you really do need to have an external boot or DVD and neither come with the Mac now. You may need to take it to and Apple Service Centre near you.

If its a new Mac, you'll also need an Apple ID to get software updates for iLife, while these are free you do need to log in to get them. The easiest way to get an Apple ID without a Credit Card is to redeem an iTunes Gift Card, they are easy to find for sale, or get a friend with an iTunes Account to gift you an electronic one. (You may need to pay them the cost of the card)

But you really have got yourself in a tangle, that is not easy to solve over the internet.

 

[linziluv]

I've learnt that they are very different the hard way!! I consider myself an advanced windows user lol but this is all so complicated with macs!!
My partner bought this laptop off a friend, 8 months old....he got it legitimately but I have no proof of purchase....
I've got iPods/iPhone/iPad so have iTunes account anyway...the guy I got it off sounded confused too lol....not sure how I got myself into this mess....I only wanted a fresh install with no partition!
Time to flutter my eyelashes at the geekiest looking genius I think lol....
Thanks anyway!!

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

Have you tried rebooting and holding down the Command + R keys ?? You mention holding the Opt key at Startup but I'd be curious to hear if you have any joy from the Command + R keyboard Combination ...

I realise that holding the Opt key should more or less take you to a similar screen but this (Command + R) is the official Apple keyboard combo to enter Recovery Mode.

There's no harm in just trying ....