How to Fix This Item is Temporarily Unavailable After Reinstalling Your MacOS or OS X
If your Mac is running slow, the most obvious thing you can do is to reinstall the OS. This may solve some of the problems, but also may cause new ones. A couple of Mac users reported having an error when reinstalling a fresh OS on their computers. Usually, this is an issue that affects OS X Lion. However, we don’t have information that it isn’t happening on the other OS X or macOS versions. So, don’t be surprised if you are experiencing the issue in a different OS release. More particularly, after entering the Apple ID, an error message pops up, saying:
“This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later”
Redoing the steps on from the beginning doesn’t make any changes. Even connecting to different networks results with the same outcome as before. But, what can you do to fix this issue?
Check the rest of the article and you will find the solution.
Solution #1
The reason why you are getting this “This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later” error on your computer is because of the Apple ID you are using to log in. If your Apple ID is not associated with an Apple OS you will continuously get this annoying pop-up. Here is the solution.
Note: You may think that using someone’s else Apple ID will get the job done for you. However, DO NOT do that, because you’ll end up getting all the apps associated with their account.
If this didn’t solve your problem, try using the original Apple ID that you used when activating your Mac for the first time. And, if you don’t remember the initially-used Apple credentials, or you are not the first owner of that computer, try the following method.
Solution #2
This method solves the problem when the OS version associated with your Apple account is no longer available at the App Store.
This method will take you to a reinstall over the internet. It will install the original OS shipped with your Mac. Later it will allow you to upgrade to the latest version.
Final Words
Which method worked for you? Let us know in the comment section below. Also, share this article with anyone whom you think it may be helpful for.
How to fix “This item is temporarily unavailable. ” error on Mac
Before we start
Having spent some years coding applications for macOS we’ve created a tool that everybody can use. The all-round problem fixer for Mac.
So here’s a tip for you: Download CleanMyMac to quickly solve some of the issues mentioned in this article. But to help you do it all by yourself, we’ve gathered our best ideas and solutions below.
Features described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X.
It can be really frustrating on a Mac when downloading a new operating system to get the following message: “this item is temporarily unavailable.” It means what you’ve just spent a while doing and you are going to have to try again later, as the message indicates. Although this can happen when downloading new native macOS apps, this error usually occurs when people try to download a new macOS.
So if you’ve encountered this error: “This Item Is Temporarily Unavailable. Please Try Again Later”, here is an article on how to solve this problem.
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How to fix “This Item Is Temporarily Unavailable. ” error
This might sound like a time-consuming and stress-inducing nightmare, but don’t worry. There are solutions for this error that are pretty quick to test and implement, so you should be able to get on with your day even after encountering this annoying error.
Here are a few ways you can restore your Mac to working order:
1. Make sure the Apple ID is correct
People are encountering this error only after inputting their Apple ID.
So if, for example, a new Mac OS X or macOS is being installed on a device where a different Apple ID was used for the previous download, then it won’t register that Apple ID as the wrong one is being used. Check and make sure which one was used originally and then enter the correct or previous details, then the download should work as planned.
2. Clean outdated system junk
Another solution is to clear out unwanted and unnecessary system junk and clutter, such as files and folders you don’t need, browser and cache data and cookies, duplicate videos and images, apps you’ve not used in years, and a whole pile of associated mess.
Over a number of years, most Mac’s start to slow down, and memory gets consumed. You need that memory and processing power to download, install, and run a new operating system.
One of the quickest, safest, and most effective ways to clear out what you don’t need is to download CleanMyMac X.
3. Set up the correct date and time
If that is showing the correct date and time, go into Terminal to verify.
4. Check if Apple ID is signed in
Without an Apple ID connected to a Mac, you can’t download and install a new macOS.
To solve this problem, you either need to go to icloud.com and create a login, or log-in via that website on your Mac. Or you can go to the Mac App Store and create an account or login via an Apple ID to ensure the device is connected.
Now go back to the installation screen to complete the download, which should now be successful.
5. Check your Mac for malware
Something else that could be preventing a successful download is a malware or another virus that has corrupted software or hardware on the Mac device. Here is one way to scan for viruses that even most antivirus software misses:
Question: Q: This item is temporarily unavailable Mac error
After my macbook pro had become really slow the past days, I decided to reset the system, following the usual steps:
1. Press alt+power button
3. Reinstall the Mountain Lion OS X through internet.
«This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later»
I don’t know what to do, since I have tried redoing these steps on multiple occasions this day, and with two different networks. Unfortunately, I don’t have the original installation dvd:s, so I have to install the OS through internet (or if it is possible, by downloading the OS to an external hard drive, and then installing through that).
Anyways, my macbook pro is bought in the mid 2010’s, maybe that information can help? I don’t know what the last OS X update I used was.
Posted on Jul 18, 2014 3:20 PM
All replies
Can’t restore Lion using Internet restore, after replacing bad hard drive. Lion came on system.
Keep getting this message:
«This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later»
How can I restore this Macbook?
without any help from useless support at apple. btw
The reason you get this message is YOUR apple id is not associated to an apple o/s.
DO Not use someone elses apple id. Youll get all their apps.
In the 4 choices you get click «GET HELP ONLINE»
Click icloud and sign in with your apple id.
Now you can go back to installing screen and the downloading will finally work because you have now shown applie id youve logged in from your computer.
What a **** show and i can’t believe how easy it was to fix
Aug 30, 2015 7:06 PM
Hi, I’m in the same situation, I bought this machine from someone who has wiped it. and get the exact same message. I cannot get past this stage and am desperate to get it working again. Is there any work-around to get the damned thing working again.
Oct 26, 2014 4:53 PM
Finally, I got the answer.
first, you download OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 from apple, then create a recovery usb drive, then plug in the usb into your mac. when it power on, press option to select use the recovery disk you just made. you will found you can reinstall a OS x 10.10.
Oct 26, 2014 7:06 PM
same issue here. this *****.
Oct 18, 2014 7:33 AM
Hi, I am trying to follow your instructions step by step but no luck 😟. When you say click on icloud, you mean go to icloud.com correct?
1. When starting your mac book hold down the 3 keys «Command/Option/R»
2. That will bring you the the internet recovery mode
3. Choose net work from the list to get connected to the internet.
Note: If trouble connection to the internet through wifi.. plug in a ethernet cable.
4. Let mac to the «reset» and after about an hour once its all done loading. It’ll give you a few option and one of them is to install the operating system and it will
Jan 15, 2016 1:54 PM
It’s because you have the Find my Mac enabled. If you want to get rid of this message, you must disable Find my Mac first. Then follow the steps to reinstall. Find my Mac thinks someone is stealing your computer/phone/iPad and trying to wipe it clean. this is a security feature.
Aug 31, 2015 10:27 AM
Jan 11, 2015 2:07 PM
Well, I’m saying that you have to find a way to register the OS with your Apple ID. It might be something as simple as calling tech support, explaining your issue, and having them apply the credit to your account.
Have you purchased a new license for OS X Mountain Lion? You can get it here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion
They send an email within a few days and you can get your redeem code. At that point, you need to figure out a way to apply it to your desired Apple ID (no, just buying it through your apple ID doesn’t work, you actually have to redeem it at the Mac App Store on you computer (which you don’t have access to because you wiped your hard drive (same issue as me))).
Your issue is that you have no OS «credited» to your Apple ID. If you email someone with a Mac you trust with the info, they can access app store from their computer, login as your Apple ID, apply the credit (instructions are in the email they send you), and log back out. The whole process takes 2 minutes. You would be free to install from your own computer as long as you use the Apple ID your friend applied the code to.
Aug 7, 2014 10:02 AM
Jul 18, 2014 3:26 PM
Jul 22, 2014 3:39 PM
And you are back to needing to buy a secondary mac to fix the first one.
I find it very frustrating.
1) I can’t use internet recovery for Lion (and that is the only option I get when using Internet Recovery).
2) If I try to contact Apple they tell me to enter my serialnumber and they tell me to pay money to answer my question. Since they removed the possibility to recovery my Mac they shouldnt charge me.
3) All solutions that comes up tell me to use some program solution to create a recoverydisk and that is only possible if I buy a secondary mac
I begin to understand the people telling me that PC is a better way to go since you can’t get any good support on Mac.
Nov 12, 2014 1:33 AM
I was running into this same problem because I was trying to use a different Apple ID than the one I used when I first got the computer. Signed in with my old Apple ID and it started installing. Guess OS X does need to be registered with an ID.
Well, the problem is that I’m running on a recovery version on my mac, which I think means that I don’t have mac app store installed on the computer. My only way to connect to internet is through an option in the starting menu, «Get help online» (or something like that), which lets me use safari. Since I don’t have mac app store, I can’t download the OS the regular way. Because of this, I need an alternative way to download Maverick’s, but I don’t know how I would do that.
Jul 18, 2014 4:35 PM
I had this problem and installed El Capitan from the website page link.
Oct 16, 2015 12:28 AM
Here is the answer that worked for me.
I used the original Apple ID that I registered the computer with.
Apr 11, 2015 4:31 AM
This same thing happened to me, «This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later.»
I must have tried 20 times, before I figured out that it was not the Apple servers. (had to google it)
However here are the differences:
1. I bought the MacBook Pro from a pawn shop, so I have NO clue as to the original owner or their Apple ID/password.
Image my surprise when I found this little tidbit of Apple ID horror!
2. I ONLY have ONE MacBook, not two, which is what EVERY response expects/assumes you to have.
A little explanation, I purchased this MacBook Pro and wanted to update to the new El Capitain OS 10.11 version,
but I did not have enough room on my HD for it, because the previous owner had a lot of trash, junk files, downloads, pictures, email, etc cluttering up space, which of course I didn’t want, nor did I ever need. Likewise, I certainly didn’t want his name referencing MY new laptop or pathways, directories, and so on etc, etc, etc.
SO I’m like, wipe that sucker clean.
WRONG MOVE. big mistake.
After hours, days of research, trying this, trying that, figuring out dead-ends, frustrated, crying, yelling. like it really did any good! hmmmm
I came up with a way to re-install my previous OS without, let me say that again WITHOUT using an Apple login credentials,
so here it goes, are you ready?
This happens to be my FIRST Apple product ever, which I’ve never experienced their OS layout, so the learning curve was aggressive.
I’ve been a dedicated Windows user since 3.1, so IF I type (explain) something (terminology) «incorrectly» be understanding, ok?
So for those of you which like myself, have ONLY one Mac product and NO friends to help OR want to share my burden.
And NO you cannot download from your Windows computer onto a USB drive and then transfer it to your Mac.
WHY, because Windows uses FAT formatting while Mac uses Mac OS, they don’t understand each other,
designed that way on purpose dont’cha know?
That is the web-address you will use to download the «Mavericks Installer.dmg», You will need this later for downloading.
You need TWO USB DRIVES, at least 8GB each (this is the secret) shhhh, don’t tell. haha
Hopefully, you have two working USB ports.
IF not, just stop now, the rest is assumed and expected that you have two working USB ports on your Mac.
It was bad enough reading through all the previous posts, just to find out that I didn’t have the correct Apple ID/password,
nor did I have an extra MacBook just conveniently laying around!
ON your Mac, you need to get into «Mac OS X Utilities», here’s how:
HOLD down Command + Option + R while you push POWER (you can release Power only)
Keep holding others, until rotating EARTH shows up. (now you can release those other 3), This starts Internet Recovery.
This is when your Mac will attempt to connect to the internet, make sure you have either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected,
Ethernet (hard-wired) is much faster than Wi-Fi for downloading needed files.
When «Mac OS X Utilities» finally shows up: (takes it’s sweet time about it)
1. SELECT «Disk Utility»
2. Plug in one USB drive at a time, let Disk Utility recognize it, then plug in second USB drive, wait for recognition.
3.When BOTH are recognized by Disk Utility, (you’ll see them appear in left-side pane)
SELECT 1st USB Drive (left-side pane), click on (will be highlighted):
SELECT «Partition» (within right-side pane)
SELECT «Partition Layout», then SELECT «1 Partition»
SELECT «Options», then SELECT «GUID Partition Table» (a must for USB drive to act as startup disk)
UNDER «Partition Information»
NAME: (I used MAC DMG, so I wouldn’t get it confused with other USB drive)
FORMAT: Use «Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
SELECT «Apply», then SELECT «Partition» (this WILL format or wipe out all data on this USB drive)
***DO this same above procedures for Second USB, but name it MAC OS X ***
DO NOT REMOVE EITHER USB DRIVE
Got that so far, next:
CLOSE out (X) Disk Utility
Now, Select «Get Help Online» from «Mac OS X Utilities» menu (should be 3rd from top)
On top Menu, Click on «Safari», then SELECT «Preferences»
Under «General» tab, scroll down to «Save downloaded files to:»
Click «Other», then SELECT «MAC DMG» under devices menu. Close that window.
You should have an open Safari window about «Recovery Information»
Within «Address Bar» type in web address: (same one you were suppose to write down above)
Type in and press enter.
SCROLL down to the «DOWNLOAD» button and click it.
It will open up a new browser window and then start downloading the «Mavericks Installer.dmg» package.
It is 5.95GB, so it will take some time to download. (Go goof around while it’s downloading.)
WHEN it is finished downloading, close out Safari. (Safari>Quit Safari)
You should be back to the «Mac OS X Utilities» menu.
SELECT «Disk Utilities» once again.
CLICK on «MAC DMG» dropdown under USB drive heading (it will be highlighted)
SELECT «Restore» in right-side pane
Under Source: MAC DWG is entered
Next, CLICK & HOLD on 2nd USB drive drop-down MAC OS X, DRAG to «Destination» in right-side pane
RECAP: (right-side pane)
Destination: MAC OS X
Now SELECT «Restore» (bottom right)
It will ask if you are sure you want to replace «MAC OS X» with «-Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg?
It will verify and start copying the data over, takes about 35 minutes.
If all went well you should have 40,147 files @ 6.01GB
When it is finished, the 2nd USB drive will now be called: «OS X Base System»
Now, REMOVE (ONLY) the USB labeled MAC DWG
Close out (X) of «Disk Utility» (Command + Q)
Close out (X) of «Mac OS X Utilities» (Command + Q)
SELECT «Choose Startup Disk»
SELECT «OS X Base System Mac OS X,10.9)
It will ASK again, CLICK on «Restart»
Spinning wheel will activate and «turn for a couple of minutes»,
then your Mac will power off and «restart» showing Apple Logo (also for a couple of minutes),
It will then show OS X Installer Window.
Follow Prompts to install your new OS X
I went through Apple’s **** Hole and back to bring you this step-by-step guide. (LOL)
The great part is that you now have a backup USB restore drive. yippee! (for future mistakes or other Macbooks. )
Question: Q: This item is temporarily unavailable Mac error
After my macbook pro had become really slow the past days, I decided to reset the system, following the usual steps:
1. Press alt+power button
3. Reinstall the Mountain Lion OS X through internet.
«This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later»
I don’t know what to do, since I have tried redoing these steps on multiple occasions this day, and with two different networks. Unfortunately, I don’t have the original installation dvd:s, so I have to install the OS through internet (or if it is possible, by downloading the OS to an external hard drive, and then installing through that).
Anyways, my macbook pro is bought in the mid 2010’s, maybe that information can help? I don’t know what the last OS X update I used was.
Posted on Jul 18, 2014 3:20 PM
All replies
Can’t restore Lion using Internet restore, after replacing bad hard drive. Lion came on system.
Keep getting this message:
«This item is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later»
How can I restore this Macbook?
without any help from useless support at apple. btw
The reason you get this message is YOUR apple id is not associated to an apple o/s.
DO Not use someone elses apple id. Youll get all their apps.
In the 4 choices you get click «GET HELP ONLINE»
Click icloud and sign in with your apple id.
Now you can go back to installing screen and the downloading will finally work because you have now shown applie id youve logged in from your computer.
What a **** show and i can’t believe how easy it was to fix
Aug 30, 2015 7:06 PM
Hi, I’m in the same situation, I bought this machine from someone who has wiped it. and get the exact same message. I cannot get past this stage and am desperate to get it working again. Is there any work-around to get the damned thing working again.
Oct 26, 2014 4:53 PM
Finally, I got the answer.
first, you download OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 from apple, then create a recovery usb drive, then plug in the usb into your mac. when it power on, press option to select use the recovery disk you just made. you will found you can reinstall a OS x 10.10.
Oct 26, 2014 7:06 PM
same issue here. this *****.
Oct 18, 2014 7:33 AM
Hi, I am trying to follow your instructions step by step but no luck 😟. When you say click on icloud, you mean go to icloud.com correct?
1. When starting your mac book hold down the 3 keys «Command/Option/R»
2. That will bring you the the internet recovery mode
3. Choose net work from the list to get connected to the internet.
Note: If trouble connection to the internet through wifi.. plug in a ethernet cable.
4. Let mac to the «reset» and after about an hour once its all done loading. It’ll give you a few option and one of them is to install the operating system and it will
Jan 15, 2016 1:54 PM
It’s because you have the Find my Mac enabled. If you want to get rid of this message, you must disable Find my Mac first. Then follow the steps to reinstall. Find my Mac thinks someone is stealing your computer/phone/iPad and trying to wipe it clean. this is a security feature.
Aug 31, 2015 10:27 AM
Jan 11, 2015 2:07 PM
Well, I’m saying that you have to find a way to register the OS with your Apple ID. It might be something as simple as calling tech support, explaining your issue, and having them apply the credit to your account.
Have you purchased a new license for OS X Mountain Lion? You can get it here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion
They send an email within a few days and you can get your redeem code. At that point, you need to figure out a way to apply it to your desired Apple ID (no, just buying it through your apple ID doesn’t work, you actually have to redeem it at the Mac App Store on you computer (which you don’t have access to because you wiped your hard drive (same issue as me))).
Your issue is that you have no OS «credited» to your Apple ID. If you email someone with a Mac you trust with the info, they can access app store from their computer, login as your Apple ID, apply the credit (instructions are in the email they send you), and log back out. The whole process takes 2 minutes. You would be free to install from your own computer as long as you use the Apple ID your friend applied the code to.
Aug 7, 2014 10:02 AM
Jul 18, 2014 3:26 PM
Jul 22, 2014 3:39 PM
And you are back to needing to buy a secondary mac to fix the first one.
I find it very frustrating.
1) I can’t use internet recovery for Lion (and that is the only option I get when using Internet Recovery).
2) If I try to contact Apple they tell me to enter my serialnumber and they tell me to pay money to answer my question. Since they removed the possibility to recovery my Mac they shouldnt charge me.
3) All solutions that comes up tell me to use some program solution to create a recoverydisk and that is only possible if I buy a secondary mac
I begin to understand the people telling me that PC is a better way to go since you can’t get any good support on Mac.
Nov 12, 2014 1:33 AM
I was running into this same problem because I was trying to use a different Apple ID than the one I used when I first got the computer. Signed in with my old Apple ID and it started installing. Guess OS X does need to be registered with an ID.
Well, the problem is that I’m running on a recovery version on my mac, which I think means that I don’t have mac app store installed on the computer. My only way to connect to internet is through an option in the starting menu, «Get help online» (or something like that), which lets me use safari. Since I don’t have mac app store, I can’t download the OS the regular way. Because of this, I need an alternative way to download Maverick’s, but I don’t know how I would do that.
Jul 18, 2014 4:35 PM
I had this problem and installed El Capitan from the website page link.
Oct 16, 2015 12:28 AM
Here is the answer that worked for me.
I used the original Apple ID that I registered the computer with.
Apr 11, 2015 4:31 AM
This same thing happened to me, «This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later.»
I must have tried 20 times, before I figured out that it was not the Apple servers. (had to google it)
However here are the differences:
1. I bought the MacBook Pro from a pawn shop, so I have NO clue as to the original owner or their Apple ID/password.
Image my surprise when I found this little tidbit of Apple ID horror!
2. I ONLY have ONE MacBook, not two, which is what EVERY response expects/assumes you to have.
A little explanation, I purchased this MacBook Pro and wanted to update to the new El Capitain OS 10.11 version,
but I did not have enough room on my HD for it, because the previous owner had a lot of trash, junk files, downloads, pictures, email, etc cluttering up space, which of course I didn’t want, nor did I ever need. Likewise, I certainly didn’t want his name referencing MY new laptop or pathways, directories, and so on etc, etc, etc.
SO I’m like, wipe that sucker clean.
WRONG MOVE. big mistake.
After hours, days of research, trying this, trying that, figuring out dead-ends, frustrated, crying, yelling. like it really did any good! hmmmm
I came up with a way to re-install my previous OS without, let me say that again WITHOUT using an Apple login credentials,
so here it goes, are you ready?
This happens to be my FIRST Apple product ever, which I’ve never experienced their OS layout, so the learning curve was aggressive.
I’ve been a dedicated Windows user since 3.1, so IF I type (explain) something (terminology) «incorrectly» be understanding, ok?
So for those of you which like myself, have ONLY one Mac product and NO friends to help OR want to share my burden.
And NO you cannot download from your Windows computer onto a USB drive and then transfer it to your Mac.
WHY, because Windows uses FAT formatting while Mac uses Mac OS, they don’t understand each other,
designed that way on purpose dont’cha know?
That is the web-address you will use to download the «Mavericks Installer.dmg», You will need this later for downloading.
You need TWO USB DRIVES, at least 8GB each (this is the secret) shhhh, don’t tell. haha
Hopefully, you have two working USB ports.
IF not, just stop now, the rest is assumed and expected that you have two working USB ports on your Mac.
It was bad enough reading through all the previous posts, just to find out that I didn’t have the correct Apple ID/password,
nor did I have an extra MacBook just conveniently laying around!
ON your Mac, you need to get into «Mac OS X Utilities», here’s how:
HOLD down Command + Option + R while you push POWER (you can release Power only)
Keep holding others, until rotating EARTH shows up. (now you can release those other 3), This starts Internet Recovery.
This is when your Mac will attempt to connect to the internet, make sure you have either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected,
Ethernet (hard-wired) is much faster than Wi-Fi for downloading needed files.
When «Mac OS X Utilities» finally shows up: (takes it’s sweet time about it)
1. SELECT «Disk Utility»
2. Plug in one USB drive at a time, let Disk Utility recognize it, then plug in second USB drive, wait for recognition.
3.When BOTH are recognized by Disk Utility, (you’ll see them appear in left-side pane)
SELECT 1st USB Drive (left-side pane), click on (will be highlighted):
SELECT «Partition» (within right-side pane)
SELECT «Partition Layout», then SELECT «1 Partition»
SELECT «Options», then SELECT «GUID Partition Table» (a must for USB drive to act as startup disk)
UNDER «Partition Information»
NAME: (I used MAC DMG, so I wouldn’t get it confused with other USB drive)
FORMAT: Use «Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
SELECT «Apply», then SELECT «Partition» (this WILL format or wipe out all data on this USB drive)
***DO this same above procedures for Second USB, but name it MAC OS X ***
DO NOT REMOVE EITHER USB DRIVE
Got that so far, next:
CLOSE out (X) Disk Utility
Now, Select «Get Help Online» from «Mac OS X Utilities» menu (should be 3rd from top)
On top Menu, Click on «Safari», then SELECT «Preferences»
Under «General» tab, scroll down to «Save downloaded files to:»
Click «Other», then SELECT «MAC DMG» under devices menu. Close that window.
You should have an open Safari window about «Recovery Information»
Within «Address Bar» type in web address: (same one you were suppose to write down above)
Type in and press enter.
SCROLL down to the «DOWNLOAD» button and click it.
It will open up a new browser window and then start downloading the «Mavericks Installer.dmg» package.
It is 5.95GB, so it will take some time to download. (Go goof around while it’s downloading.)
WHEN it is finished downloading, close out Safari. (Safari>Quit Safari)
You should be back to the «Mac OS X Utilities» menu.
SELECT «Disk Utilities» once again.
CLICK on «MAC DMG» dropdown under USB drive heading (it will be highlighted)
SELECT «Restore» in right-side pane
Under Source: MAC DWG is entered
Next, CLICK & HOLD on 2nd USB drive drop-down MAC OS X, DRAG to «Destination» in right-side pane
RECAP: (right-side pane)
Destination: MAC OS X
Now SELECT «Restore» (bottom right)
It will ask if you are sure you want to replace «MAC OS X» with «-Getintopc.com-Mavericks Installer.dmg?
It will verify and start copying the data over, takes about 35 minutes.
If all went well you should have 40,147 files @ 6.01GB
When it is finished, the 2nd USB drive will now be called: «OS X Base System»
Now, REMOVE (ONLY) the USB labeled MAC DWG
Close out (X) of «Disk Utility» (Command + Q)
Close out (X) of «Mac OS X Utilities» (Command + Q)
SELECT «Choose Startup Disk»
SELECT «OS X Base System Mac OS X,10.9)
It will ASK again, CLICK on «Restart»
Spinning wheel will activate and «turn for a couple of minutes»,
then your Mac will power off and «restart» showing Apple Logo (also for a couple of minutes),
It will then show OS X Installer Window.
Follow Prompts to install your new OS X
I went through Apple’s **** Hole and back to bring you this step-by-step guide. (LOL)
The great part is that you now have a backup USB restore drive. yippee! (for future mistakes or other Macbooks. )
Mar 12, 2016 9:59 PM
I hope you have figured it out already. I encountered the same problem. The best solution may be to take it to the mac store, but here is what I did.
For some reason my mid2009 macbook pro didn’t want to reset its install function to the factory settings, it wanted Lion (i believe Snow Leopard is factory settings for that one). I kept getting the «Item is temporarily unavailable» after inputting my Apple ID.
Since I had already wiped my mac, I had no way of redeeming the code. But I just logged in to the app store with my own Apple ID on my fathers computer and entered the redeem code (you have to be careful to just use the apple ID of the computer you want to install on, not my dad’s, or your friend’s). Once the redemption code is entered you are good to do the reinstall of mac OS x Lion.
Its installing now.
So I just figured mine out. I wanted to erase my whole disk and start over when I came to this problem. When I did the erase, I picked the disk I knew which I named before. It was the one right under the first one. Well I figured out that if I erase the very first one that shows the size then shut down my computer, then hold command and r when I stated it back. Once I did this I went to reinstall the osx then I didn’t even need the apple login. I ran across this one a page where someone swore that it did not require a login. Try it! It worked for me! It will erase all your stuff on the laptop and put it back to factory, but you can use it.
Sadly enough, I just ended up downloading Mavericks on another computer and using this page to create a bootable USB and went from there. Couldn’t figure out a way to reinstall just from System Recovery. Hope you figure things out!
Jul 21, 2014 4:18 PM
1. Shut down your computer.
4. Wait for the Utilities screen to reappear. When it does, click Reinstall Mac OS X.
5. From here, you will be able to reinstall Mountain Lion / Lion.
Apr 20, 2015 1:23 PM
Jul 18, 2014 3:51 PM
So basically what you’re all saying is that if you don’t have 2 mac’s that this won’t work? I did the same as everyone else (Hard drive wasn’t booting correctly so I wiped the drive with an external boot of OS X Utilities). The problem I am having now is that I cannot download another OS X Mountain Lion through this utility (getting the «This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later.») I can pull up the command line but have no intel on what the command would be in order to download/install the actual OS X. I also only have ONE macbook so download and installing it through an external drive is NOT an option and also do not have warranty on this machine (expired).
I know the problem now, finally. App Store doesn’t have «old» systems anymore, like Lion. You need to upgrade your hardware, to be able to have certain software. My MacPro 2007 started having this problem. Also have macbook air, macbook pro, airport express & extreme, an iPad mini and iPhone. I’ve been using mac since 2002. Gave my old iMac to my mum, and my Mac mini to a friend. Bought all their products, and trust me, I love them. But it is really childish of them that you cannot get old software anymore via the App Store. 😟
Jan 13, 2015 6:47 PM
Nice plan, unfortunately I’m from Czech Republic and we don’t have genius bar. Authorised service will charge me. Any other solution?
Jul 24, 2014 11:55 AM
I’m not sure I understand. You made no mention of an external drive. What do you mean when you say «install it directly through this computer, or do I have to install it through my external drive?»
If you want to re-download Mountain Lion or Mavericks you must do so through your App Store application, not through Safari.
Jul 18, 2014 4:13 PM
If you are using the Recovery HD then in the Main menu you will find four different options. See the following:
Install or Reinstall Mavericks or Mountain Lion from Scratch
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible
because it is three times faster than wireless.
Jul 18, 2014 4:53 PM
I had the same problem first. Then I solved it by using the same Apple ID that I used when I registered the computer, many years ago. Then it worked! Maybe Apple gives this error message in order to try to stop possible thieves?
have you managed to fix your macbook pro? I am having the same issue, cant figure it out how to fix it.
Nov 12, 2014 11:22 PM
This is what I did:
1. Backed up all my data with Time Machine (if your HDD has crashed you may not be able to do this or you may need to rely on previous time machine backups (if you have them).
3. Used a friend’s Mac to download Yosemite (the internet restore would not work with same «this item temporarily unavailable» problem persisting).
4. Booted up my Mac Book Pro with new SSD on this bootable thumb drive and followed the instructions to reinstall the OSX
5. Reinstalled data I wanted from my time machine backup.
My Mac Book Pro now performs like a Mac Book Air, boots up from cold in 15-20 seconds and all apps open almost instantly.
Battery life also has improved and the internal heat is lower. The total weight of the Mac Book is now also 50 grams lighter (every bit helps!)
Aug 29, 2015 4:46 PM
If you try to Reinstall OS X and the version of OS X on your machine at purchase is different from the current version, the recovery likely will not wrk. Restart holding option-command-R to enter internet recovery. Apple servers will restore your device to the originally installed OS. In my case I was trying to reinstall El Capitan, but the computer was purchased with Mavericks. The internet recovery worked great.
Nov 14, 2015 10:05 PM
Out of all of the other options this is the only one that worked for me, and the only one that said Option + Command + R + Power. It reset it back to Mac OS X Lion from Yosemite. I think if Apple had their way you’d give a DNA sample and have your Mac permanently tied to you forever. OS Wow, I suspect, with all due respect.
Dec 15, 2015 3:19 PM
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You are counter-helpful. You don’t read someone’s entire post or you don’t understand English because the replies you post do not address the issues. Simply using the Apple ID the computer was first registered with solves the problem.
If you don’t know how to fix something, don’t tell someone what to do; it doesn’t help anyone.
Apr 11, 2015 4:37 AM
HI im having this problem with my MacBook Pro but I haven’t wiped my hard drives, do you have any suggestions on how I can fix this?? Please help
Apr 16, 2015 4:36 AM
1. Shut down your computer.
4. Wait for the Utilities screen to reappear. When it does, click Reinstall Mac OS X.
5. From here, you will be able to reinstall Mountain Lion / Lion.
Apr 20, 2015 1:23 PM
then make usb bootable by disk utility. You can see process in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGlyS82Te8
If video not found you can search on youtube » how to burn Os X lion to usb dvd «
«Go in DISK Utility first put usb atleast 8 gb and before making bootable usb erase data and make single partition and click options and choose first option. after this click on download Mac os x Mavericks files and than click Restore and give Download Os x mavericks address in source file and usb in destination and apply it will take some time and make usb bootable..
After making usb bootable put usb in Macbook which this error is coming and by pressing command + R options come press Reinstall it install automatically.
Apr 27, 2015 1:34 PM
hey good day is there any site i can dl maves coz the site you gave is not working anymore tia
May 14, 2015 6:34 PM
Finally, I got the answer.
first, you download OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 from apple, then create a recovery usb drive, then plug in the usb into your mac. when it power on, press option to select use the recovery disk you just made. you will found you can reinstall a OS x 10.10.
This seems to be helping me. about 8 Minutes to go downloading Yosemite. Fi ngers crossed
Jun 1, 2015 11:32 AM
For me the magic was to try my various Apple ID’s until I stumbled over the one the computer was original setup with. Then it worked from the Recovery Menu just fine.
Jun 10, 2015 10:46 AM
I hope this helps someone: I used the Apple ID I registered my first Macbook with. Yes, this does not help the OP but it may help someone else.
Bought a gently used early 2011 MB pro to replace my 2011 MB air. I wanted to upgrade to SSD so I cloned the current drive, swapped the new one in, and booted up. I PROBABLY SHOULD NOT HAVE but I erased the drive using drive utility and resumed to «Install OS X Lion». Like the OP, Lion was the ONLY choice available. Signing with my Apple ID kept returning a «This item is temporarily unavailable» (AKA «You’re screwed»). I saw this post, signed in with my other Apple ID and wham, Lion is downloading now and I assume once it is done and installed I can upgrade to Mavericks. I did need a second computer.
Alternative: HOWEVER, I will acknowledge my Macbook Air came with a slim USB stick in the box that is a Recovery USB drive. I probably could have used that.
Another another alternative: buy a copy like someone else said.
I do believe what another user is correct, OS X Lion is obsolete and cannot be downloaded unless already tied to an account and wiping out the hard drive ended up ridding the firmware needed to install anything else. Tis the way of Apple, they break up with yesterday’s software as quickly and as badly as Taylor Swift.