The Ultimate Guide to Creating a MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Bootable USB for Intel PCs
MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion bootable USB for Intel PCs
Introduction
If you are a fan of Apple's operating system, but you don't have a Mac computer, you might be wondering if you can install MAC OS X on your Intel PC. The answer is yes, but you will need some extra tools and steps to make it work. One of the most important things you will need is a bootable USB drive that contains the MAC OS X installer.
MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion bootable USB for Intel PCs
In this article, we will show you how to create a MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion bootable USB for Intel PCs. We will cover the following topics:
What is MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion?
Why do you need a bootable USB for Intel PCs?
What are the requirements and steps to create a bootable USB?
How to download MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer
How to format and partition your USB drive
How to restore the DMG file to your USB drive
How to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC
By the end of this article, you will be able to install MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on your Intel PC and enjoy its features and performance.
What is MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion?
MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is the ninth major release of Apple's desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. It was released in July 2012 as a successor to MAC OS X 10.7 Lion. It introduced many new features and improvements, such as:
iCloud integration: sync your documents, photos, contacts, calendars, reminders, notes, messages, and more across your devices
Notification Center: get alerts and updates from your apps and system in one place
Messages: send and receive iMessages, SMS, and MMS from your Mac
Reminders: create and manage your to-do lists with Siri or typing
Notes: write down your thoughts and ideas with rich text formatting and attachments
Dock: access your favorite apps and documents with Launchpad and Mission Control
Safari: browse the web faster and safer with improved performance, security, and privacy features
AirPlay Mirroring: stream your Mac screen to your Apple TV or compatible device wirelessly
Game Center: play games online with your friends or other players around the world
Gatekeeper: protect your Mac from malicious software by controlling what apps can be installed and run
MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is compatible with most Mac models that were released in 2007 or later, such as MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Xserve. However, some features may require additional hardware or software support, such as AirPlay Mirroring, Game Center, and Power Nap.
Why do you need a bootable USB for Intel PCs?
If you want to install MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on your Intel PC, you will need a bootable USB drive that contains the MAC OS X installer. A bootable USB drive is a removable storage device that can be used to start up your computer and run an operating system or a program without using the hard disk. A bootable USB drive has several advantages over other methods of installation, such as:
It is faster and more reliable than using a DVD or a CD
It is more portable and convenient than using an external hard drive
It is more flexible and customizable than using a pre-installed image
It is more secure and recoverable than using a partition or a dual boot
To create a bootable USB drive for MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, you will need the following things:
A USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space
A MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer file in DMG format
A software tool to format and restore the DMG file to your USB drive
A bootloader to enable your Intel PC to boot from your USB drive
In the next sections, we will explain how to obtain and use these things to create your bootable USB drive.
How to download MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer
The first thing you need to create your bootable USB drive is the MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer file in DMG format. A DMG file is a disk image file that contains the compressed data of a disk or a folder. You can think of it as a virtual disk that can be mounted and accessed on your computer.
There are several ways to download the MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer file in DMG format, depending on your situation and preference. Here are some of the most common options:
Option 1: Download from Apple Support website
If you have purchased MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion from the Apple website or the Mac App Store before, you can download the installer file from the Apple Support website for free. To do this, you will need to:
Go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372
Scroll down to the section "Download OS X Mountain Lion"
Click on the link "OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.5 (Combo)"
Wait for the download to complete (the file size is about 4.5 GB)
Rename the downloaded file from "OSXUpdCombo10.8.5.dmg" to "InstallESD.dmg"
This option is recommended if you have a fast and stable internet connection, and if you have already bought MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion from Apple.
Option 2: Download from Mac App Store
If you have not purchased MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion from Apple before, you can buy it from the Mac App Store for $19.99 USD. To do this, you will need to:
Go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-mountain-lion/id537386512?mt=12
Click on the button "View in Mac App Store"
Sign in with your Apple ID and password (or create one if you don't have one)
Click on the button "Buy App" and follow the instructions to complete the purchase
Wait for the download to start (the file size is about 4.5 GB)
Navigate to the folder "/Applications" on your Mac and find the file "Install OS X Mountain Lion.app"
Right-click on the file and select "Show Package Contents"
Navigate to the folder "/Contents/SharedSupport"
Copy the file "InstallESD.dmg" to your desktop or another location
This option is recommended if you don't mind spending some money, and if you have access to a Mac computer with the Mac App Store.
Option 3: Download from a torrent site
If you don't want to buy MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion from Apple, or if you don't have access to a Mac computer with the Mac App Store, you can try to download the installer file from a torrent site. A torrent site is a website that allows users to share and download files using a peer-to-peer network. To do this, you will need to:
Go to a torrent site of your choice, such as https://thepiratebay.org/ or https://1337x.to/
Search for "MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion DMG" or something similar
Choose a torrent file that has a high number of seeders and leechers, and a good rating and comments
Download the torrent file and open it with a torrent client, such as https://www.utorrent.com/ or https://www.qbittorrent.org/
Wait for the download to finish (the file size may vary depending on the source)
Verify the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded file by checking its hash value or signature
This option is not recommended for several reasons, such as:
It may be illegal or unethical to download MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion without paying for it
It may be risky or dangerous to download files from unknown or untrusted sources
It may be slow or unreliable to download files using a torrent network
It may be difficult or impossible to find a working and clean DMG file for MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
If you decide to use this option, do it at your own risk and responsibility.
How to format and partition your USB drive
The next thing you need to create your bootable USB drive is to format and partition your USB drive. Formatting is the process of erasing all the data on your USB drive and preparing it for a new file system. Partitioning is the process of dividing your USB drive into one or more sections that can be used independently. You will need to format and partition your USB drive in a way that is compatible with MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and your Intel PC.
There are several ways to format and partition your USB drive, depending on what computer and software you have. Here are some of the most common options:
Option 1: Use Disk Utility on a Mac
If you have access to a Mac computer, you can use Disk Utility, which is a built-in application that allows you to manage disks and volumes on your Mac. To do this, you will need to:
Connect your USB drive to your Mac computer
Open Disk Utility from the Applications folder or the Launchpad
Select your USB drive from the left sidebar (not the volume under it)
Click on the Erase tab at the top
Choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" as the format, and give your USB drive a name (such as "Mountain Lion")
Click on the Erase button and confirm your action
Wait for the formatting process to complete
Select your USB drive again from the left sidebar (not the volume under it)
Click on the Partition tab at the top
Click on the "+" button at the bottom left to add a new partition
Drag the slider at the bottom right to adjust the size of the new partition (make it at least 8 GB)</li
Choose "MS-DOS (FAT)" as the format, and give the new partition a name (such as "Bootloader")
Click on the Apply button and confirm your action
Wait for the partitioning process to complete
This option is recommended if you have a Mac computer and you want to use Disk Utility, which is a simple and reliable tool.
Option 2: Use TransMac on Windows
If you don't have access to a Mac computer, you can use TransMac, which is a third-party software that allows you to format and restore disks and files for Mac on Windows. To do this, you will need to:
Download and install TransMac from https://www.acutesystems.com/scrtm.htm (you can use the free trial version for 15 days)
Connect your USB drive to your Windows computer
Open TransMac as an administrator
Right-click on your USB drive from the left sidebar and select "Format Disk for Mac"
Give your USB drive a name (such as "Mountain Lion") and click on the OK button
Wait for the formatting process to complete
Right-click on your USB drive again from the left sidebar and select "Restore with Disk Image"
Browse and select the DMG file of MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer that you downloaded earlier
Click on the OK button and confirm your action
Wait for the restoring process to complete
Right-click on your USB drive again from the left sidebar and select "Create Partition"
Choose "Primary" as the type, "FAT32" as the file system, and give the new partition a name (such as "Bootloader")
Click on the OK button and confirm your action
Wait for the partitioning process to complete
This option is recommended if you don't have a Mac computer and you want to use TransMac, which is a powerful and versatile tool.
How to restore the DMG file to your USB drive
The next thing you need to create your bootable USB drive is to restore the DMG file of MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer to your USB drive. Restoring is the process of copying the data from a disk image file to a disk or a volume. You will need to restore the DMG file to your USB drive in a way that preserves its bootability and compatibility with MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
There are several ways to restore the DMG file to your USB drive, depending on what computer and software you have. Here are some of the most common options:
Option 1: Use Disk Utility on a Mac
If you have access to a Mac computer, you can use Disk Utility, which is a built-in application that allows you to manage disks and volumes on your Mac. To do this, you will need to:
Connect your USB drive to your Mac computer
Open Disk Utility from the Applications folder or the Launchpad</li
Select your USB drive from the left sidebar (not the volume under it)
Click on the Restore tab at the top
Drag and drop the DMG file of MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer that you downloaded earlier to the Source field
Drag and drop the volume named "Mountain Lion" under your USB drive to the Destination field
Click on the Restore button and confirm your action
Wait for the restoring process to complete
This option is recommended if you have a Mac computer and you want to use Disk Utility, which is a simple and reliable tool.
Option 2: Use TransMac on Windows
If you don't have access to a Mac computer, you can use TransMac, which is a third-party software that allows you to format and restore disks and files for Mac on Windows. To do this, you will need to:
Connect your USB drive to your Windows computer
Open TransMac as an administrator
Right-click on your USB drive from the left sidebar and select "Restore with Disk Image"
Browse and select the DMG file of MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer that you downloaded earlier
Click on the OK button and confirm your action
Wait for the restoring process to complete
This option is recommended if you don't have a Mac computer and you want to use TransMac, which is a powerful and versatile tool.
How to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC
The last thing you need to create your bootable USB drive is to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC. Booting is the process of starting up your computer and loading an operating system or a program. You will need to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC in a way that allows you to install and run MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
There are several ways to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC, depending on what bootloader you have. A bootloader is a small program that loads and executes another program, such as an operating system. You will need a bootloader that is compatible with MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and your Intel PC. Here are some of the most common options:
Option 1: Use Clover bootloader
Clover is a bootloader that supports UEFI and legacy BIOS modes, and can boot MAC OS X, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. To use Clover bootloader, you will need to:
Download Clover from https://sourceforge.net/projects/cloverefiboot/
Extract the ZIP file and run the setup.exe file as an administrator
Select "Install for UEFI booting only" or "Install for UEFI motherboards" depending on your PC's firmware type</li
Select your USB drive as the destination and click on the Install button
Wait for the installation process to complete
Copy the folder "EFI" from your USB drive to your desktop or another location
Eject and remove your USB drive from your Windows computer
Connect your USB drive to your Intel PC
Turn on your Intel PC and press the key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del)
Change the boot order to prioritize your USB drive as the first boot device
Save and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings
Wait for your Intel PC to boot from your USB drive
Select "Boot OS X Install from Mountain Lion" from the Clover menu
Follow the instructions to install MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on your Intel PC
This option is recommended if you have a UEFI-based Intel PC and you want to use Clover bootloader, which is a modern and advanced tool.
Option 2: Use Chameleon bootloader
Chameleon is a bootloader that supports legacy BIOS mode, and can boot MAC OS X, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. To use Chameleon bootloader, you will need to:
Download Chameleon from https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/files/file/496-chameleon-22-svn/
Extract the ZIP file and run the Chameleon Installer.exe file as an administrator
Select your USB drive as the destination and click on the Install button
Wait for the installation process to complete
Eject and remove your USB drive from your Windows computer
Connect your USB drive to your Intel PC</li
Turn on your Intel PC and press the key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del)
Change the boot order to prioritize your USB drive as the first boot device
Save and exit the BIOS settings
Wait for your Intel PC to boot from your USB drive
Select "Mac OS X Install DVD" from the Chameleon menu
Follow the instructions to install MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on your Intel PC
This option is recommended if you have a BIOS-based Intel PC and you want to use Chameleon bootloader, which is a classic and simple tool.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to create a MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion bootable USB for Intel PCs. We have covered the following topics:
What is MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion?
Why do you need a bootable USB for Intel PCs?
What are the requirements and steps to create a bootable USB?
How to download MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer
How to format and partition your USB drive
How to restore the DMG file to your USB drive
How to boot from your USB drive on an Intel PC
By following these steps, you will be able to install and run MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on your Intel PC and enjoy its features and performance.
However, creating a bootable USB for MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion also has some benefits and drawbacks, such as:
Benefits
Drawbacks
- It is faster and more reliable than using a DVD or a CD
- It may be illegal or unethical to download MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion without paying for it
- It is more portable and convenient than using an external hard drive
- It may be risky or dangerous to download files from unknown or untrusted sources
- It is more flexible and customizable than using a pre-installed image
- It may be slow or unreliable to download files using a torrent network
- It is more secure and recoverable than using a partition or a dual boot
- It may be difficult or impossible to find a working and clean DMG file for MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
- It allows you to try MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion without affecting your existing operating system or data
- It may not work with some Intel PC models or hardware components
- It gives you the option to ins