Trying to figure out if this is at all going to be possible AND how difficult it's going to be:

I just installed OSX on a brand new (3 weeks old) Dell Latitude E4310 laptop in a VMWare environment using the iDeneb 10.5.7 distro (the Full not the Lite version). Since this worked nearly flawlessly with no errors (I have sounds, video, wifi), will it be possible for me to install a full retail version of OSX Snow Leopard on my laptop or will this only work through VMWare?

My assumption is, since this Distro recognized working drivers, I could use the same drivers in a full retail environment.

Is this assumption off base? Is it possible? How hard is it going to be? Can somebody help me through it if at all possible?

Originally Posted by Tyler2191

iDeneb 10.5.7 distro (the Full not the Lite version). Since this worked nearly flawlessly with no errors (I have sounds, video, wifi), will it be possible for me to install a full retail version of OSX Snow Leopard on my laptop or will this only work through VMWare?

My assumption is, since this Distro recognized working drivers, I could use the same drivers in a full retail environment.

Is this assumption off base? Is it possible? How hard is it going to be? Can somebody help me through it if at all possible?

How hard it is would be mostly depend on your hardware.

1. If VM is running without error then it should be able to run retail OSX for the same version.
2. 10.5.7 is Leopard, Snow Leopard is different. Some kexts are not compatible, but should not have much trouble installing SL.
3. For retail version, pre and post installation system/boot/support files would be needed.

Thanks for replying back man.

If you could help guide me on my way to trying this; you said in your 3rd point that some pre and post system/boot/and support files would be needed. Any specifics as to what they may be?

I know, I know -- I'm a n00b.

Originally Posted by Tyler2191

Thanks for replying back man.

If you could help guide me on my way to trying this; you said in your 3rd point that some pre and post system/boot/and support files would be needed. Any specifics as to what they may be?

I know, I know -- I'm a n00b.

Of course, some of them would be specific for your hardware configuration.
Also it is easier to use distro release instead of retail DVD for starter.

I have not been able to find a torrent or anything pertaining to a distro release of snow leopard. Everything I come across is like a RapidShare URL that is basically just ads and a way to make money, needless to say I actually purchased a retail copy.

What would be your suggestion going forward? I appreciate your getting back to me.
This laptop is relatively brand new. Here are my specs:

Dell Latitude E4310
Processor: Intel® CoreTM i5-540M (2.53GHz, 3M cache) (Dual Core)
Memory: DDR3 SDRAM (1066MHz) 2 slots 4GB
Chipset: Mobile Intel® QS57 Express Chipset
Video: Intel® HD Graphics with dynamic frequency
HD: Mobility Solid State 128GB
Network LAN: Intel(R) 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection
Wireless LAN: Dell Wireless 1501 [802.11n (2x2)]

Originally Posted by Tyler2191

needless to say I actually purchased a retail copy. This laptop is relatively brand new. Here are my specs:

Chipset: Mobile Intel® QS57 Express Chipset
Video: Intel® HD Graphics with dynamic frequency
HD: Mobility Solid State 128GB

Indeed, it's very new in term of hardware support. Your CPU, i5/7, is support in 10.6.4, the chipsets maybe in HM55 family, video could be ok, SSD is new and may have controller problem, don't know till you try.

As for retail installation, the two best options are iBoot/multibeast and EmpireEFI, although there are many members having problem with iBoot and post installation support kexts/files.

As for EFI, in the tutorial section, there is an excellent guide by Extraspeeds, for i7/HM55 (which should be the same family as yours), along with pictorial steps and support files that you can review.

Your goal may be getting SL to 10.6.4 to have better hardware support, and for easier starting, you can try iAtkos S3 V2 Snow Leopard 10.6.3

As for your existing os preparation, which should be windows as most people here coming from, review the dual booting section for info/problem ahead of time with OSX installation onto pre-existing os hdd.

Whichever way you take, there would be some challenge along the road so be prepared well.
Good luck.