HT3479: Mac OS X Server v10.5: Installing on a computer that won't start up from the installation disc

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ajjkthomas

Q: Installing OS on used Ibook G4 - wiped clean - NO OS system on it

My daughter purchased an Ibook G4 - it said no operating system .  So she then went on and bought some off ebay -Here is what we got : 2 Original system install disc for Ibook G4  in useable condition :  Disc Version 1.0 MAc OS9  & DIsc 1.0 MAC Os X Install DISC 2  which came with Set of 2 replacement discs purchased from Apple and never used.  Ibook G4  MAC OS x Install DISC 1  and MAC OS X install DISC 2. Can we use these on teh Ibook that has no OS system on it at all.- It keeps saying : this software cannot be installed on this computer . any suggestions

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Posted on Oct 7, 2013 11:36 AM

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Q: Installing OS on used Ibook G4 - wiped clean - NO OS system on it

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  • by Brandon2184,

    Brandon2184 Brandon2184 Oct 7, 2013 11:39 AM in response to ajjkthomas
    Level 4 (1,610 points)
    Oct 7, 2013 11:39 AM in response to ajjkthomas

    What you need is a retail copy of either OSX Tiger (10.4) or Leopard (10.5), depending on the type of processor/how much RAM your computer has. The discs you have likely came with a model slightly different from what you have, and will not work.

  • by moofmama,

    moofmama moofmama Oct 7, 2013 11:51 AM in response to ajjkthomas
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Oct 7, 2013 11:51 AM in response to ajjkthomas

    Brandon is likely correct.  Install discs are programmed to check that the model of the computer matches the one that the install disc was shipped with.  They are not universal.

     

    I would need more info about your machine (processor speed and amount of RAM installed) to tell you which of OS you are capable of running but most likely Tiger (10.4) would work, possibly Leopard (10.5). 

     

    If you are close to an Apple Store you could take the computer there are have them install an OS on it for you.  This is something they have done in the past for free.  They might be able to install the bundled (iLife) package for your computer as well.  Also, you can call support and have them ship you a set of discs for your computer.  There would be a charge for the replacements tho.

     

     

    I hope this helps.

    MM

  • by ajjkthomas,

    ajjkthomas ajjkthomas Oct 7, 2013 12:17 PM in response to ajjkthomas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 7, 2013 12:17 PM in response to ajjkthomas

    thank you - the nearest Apple store is an hour away so I was trying to avoid that - I thought that the 10.4 was compatible .  1.2 GHZ Power PC  7447a G4, 256 Ram , 30 GB HDD .