Q: Reinstall OS on A1145 via Target Disc Mode
I replaced the hard drive on this iMac A1145, which is a PPC and accepts an OS between 10.4.2 and !0.5.8. Not having the Leopard disc, I am trying to boot to this machine via Target Disc Mode from my PowerMac G4 running OS 10.4.11. Once connected, I hoped to install the Tiger OS on the new drive.
I was able to get into Taget Disc Mode just once to see the host files on the target iMac, so I know it is functioning. But as I thought I needed Carbon Copy Cloner to transfer files and install a copy of the OS on the iMac, I shut it down. On attempting TDM again, I have been unsuccessful. I get TDM on the host machine, but the target only displays the flashing folder alternating the Mac face and the question mark.
Are there other TDM methods to try? I have followed the Apple Kbase advice to first startup the target, connect the FW cable and then boot the host. When I reverse the order by using the iMac as the host to appear on the G4 PowerMac, I get the yellow symbol moving on the blue screen, but the HD icon doesn't show up on the G4. My alternative is to look for a Leopard install disc to try, but not having one, I would like to avoid spending $20 or so if it turns out to be a hardware problem. Again, the iMac responded beautifully the first time...but not later.
Advice appreciated,with thanks.
Posted on Feb 11, 2014 11:26 AM