ZOSO3629

Q: Start-up Disc getting full message on PowerBook G4

     I am getting a message that my start-up disc is getting full on a PowerBook G4. What are my options?

Powerbook G4

Posted on Nov 8, 2014 10:42 AM

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Q: Start-up Disc getting full message on PowerBook G4

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  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Nov 9, 2014 5:58 PM in response to ZOSO3629
    Level 9 (66,865 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Nov 9, 2014 5:58 PM in response to ZOSO3629

    Hard drives should never be allowed to get more than 85% full.     And then there is the minimum required by the operating system specs.       Not knowing your Powerbook G4 model it is hard to know if you are using an operating system that requires more resources than you can get now, or if you can optimize what you have on your system.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Nov 11, 2014 2:10 AM in response to ZOSO3629
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 11, 2014 2:10 AM in response to ZOSO3629

    An externally enclosed self-powered (AC Adapter) hard disk drive, with oxford-type

    chipset, and FireWire400 ports, could be used to support a complete full system

    clone that you could make of the internal drive's contents (a bootable copy) which

    in turn could be a backup; so when you get the internal hard drive upgraded to a

    larger capacity, the original content could be cloned or copied back into the PB G4.

     

    Utilities such as carbon copy cloner (IF older version vintage OS X is available) or

    another capable one, superduper; these can be downloaded direct from their

    maker's sites (avoid offers of free downloads from other sources, may contain bad

    software, malware, &/or adware; softonic, cnet downloads etc, can be sketchy.)

     

    bombich software makes carbon copy cloner -- their site has been updated

    http://bombich.com/  CCC for Mac OS X 10.5.8 is an older version 3 series:

    http://bombich.com/kb/ccc3 this KB help support, haven't located download.

     

    •Shirt pocket software makes Superduper: you can get free trial working version:

    http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

     

    ••Tiger (10.4) and Leopard (10.5) users can download v2.7.1, Jaguar (Mac OS X 10.2)

    users can download v1.5.5, and Panther (Mac OS X 10.3) users can download v2.1.4,

    the last releases available for those older versions of OS X.•• superduper archives

     

    So I'd try a clone with SuperDuper, then test the viability of the boot capable clone

    by testing it; a clone on suitable external hard drive (with supported circuitry &

    chipset in the enclosure) should start the computer from that external. This can

    also be helpful when troubleshooting; also for a complete backup in case the

    internal HDD fails.

     

    The company macsales or OWC has some fair examples of self-standing enclosures

    with drives inside, that can be work for this. They appear to have customer support

    before you buy, so call or email and ask. Be sure to correctly identify your Mac & the

    OS X the machine is currently running. A port-powered external drive won't have a

    system available for the host computer to boot from, so that won't work w/ clones.

     

    oxford-type elite pro externally-enclosed hard disk drives w/ power supplies:

    http://eshop.macsales.com/search/Elite+Pro+Oxford+934

     

    Some authorized Apple service providers may be able to help replace an internal

    hard disk drive with a larger one of suitable build, the older hardware is PATA or

    IDE/ATA, so those are harder to get. A 2.5-inch internal HDD of 5400 RPM, in ATA

    larger than the current capacity of the PowerBook G4's internal drive would do.

     

    ATA (and SSD) 2.5 - inch drive examples are shown here:

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/

     

    By archiving most of the content off the computer, you could choose to thin out

    whatever files; delete from the Mac those, once you have a good copy. Of course

    the system files should not be removed; unless you have old system folders from

    prior re-installs that are no longer useful.

     

    •Identify your Mac... an example of a way to learn about your Mac:

    https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

     

    Everymac.com has specs on entire PowerBook +G4 name series, across all models built:

    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/index-powerbook-g4.html

     

    For any directly helpful advice you would need to correctly identify the computer

    exactly, & the operating system version (and step; such as Tiger 10.4.11, Leopard

    10.5.8; PowerBook6.7, PowerBook3.2 etc; you could identify the computer by

    Serial Number, and note several other identifying numbers are needed to tell what

    one you have; helpful to get it right so others know which one of many years-worth

    you are discussing. Hard to be on the same & correct page, otherwise.

     

    Hopefully you can make a suitable backup of your computer's system & your work

    files, so you could then consider replacement of the internal HDD; or at least look

    into a fully new installation & update of the current system from install-restore discs

    and just don't put as much stuff inside. A bootable backup can help still access the

    old complete system, when stored on an external HDD in suitable enclosure.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!