jessbell94

Q: imac g5_ can't find start up for hd only option is the mac os x disk which doesn't even work. help me someone please

Stuck in Mac os x installed disc and can't startup any other way, can anyone help please!!

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 4:15 AM

Close

Q: imac g5_ can't find start up for hd only option is the mac os x disk which doesn't even work. help me someone please

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 5, 2016 5:01 AM in response to jessbell94
    Level 8 (39,453 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 5, 2016 5:01 AM in response to jessbell94

    Very unclear description of problem.  You're able to start up from a Mac OS X installation disc?  If so, are you trying to install Mac OS X on the hard drive?  Is there a system already installed on the hard drive?

    only option is the mac os x disk which doesn't even work.

    What does that mean?  If you're able to start up from the Mac OS X installation disc, isn't it working?

  • by jessbell94,

    jessbell94 jessbell94 Mar 5, 2016 8:34 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 5, 2016 8:34 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Sorry tiredness got the best of me!

    I think I need a boot up disk as the only way the computer will turn on is when the mac os x installation disc is in there. It doesn't have any other volume (if that's what it's called) to start up in a different start up system. Sorry I'm not very computer smart!

  • by rccharles,Apple recommended

    rccharles rccharles Mar 5, 2016 9:18 PM in response to jessbell94
    Level 6 (8,516 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Mar 5, 2016 9:18 PM in response to jessbell94

    So, the machine boots up from the dvd? You select install [ or whatever ].  You do not see a disk to install onto.  Most likely the hd has gone bad.  You need to get a replacement hd.  An easier approach would be to get an external firewire hd.

     

    You need an external Firewire drive to boot a PowerPC Mac computer [ a few G5's will boot from USB ].  Not all external firewire drives are created equal.  I had good experiences with OWC drives.  Check what type of firewire port you have.  firewire 800 can be converted to 400 via an adapter.  Works for me.

     

    I recommend you do a google search on any external harddrive you are looking at.

     

    I bought a low cost external drive enclosure. When I started having trouble with it, I did a google search and found a lot of complaints about the drive enclosure. I ended up buying a new drive enclosure. On my second go around, I decided to buy a drive enclosure with a good history of working with Macs. The chip set seems to be the key ingredient. The Oxford line of chips seems to be good. I got the Oxford 911.

     

    I'd give OWC a call. 1-815-338-8685.

     

    FireWire 800 + USB 3, + eSATA

    &

    save a little money interface:

    FireWire 400 + USB 2.0

    This web page lists both external harddrive types. You may need to scroll to the right to see both.

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL/eSATA_FW800_FW400_USB

     

     

        (2) FireWire 800/400 Ports (Up to 100MB/s / 50MB/s)

        (1) USB 3.0 Port (Up to 500MB/s / 60MB/s)

        (1) eSATA Port (Up to 300MB/s)

    Has a combo firewire 800/400 port.  Not sure what this is.  Looks like you will  need 400 cable.

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack