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
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.
Posted on Mar 5, 2016 9:18 PM