ralphcacc

Q: need a cd with older OS for a 1995 iMac

i have an older iMac, it doesn't have a OS installed on it although it does work.  I need a CD with the proper version OS. Do you know where I can obtain one.

iMac, approx. 1995-1998 iMac

Posted on Mar 8, 2016 7:36 PM

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Q: need a cd with older OS for a 1995 iMac

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  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff Mar 9, 2016 8:03 PM in response to ralphcacc
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Mar 9, 2016 8:03 PM in response to ralphcacc

    The first iMac was introduced in 1998 and shipped with OS 8.1.  It's known as the "Bondi Blue" iMac, which is a dark shade of blue-green.  It had a 233 MHz G3 processor and a tray-loading optical drive.  That model was followed by the fruit-colored iMacs with a 266 MHz G3 processor.  A faster group of fruit-colored iMacs followed them, which also had the same tray-loading optical drive, but a 333 MHz G3 processor.  Check out this page which lists every iMac model, and post back with the model having specs that match the one you have.  Knowing that will determine how modern an OS you can install on it.  Check ebay for an OS installer disk, but always look for the retail version (universal installer) disk, and not a Restore disk having an incompatible software build designed for another model Mac.

  • by Klaus1,Helpful

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Mar 9, 2016 8:03 PM in response to ralphcacc
    Level 8 (48,878 points)
    Mar 9, 2016 8:03 PM in response to ralphcacc

    If you are in the US call Apple Customer Support 1-800-767-2775, provide the Serial Number and specifications of the Mac, and for a reasonable fee, they will supply a replacement set of system discs (if available).

     

    The discs will be for the original version of the OS that was pre-installed when the Mac was manufactured.

     

    If you are in another country:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57

  • by rccharles,

    rccharles rccharles Mar 16, 2016 4:59 PM in response to ralphcacc
    Level 6 (8,516 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Mar 16, 2016 4:59 PM in response to ralphcacc

    This site provides more information.  Best for older machines.  Note, serial number is sent in the clear.

    "A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

    http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

     

    or

    This site provides more information, but lacks security too.

    "A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

    http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

    http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

        ( hint by K Shaffer  )