acphot

Q: How do I obtain and reinstall OS X

I think that the hard drive on my G5 Powermac has died. I have put a new drive into the computer but this computer came without any installation discs as it was all pre installed? And I have no back up copies!! How to I obtain & re-install the software without any discs? I have owned the computer from new & bought it directly from Apple in 2005.

 

Thanks.

Power Mac G5 (Early 2005), Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 21, 2016 10:09 AM

Close

Q: How do I obtain and reinstall OS X

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Jun 21, 2016 10:16 AM in response to acphot
    Level 10 (311,763 points)
    Jun 21, 2016 10:16 AM in response to acphot

    Buy a retail Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 DVD from a source such as Amazon or eBay, or phone Apple and ask for replacements.

     

    (143035)

  • by Jeff,

    Jeff Jeff Jun 21, 2016 9:39 PM in response to acphot
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Jun 21, 2016 9:39 PM in response to acphot

    The G5s sold in early 2005 shipped with a version of Panther (10.3.x).  Obviously, you want the newest supported version (since you've indicated 10.5.8), so don't bother buying an original restore disk set for that model.  Check the usual sources mentioned by Niel and you should be able to find never-used, still-sealed software.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 28, 2016 7:42 AM in response to Niel
    Level 9 (53,622 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 28, 2016 7:42 AM in response to Niel

    Make sure it is a retail version (black box) as Niel recommends. You may find cheaper, gray, discs for re-sale but those will not work on your computer.

  • by TheMacMaster20,

    TheMacMaster20 TheMacMaster20 Jun 29, 2016 9:58 AM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Jun 29, 2016 9:58 AM in response to Niel

    Well, for an 10 year old OS, they might not have any. They probably even ended support for the OS.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 29, 2016 10:07 AM in response to TheMacMaster20
    Level 9 (53,622 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 29, 2016 10:07 AM in response to TheMacMaster20

    It can't hurt asking. Sometimes somebody moves a file cabinet and finds an extra copy in the dust bunnies underneath.  I called about getting hold of Snow Leopard Server and it took somebody about 20 minutes searching, getting back to me every 5 minutes to make sure I was still on the phone, and they finally found a copy.  I agree though it will be highly unlikely Apple will have a copy unless it is in the cellar, in a locked filing cabinet, in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying "Beware of the leopard."