Can I install an OEM version of Mac OS X 10.4.x on my iMac G3?

Question

KSG2002 Author

Level 1

5 points

Can I install an OEM version of Mac OS X 10.4.x on my iMac G3?

I am using a 500 MHz iMac G3 (with FireWire), upgraded with an external DVD writer, 80 GB hard disk, and 512 MB of RAM. I am currently running Panther v10.3.9, but want to upgrade to Tiger for maximum compatibility with my applications, as well as new features (specifically, iChat AV 3, Dashboard, and Spotlight).

For the holidays, my brother has bought me a surprise gift: a copy of Mac OS X 10.4 from eBay. He is an eBay novice, and this was his first purchase (regularly, he uses Amazon, but software generally costs less on eBay). He sent me a screenshot of the eBay product information page, and I became worried. The seller identifies the software as being a "full install DVD", but the screenshot shows that it is a "grey disc" edition for a MacBook. The seller claims that the software will "...work on any supported machine, even if you are not a MacBook owner...", but I am worried. "Grey discs" are OEM discs, so they shouldn't work with any machine other than for which they were made. Also, a MacBook has an Intel chipset, and my iMac has a PowerPC G3 chipset.

I have found a website that explains how to modify a Mac OS X 10.4 Install DVD so that it will install on all Mac models ( http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20051211074138859), but I do not think this will account for the chipset differences. The seller also included a "...Universal DVD made from Apple discs." How is this possible? I thought that Mac OS X 10.4 was never released in Intel form (only bundled with Intel Macs). And, will this DVD work with my iMac?

The package is already being shipped, and, since my brother is an eBay novice, he doesn't know how to cancel the shipment. I also have no interest in returning the package to the seller once it arrives. More importantly, though, I am interested in whether the OEM discs or the "Universal DVD" will be able to install on my iMac. If not, will there be a possible workaround (I don't think so, since Intel and PowerPC chipsets are different)?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Indigo iMac G3 (2002) (Upgraded), Mac OS X (10.4.11), External FireWire DVD Writer; 80 GB Hard Disk, 512 MB RAM

Posted on Dec 27, 2007 8:45 AM

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Answer 1

Phil-P

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2007 9:11 AM in response to KSG2002

Hi KSG,
The OEM disc will probably work, but you're going to run into a few other hurdles. The external DVD probably wont allow booting. 512MB of ram is pretty anemic for Tiger A 500mhz cpu is already stressed with 10.3.9, add widgets and spotlight and it'll be so sluggish that you may live to regret your upgrade.
I'd image the 10.3.9 where it stands, so you can go back with no hassle.
Tiger is (in my opinion) a bit too much for that ole' girl.

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Answer 2

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Dec 27, 2007 9:20 AM in response to KSG2002

Hi KSG2002!

Unfortunately, you are correct, those discs cannot be used on your iMac G3.
Because of the reasons you accurately posted.

Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?

Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (U.S.).

If you know what to look for, a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD, can also be purchased, sometimes less expensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, FastMac, HardCore Mac, AllMac, etc.

Again, be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
The disc should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on it.

Caveat Emptor!
If any are presently available, examine these items very carefully, and if in doubt, ask questions of the seller before purchase!
Tiger On eBay

If your Mac meets the Tiger System Requirements, once Tiger 10.4.x is installed, you can use the PPC 10.4.11 Combo Update, to upgrade to the current version.

Additionally, Tiger 10.4.x ships on a DVD, so if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you will have to use an alternative method of installation.
Info here Installing Tiger Using Firewire Target Disk Mode.
And here Installing Tiger Without A DVD Drive.

The Tiger Media Exchange Program, referred to, is no longer available, but you should be able to use your external DVD drive.

Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And I Wish You Success!

ali b

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Dec 27, 2007 11:16 AM in response to KSG2002

Just a note... I run 10.4.3 on a G3/500 MHz iMac with 640MB of RAM, and on a G4/450/768 MB of RAM, both run fine considering the speeds, in fact surprising considering the speeds!

Of course I disable both Spotlight and Dashboard 1st thing on all my machines.

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Answer 4

red_menace

Level 6

17,066 points

Dec 27, 2007 11:35 AM in response to BDAqua

The Tiger got a bit porky in the later versions, up to 10.4.9 512MB should work OK.

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Answer 5

KSG2002 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 27, 2007 11:50 AM in response to Phil-P

Phil,
Thank you for the quick response. Mac OS X v10.3.9 runs very well on my iMac-I have not experienced any slow-downs, crashes, or freezes. I am determined to proceed with an upgrade to Mac OS X Tiger. You mentioned that it is possible to use the OEM discs. How would I do that? I can follow the instructions in the "Mac OS X Hints" article, but that won't work, since the MacBook discs have the Intel architecture, and I have a PowerPC. I mentioned a "Universal" disc. How does it work, and would it be a solution?

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Answer 6

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Dec 27, 2007 12:05 PM in response to KSG2002

Hello Again KSG2002,

As I Previously Posted, the only disc that will work, is the Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD.

ali b

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Answer 7

KSG2002 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 27, 2007 1:09 PM in response to ali brown

I'm sorry, you misunderstood. I'm not talking about the "grey discs"--I am talking about the "homemade Universal Install DVD" that the seller included with the package. The "Universal" suggests that it may be used on PowerPC AND Intel Macs. Also, there is a line in the code of OSInstall.dist (located in /System/Installation/Packages/OSInstall.mpkg/OSInstall.dist) that can be modified from the original version:

Original OSInstall.dist:
function checkSupportedMachine(machineType){
var badMachines = ['iMac','PowerBook1,1','PowerBook2,1', 'AAPL,Gossamer',
'AAPL,PowerMac G3', 'AAPL,PowerBook1998', 'AAPL,PowerBook1999'];

To a version that makes Tiger compatible with all Macs:

New OSInstall.dist:
function checkSupportedMachine(machineType){
var badMachines = [];

But that still doesn't solve the Intel/PowerPC chipset problem...

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Answer 8

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Dec 27, 2007 1:27 PM in response to KSG2002

KSG2002,

As when manufactured, all Intel Macs, had at least Tiger 10.4.x pre-installed, I don't understand how a "Universal" copy could have been created, to install on both PPC & Intel Macs.

And if there is such a disc, I would not rely on the integrity of it's structure.

I think what you are proposing, may be a violation of the Software License Agreement.

Which states in part;
"2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions. ... You may make one copy of the Apple Software in machine-readable form for backup purposes only; provided that the backup copy must include all copyright or other proprietary notices contained on the original. Except as and only to the extent expressly permitted in this License or by applicable law, you may not copy, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, modify, or create derivative works of the Apple Software or any part thereof. ..."

ali b

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Answer 9

KSG2002 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 27, 2007 6:18 PM in response to ali brown

Thank you for your help. I talked to my brother, and he says that he'll try to contact eBay customer support about a refund. I'll send the discs back once they arrive. Regarding your comment about the "Universal DVD"-it does seem suspicious. It's probably a homemade disc that was made with numerous "hacks". I found a good, retail copy of Mac OS X 10.4 (the "black disc" version) on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Mac-10-4-Tiger-Old-Version/dp/B0002G71T0/ref=pdbbs_sr3?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1198807496&sr=8-3). It's much more expensive than the copies on eBay, but I trust Amazon to ship me the correct copy.

I did search for Tiger on eBay, but discovered more "grey disc" copies. It's irritating how sellers will promote that the install discs will work on "any supported Mac", when, in fact, they only work with one specific model. The "black discs" from Amazon are very expensive, but at least they are retail "black disc" versions and not OEM versions.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

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Answer 10

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Dec 28, 2007 6:42 AM in response to KSG2002

You're Welcome KSG2002,

But can you still cancel the Amazon order?

Tiger is available at the Online Apple Store, for $129.00, as I posted in my Previous Reply.

ali b

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Answer 11

KSG2002 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 28, 2007 7:46 AM in response to ali brown

Yes, I didn't order from Amazon yet. I found the Apple Store copy you mentioned. So far, it's the best trustworthy bargain I've found. Thank you!

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Answer 12

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Dec 28, 2007 8:22 AM in response to KSG2002

You're Welcome KSG2002!

If you have additional questions or problems, repost.

ali b

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