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How do I force a startup from my USB port?

I know to start up off of the disc drive, I hold C while powering on, but is there a way to start up from the disc attached to my USB drive? My computer can't find my hard drive right now, so I can't just switch it in system preferences, and I need to reinstall software. Is there a key for this? Thanks.

Posted on Jul 25, 2008 11:28 AM

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9 replies

Jul 25, 2008 12:50 PM in response to aaronsorrels

Yes. Though there are some limitations.
If you needed to install an operating system whem the Powerbook G4 has a broken optical drive, your other computer needs to be PowerPC, and you need to follow the sequence in this user tip:

http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=6031855

If you just need to grab data off using the other computer, or run a utility to repair the hard drive, that's not as limiting.

Jul 25, 2008 12:57 PM in response to aaronsorrels

Ethernet can be done only if the machine is able to boot normally. Depending on your Powerbook G4 age, you may have 10/100 ethernet, or gigabit ethernet. Firewire is faster than 10/100 ethernet, but not gigabit ethernet.

If it isn't able to boot normally, then Firewire cable is necessary, and you just follow the Target Disk Mode instructions below:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

How do I force a startup from my USB port?

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