NEW TO Mac: how do i access the BIOS?

Question

Level 1

8 points

NEW TO Mac: how do i access the BIOS?

I am new to the mac machines! i had recently posted under another ID while seeking help to get this PowerMac G4 up and running! I want to know if i am able to access its BIOS?

PowerMac G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Dual 459 MHz Processor, 1GB SDRAM

Posted on Aug 2, 2008 4:13 PM

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Answer 1

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 4, 2008 6:19 AM in response to D_MAC_STL

Hi-

Insert the install disc into the optical drive, and hold C while starting to boot to the install disc. Once booted to the install disc, you can proceed with reinstallation.
To open the drive tray from boot, hold the C key. Or, use the directions to do so in Open Firmware, as described in this article.

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Answer 2

Aug 4, 2008 8:41 AM in response to D_MAC_STL

Are you telling me you have to access the BIOS on a PC to boot from an alternate boot device?

What a piece of %$#*!

Good thing you have a Mac now! Folks here would love to help you so that you do not have to endure that garbage any more.

You can also use the Startup Manager on any Mac after the "Blue & White G3". The Blue & White is an intense Blue similar to the color of smurf dolls. Your Mac is probably a deep gray-blue that most literature calls gray.

HT1310- Startup Manager: How to select a startup volume

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Answer 3

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Aug 4, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

You can also use the Startup Manager on any Mac after the "Blue & White G3". The Blue & White is an intense Blue similar to the color of smurf dolls. Your Mac is probably a deep gray-blue that most literature calls gray.

HT1310- Startup Manager: How to select a startup volume

Actually any model after the PCI Graphics G4.

John

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Answer 4

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Aug 2, 2008 4:41 PM in response to D_MAC_STL

Hi,

Welcome to the Discussions.

There is no BIOS with the Mac OS. If you describe the symptoms, your computer model, what OS and what you've done to troubleshoot someone here can probably help.

John

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Answer 5

D_MAC_STL Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2008 5:57 AM in response to D_MAC_STL

i have a powermac g4 (blue & silver) that i cant access because it goes to the blue screen and the cursor, but thats it! i am running osx 10.4.11 w/ 1GB SDRAM
and a dual 450MHz Processor! i want to start from the dvd to re-install the OS!

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Answer 6

Aug 2, 2008 5:13 PM in response to D_MAC_STL

Look at "Where's My Mac's BIOS" http://blandname.com/category/bios/

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 7

Aug 2, 2008 8:05 PM in response to D_MAC_STL

As others have indicated, there is no BIOS, but there is Open Firmware on Macs that came with PCI slots and all that came later.

What is it you want to do when you get there?

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Answer 8

Aug 4, 2008 11:30 AM in response to John Huber1

Good point, John.

PCI Graphics G4, available in 350 MHz and 400 MHz versions in a ZIF processor slot, still did not have the Startup Manager firmware in its ROM.

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NEW TO Mac: how do i access the BIOS?