David:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
how can i determine which ones i should use?
First we need to determine exactly which iMacs you have. If you can post back with the processor speed, display size and anything else that will help identify the computers it will be helpful.
a buddy of mine has given me one of his 2 identical imacs as a gift.
If both iMacs are identical, that is, if they have the same specs then the disks should be identical. Look on the install disk for an identifying code such as (5P63),(6R42, 6R49, 6R52) etc. we can identify it more closely.
i was wondering if you think i could mess something up by erasing it all and re-installing from scratch? or am i better off just deleting his photos and music and hoping he hadnt deleted any necessary systems files?
Actually, if there is no data on the computer which needs to be preserved, and if you have the install disks, I suggest that you just clean everything out and start over. This means reformat, erase and re-install. I am posting step by step directions. Look them over and post back with further questions, as well as with the information requested earlier in this post.
Formatting, Partitioning Erasing a Hard Disk Drive
Warning! This procedure will destroy all data on your Hard Disk Drive. Be sure you have an up-to-date, tested backup of at least your Users folder and any third party applications you do not want to re-install before attempting this procedure.
• With computer shut down insert install disk in optical drive.
• Hit Power button and immediately after chime hold down the "C" key.
• Select language
Go to the Utilities menu (Tiger) Installer menu (Panther & earlier) and launch Disk Utility.
• Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
• Select Partition tab in main panel. (You are about to create a single partition volume.)
(Where available)
• Click on Options button
• Select Apple Partition Map (PPC Macs) or GUID Partition Table (Intel Macs)
• Click OK
• Select number of partition in pull-down menu above Volume diagram.
(Note 1: One partition is normally preferable for an internal HDD.)
• Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
• Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
• Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
• Select Erase tab
• Select the sub-volume (indented) under Manufacturer ID (usually Macintosh HD).
• Check to be sure your Volume Name and Volume Format are correct.
• Click Erase button
• Quit Disk Utility.
Installation Process
• Open Installer and begin installation.
• Select
installation option
• Choose to Customize and
deselect Foreign Language Translations and Additional Printer drivers.
Optional: Check box to install X11 (Tiger and later) BSD Subsystems (Panther & earlier).
• Proceed with installation.
• After installation computer will restart for setup.
• After setup, reboot computer.
• Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
• Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
• Select First Aid in main panel.
• Click Repair Disk Permissions.
• Connect to Internet.
• Download and install
Mac OS X 10.5.5 Combo Update (Leopard) or
Mac OS X 10.4.11 Combo update (PPC) (Tiger) or
10.3.9 Combo Update (Panther)
Computer will restart.
• Repair Disk Permissions as previously.
• Go to Apple Menu > Software Update.
• Install all updates.
Computer may restart after updates.
• Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
• Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
• Select First Aid in main panel.
• Click Repair Disk Permissions.
😉 cornelius