System restore through target disc mode?

Question

System restore through target disc mode?

Hi,
my 12-inch, very battered powerbook has one foot in the grave and I really really need to revive it.
I can feel the hardware working but all i get is a black screen. I have started it as an external hard drive from another mac and I can access everything.
The DVD drive has long been broken and I don't have the system discs.
Is there a way I can restore or reinstall the system from another mac (15-inch) or from an online source?
Little mac and I would be extremely helpful for any piece of advice...

G4 powerbook, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 12-inch

Posted on Jun 12, 2009 1:03 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 12, 2009 2:54 PM in response to alessandra renzi

To use TDM you would have to boot your computer into TDM. The other computer must be started normally from an installer disc unless you were cloning. However, if you boot your computer into Target Disk Mode and the screen is black, then the screen is dead. Although, it is possible, but not likely, that there's nothing wrong with the screen and the internal PRAM battery is dead (assuming your model has one.) If it does then you can try replacing it, but no guarantee that will help.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 12, 2009 1:28 PM in response to alessandra renzi

You can install OS X from another computer using Target Disk Mode. However, if the screen is no longer functioning then this won't really help you any.

It is illegal to install OS X on more than one CPU at a time, so cloning an existing system from another computer would be a violation of the software license.

If you do not have the original system discs you can call AppleCare and purchase replacements. Or you can purchase a retail copy of OS X. Tiger can be purchased from various online sources such as eBay.

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Answer 3

Jun 12, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Kappy

Hi, thanks for you reply.
Is it not possible that the screen is not working due to a software problem, rather than hardware damage?
If i understand you correctly, the target disc mode would be from another functioning computer used as an external drive to mine. I was wondering if it was possible to do it the other way round, basically from a functioning computer to the external drive (my damaged powerbook) and then reboot the damaged computer, hoping to have restored the system. Would that work (if I purchased the discs)?

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Answer 4

Jun 13, 2009 4:24 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks again, I'll give it a try!

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