Can I dual boot OS 9 and 10.5 on one of these (G4 MDD)?

Hi-

Yes, the 2003 1,25GHz MDD can boot OS 9.2.2.
The machine requires the OS software install discs that shipped with the machine, or OS 9 cannot be installed in that model.

As long as the original software discs are available, or, the machine has OS 9.2.2 installed on it, it can boot to OS 9, and also run any version of OS X after 10.2x.

I have the same G4 MDD. I have OS 9.2.2 on a separate bootable partition, OS 10.4.11 on a separate bootable partition that can run classic; and have 10.5.6 on a separate bootable partition.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

I recently bought a Dual 1.25 on eBay so that I could both boot in OS 9 and OS 10. I've had trouble getting OS 9 to get up and fully running. Every time I try to transfer a System Folder to the machine, it converts the system to either a document or exec file. Can anyone explain that? So far, OS 9 gets as far as looking like it's running but, it just freezes there.
I like the idea of separate partitions for 9, 10.4 & 10.5 and will try that once I can solve the booting in OS 9 issue. Does anyone know of a good and trusted source for the original install discs for this machine? I do have a 733 G4 with a valid OS 9 System Folder. Can I transfer that via target mode and expect it to boot the 1.25? Thanks!

Welcome!

Does anyone know of a good and trusted source for the original install discs for this machine?

Several people here have called Apple fpr these and were told they no longer carry replacement disks for this machine. It's back to eBay or the local Mac user group. Any used Mac that does not come with the system restore disks should be considered defective and avoided, or at least heavily discounted. Can the seller find the disks for you?

Every time I try to transfer a System Folder to the machine..........

That because you need the special version of OS9 on the system disk.

I do have a 733 G4 with a valid OS 9 System Folder. Can I transfer that via target mode and expect it to boot the 1.25?

I've not tried it but, based on my experiences with my MDD and its special needs, I don't think that will work.

If you get a righteous system restore disk set, there is one more hoop: OS9 will not boot if installed on a volume larger than about 195G. I tried installing it on a 250GB drive. It installed and would work in Classic emulation, but would not boot until I wiped that drive and made a modest partition in which OS9 resides.
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As an aside, never be afraid to start a new topic in these forums. That usually will get you better help faster because some people will not read an addition to a thread that is already months old, like this one. I realize some web forums flame on people who start new threads but that is not the case around here. Tagging on to an existing thread confuses those offering help and dilutes the help that you and the original poster (OP) both deserve.

I realize that finding how to start a new thread around here is non-intuitive. This link should hep if you encounter what thousands of others have:

http://discussions.apple.com/ann.jspa?annID=650

We look forward to seeing more of you here!

PS: I love your user name! My wife thinks I should have a similar one as we have ~15 Macs in the family.

Thank-you for your reply. 15 Macs... and I thought maintaining 6 was tough.
Also, thank-you for the link for starting new threads, I'll use it in the future.
I did partition the drive OS 9 is installed on and it is smaller than 195g. I have some local Mac resources, not many, it's a small city, but I might find the discs I need. I'll keep playing with it, I love a puzzle! It's not an imperative that I succeed, but I have a Formac video converter that only runs in native 9. The advantage for me is that it will convert any video source. I'd hate to lose that ability.
Thanks again.
David

I have some local Mac resources, not many, it's a small city...

Oh Boy! I can identify with that! Sometimes I think I am the Mac resource in Lewiston! We have an AASP but they are often like the Maytag repairman. Sometimes they call me when they get a request for help on a older Mac.

One of my "neighbors" (lives 70 miles north of here) is a Mac accumulator and also well-connected with the computer recycling community. Sometimes he sees useful disks in the recycle shops. If you are in the US and give a ball-park Idea of where you are located, I can direct him to this thread and maybe he can help provide some ideas.

I'm in Duluth, MN
We have Best Buy, good for new and Geek Squad. Not good for legacy machines.
We also have a local tech shop, not sure if they know older machines and OSs. It surprises me that we don't have more support options, we have 3 Universities and a couple of tech colleges. There are a lot of Macs in town.
If you click on my ID, it should take you to my business website and there's an email link to reach me at. The website is rather static as I'm learning to use Dreamweaver to create an improved site.
Thanks again for your input.

The simple answer is that any *G4 Mac* except the *FW 800* models can boot into an appropriate version of OS 9. Apparently the MDD models require 9.2.2, and maybe even a special version thereof, as has been implied on this thread.

I'm curious about a legal question, BTW. Do Apple's lawyers consider it a copyright violation for people who own a machine that originally came with certain software +specific to that machine model+ to obtain, possess or use a backup copy of such software? I doesn't seem that there should be any objection, but you never know what lawyers, especially IP lawyers, will come up with.