Restore from Time Machine backup

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Level 1

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Restore from Time Machine backup

Hi,
I have a Powerbook G4 on which the hard disk recently died and I have had replaced. I have read here and on other forums that I can restore my mac to its most recent back up on my time capsule by using the Leopard install disk, and using the utility "Restore system from back up".
However, when I try this the install disk says "Mac OSX cannot be installed on this computer" and gives me the option to cancel or restart. If I cancel I do get the utilities menu which has "Restore system from back up". But if I click on this nothing happens (the other utilities under this menu work such as Disk Utility etc).
I usually have my back ups working over WIFI to the time capsule but I understand that when booted from the install disk the WIFI connection to my Time Capsule is not available so I have plugged it in directly to the Mac using the USB connection.
Can someone please give me some advice on this, so far I have only read about how easy this process is and am at a loss as to what I am doing wrong!
Any advice at all is very much appreciated.
Martin

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Sep 21, 2009 9:42 PM

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Answer 1

MCZK Author

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Sep 22, 2009 4:58 AM in response to MCZK

Hi,
Have I asked a particularly difficult question? (Or a particularly stupid question), or am I asking it in the wrong way?
It would be great if someone can shed some light on this please?
Martin

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Answer 2

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Sep 22, 2009 6:00 AM in response to MCZK

MCZK, Welcome to the discussion area!

I guess that you were following the directions in Mac OS X 10.5 Help: Recovering your entire system.

That should work if you are using the retail Leopard OS 10.5 disc. Are you by chance using a disc that shipped with another Mac?

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Answer 3

MCZK Author

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Sep 22, 2009 7:38 AM in response to Duane

Duane, thank you. Yes, I can't find my OS 10.5 disk at the moment so was using one that came with my wife's Macbook. I assumed (wrongly) that would be ok. I will have to start pulling out all the office drawers.
When I find that, should the restore work with the Mac hooked up to the Time Capsule through USB?

Many thanks,
Martin

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Answer 4

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Sep 22, 2009 8:48 AM in response to MCZK

When I find that, should the restore work with the Mac hooked up to the Time Capsule through USB?

I do not think that you can do it via the Time Capsule's USB.

You can connect via Ethernet or wireless.

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Answer 5

MCZK Author

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Sep 23, 2009 1:24 AM in response to Duane

Duane, many thanks for your help. I fished out the OS 10.5 disk and it worked perfectly.
I also hooked it up with an ethernet cable as you suggested.
Once again thank you for your time.
Martin

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Answer 6

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Sep 23, 2009 10:36 AM in response to MCZK

Great! Glad that I could help.

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Answer 7

Oct 8, 2009 6:00 AM in response to MCZK

Hi,
My Macbook Pro's hard drive just died, and is being replaced (thank god for extended applecare!)
I have a full backup on my Time Capsule, and want to put it on to my Macbook when I get it back.
I am getting confused reading the Apple Support site's instructions.
Do I need to install my system from the install discs first? (as if it were a new Mac)
Can someone please just write me step-by-step instructions for dummies?
Once I have restored my system to my new hard drive, is there anything I should do in regards to my next Time Capsule back-up? (I read somewhere that it will take a while, as it basically starts to back up from the beginning again)
All help greatly appreciated!!

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Answer 8

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Oct 8, 2009 10:09 AM in response to iphone widow

iphone widow, Welcome to the discussion area!

The directions are in Mac OS X 10.5 Help: Recovering your entire system.

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