Where can I get replacement install Cds of earlier versions?

Call AppleCare to see if replacements are available and their cost. Apple has never had archived versions of any contemporary OS available for download. Only updaters for an OS are available for download. You still must have purchased the OS.

You must first determined what version of OS X will install on the model you have. That means knowing the exact model since there are many different G4 iMac models.

Since purchasing OS X on the open market can be problematic you will need to know what minimum version of OS X is required for the model you have. The earliest iMac G4s didn't even require OS X while the last model required 10.3.1 for the version that came with the computer or 10.3.2 for the retail version.

Hi ,
I am in a similar position as Jenny.
Once you know the exact model where do you go to figure out what OSX will install?

Is there any difference between the original 15" model iMac vs. a later 17" model as far as upgrading the OSX to 10.3?

Thanks,
Al

Look over this list of iMac specs to determine what OS was originally installed. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index-imac.html

Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store *but may be available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753)*. For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A (10.4.6), MA190Z/A (10.4.3) and M9639Z/A (10.4) . Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray) (See Can I use another Mac's system restore disc on my Mac? ). Expect to pay (possibly a lot) more than the Apple list price of $129.

Also check these web stores: http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521 http://www.allmac.com/shop/index.php?cPath=5_10003

Possible Alternative if you are currently using Panther 10.3 – Do a Google search for Tiger 10.4 Upgrade DVD . It will upgrade your 10.3 to 10.4, but it doesn’t contain the full retail Tiger installer. Should be cheaper than the retail Tiger install DVD.

After you install the base 10.4.x, update to the final Tiger version 10.4.11. Here's the link for the 10.4.11 combo update http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US

Look at this link Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Installing Software Support Page
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/install/

You can also download the Tiger Installation and Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/TigerInstall_SetupGuide.pdf

When you upgrade the OS, do it via Archive & Install. See About the Archive and Install feature http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
Be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings. Also, repair permissions before and after the install.

If you do a Google search for M9227LL/A (Panther 10.3 retail install CDs) or M9228LL/A (Family Pack), you may find a set. The CDs should be black with a white X.


After you install the base 10.3.x, update to the final Panther version 10.3.9. See Mac OS X 10.3.9 Update (Combo) http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2464

Suggest you join LEM-Swap for buying & selling Mac stuff. http://groups.google.com/group/lemswap
After you join, post a WTB (want to buy).

 Cheers, Tom 😉