Installing Tiger on G4, OS 9.2

Is the DVD a black one or gray in color? Gray ones will only install on the model Mac with which they were supplied.

Target disk mode (TDM) isn't dependent upon the OS but on the model computer used. When asking this kind of question it helps to be very specific about your computer models and systems.

What you want to do (assuming the above criteria are okay) is borrow a DVD drive in another Mac. Put the host Mac in TDM, then select that Mac from your G4 as the start up drive. Your G4 will then start up from the DVD in the other computer.

[How to use FireWire target disk mode|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661] includes description of hardware and software requirements.

[What to do if your Mac doesn't enter FireWire Target Disk Mode|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75414], also read about [Open Firmware Password Protection|http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/openfirmwarepassword.html] which can disable Target Disk Mode.

[Technical Note TN 1189|http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn1189.html#TargetMode] - driver details for TDM

Installing OS X 10.4 'Tiger' on DVD-Challenged Macs Using FireWire Target Disk Mode @ http://lowendmac.com/misc/06/0710.html

Installing Tiger Without a DVD Drive
http://www.oreillynet.com/mac/blog/2005/05/thecats_mustachesinstalling.html

How To: Installing Tiger Using FireWire Target Disk Mode
http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/osx_odyssey_752_how_to_installing_tiger_using_firewire_target_diskmode/

The Blue and White is actually a G3 which probably had a processor upgrade. However, it will support Tiger even without an upgrade. Can you give us specs on the "other computer" which you plan to use?

I've thought of using the optical drive on my other computer to reboot and install, but was told the target computer must have at least OS X 10.2 installed.

As Limnos pointed out it should not matter what OS is on the Target computer. The only instance in which will matter is if you are using an upgrade disk, which will necessitate that OS X is installed on the computer to which you wish to install Tiger. You need the Full Retail Version of Tiger, and not an upgrade or gray computer specific disk.

Here's how to proceed:
• Boot the Mac with working optical drive in Firewire Target Disk Mode.
• Insert install disk into Target Computer's optical drive. (You may need to install the disk before FW-TDM if you have a tray loader)
• Connect computers via firewire cable
• Option Boot computer to which you want to install (Blue and White).
• Select Install Disk for startup and click on the straight arrow.
• Proceed with Installation

😉 cornelius

The G4, I believe, is a 'blue & white'. PCI, 400mhz

Hmmm.. It sounds like somebody did a processor upgrade on a G3 Blue & White. If it is that model G3 then it doesn't do TDM (read links in earlier post about a computer not going into TDM). Go to the apple in the upper left corner, get info about the mac, then more and copy and paste the information (omit serial #) in a reply.

Limnos:

If it is that model G3 then it doesn't do TDM (read links in earlier post about a computer not going into TDM).

Interesting point. However, if the B/W is the computer to which installation is being made it does not have to be in FW-TDM. The computer with the working optical drive will be the Target computer. Which means that the B/W will read the Target computer as an external optical drive.

😉 cornelius

Good point Cornelius, and I knew that but in focusing on the details I had somehow gotten it into my head that the other computer was the B&W upgrade.

OP: This is why it would help to know about both computers since we really need the full context.

PDS:

Thanks for the updated information. Your mentioning Blue and White threw me off, as that name is usually used to refer to a PowerMacintosh G3 with those colors. In any case, your eMac will serve fine as the target computer. If you have the full retail version you should have no problem with the installation. I suggest that you backup your data on the PCI Graphics. If you wish to retain OS 9 you will need to choose the option to Archive and Install. If you need step by step directions for installation, please post back and ask.

😉 cornelius

Let me make sure I understand target mode correctly...

Here, again, with specifics, are step by step directions.
• Boot the eMac (with working optical drive) in Firewire Target Disk Mode.
• Insert install disk into *eMac's (Target Computer) optical drive*.
• Connect both computers via firewire cable
• Startup *PowerMac G4 (PCI graphics)* and hold down Option key immediately after startup chime.
• Select *Install Disk* for startup and click on the straight arrow.
• Proceed with Installation

Am I missing something here?

Did you Option Boot the G4, as described above?

😉 cornelius

After option boot, G4 still booted on its own.

Do you mean you booted in the the Startup manager or that you could not boot into the Startup manager? Sounds like you attempted Option booting and it started up normally, booting from the internal HDD, is that correct?

😉 cornelius

Yes, I held down the option key after startup chime.

You should be able to option boot or boot into Firewire Target Disk Mode, Safe Boot etc. If you can't you may have a hardware or firmware issue. I would make an appointment online at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store and have them check it out.

😉 cornelius