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I have an iMac g3 (slot loading) with Mac OS 9 on it and just bought an install disc for Mac OS 9 on eBay. How do I start or reinstall Mac OS 9 from the disc? On the disc it says „hold down c as the computer starts up.“ but that doesn’t seem to do anything. Maybe I got the timing wrong? I’m using an Apple keyboard A1243 with the iMac. Now I also can’t get the cd out of the iMac because there is now eject button on the screen.
Hi,
Holding down the C key should bypass the internal hard disk. However, one should perhaps not rule out that there is a problem with the optical drive. If the hard disk contains a valid system, was it earlier possible to read CDs? Also, I assume that it is an original system CD (not a burned disc).
If you can see a CD icon on the screen, try to drag it to the Trash in order to eject the disc. Alternatively, press a media eject key (if available), or restart the computer and hold down the mouse button when starting up.
Hi,
Holding down the C key should bypass the internal hard disk. However, one should perhaps not rule out that there is a problem with the optical drive. If the hard disk contains a valid system, was it earlier possible to read CDs? Also, I assume that it is an original system CD (not a burned disc).
If you can see a CD icon on the screen, try to drag it to the Trash in order to eject the disc. Alternatively, press a media eject key (if available), or restart the computer and hold down the mouse button when starting up.
9.2.2 is generally just for optimizations with the Classic environment. 9.2.1 is perfectly cable running on any G3 Mac except the Powerbook G3/250 Mhz model that was based on the 3400c chasis. That machine can only be upgraded to 9.1.
9.2.2 installer discs are system specific and only work on specific models they shipped with.
9.2.1 is available as a retail release that does not say upgrade, dropin, OEM on it and has this label:
Burnt releases of the CD may not work, as there are often hidden files or simply blessing that isn't taken care of properly. And if it isn't taken care when you make the CD, it simply will not boot, and you can't edit the contents of the CD.
'C' key does not always work. Option key is sometimes necessary.
Also note, a Mac OS 9 install disc which is not retail, and not released for the iMac g3 in question will not boot it right.
https://lowendmac.com/2005/which-imac-is-it-low-end-mac-guide-to-g3-imacs/
https://everymac.com will let you find out what the Mac minimum disc OS is for any Mac.
Lastly,
9.0 runs on any iMac G3 older than October 23, 1999
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_9
has the release dates for each Mac OS 9. You can't run an older Mac OS 9 than shipped with the machine.
And one more thing. If the PRAM battery has not been replaced in 5 years, booting off CD may not work. This kind of work should be left to an authorized service center willing to do it. There are components that should not be touched inside the machine.
I did this myself, and found it quite frustrating, so yes I would get a paid professional to do this in the future so the potential damage is compensated, even though I am capable of doing these upgrades myself.
As for the issue with booting Mac OS 9, what operating system do you currently use? For me, I had 8.6 and burnt Mac OS 9.2.2 to a CD, then slotted it in the iMac whilst it was booted. From here you will see the contents of the disk and should find the icon to install Mac OS 9. Try that. Although, I have only done this using the Classic Mac OS, not OS X (where this may not work).
How do I start from a Mac OS 9 install disc on an iMac g3?
