Hi, I got a used g4 iMac and installed a new hard drive because there wasn't one when I bought it. Whenever I power on, I get the smiley face that means I don't have an operating system. In the boot options menu, there are no hard drives to select from. Only an arrow and a reload button or something. What should I do, I have the OS disks but don't know how to install them. Thanks!
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
You'll probably need to format the new hdd and install the OS.
It sounds like you have the install discs that the computer shipped with, so the next step will be to boot the Mac with the first of those discs, probably marked as such.
The boot process, I believe is to insert Disc 1 into the drive slot or tray and press and hold the "C" key while you power up the Mac. The computer should boot up to the installer. If you follow the on screen prompts, you may be prompted to format the drive and after that to install the OS.
If you google "Restore iMac G4" you'll find several guides on YouTube that you may find helpful.
I think you may have done yourself a disservice when buying that iMac. If your hopes are to use it day to day and you aren't especially tech savvy, then you're going to find this to be quite a challenge. The Mac is vintage vintage and the OS that it can run is beyond outdated. There really is no good path for an inexperienced user with the machine, and barely so with a user who knows their stuff. The world and the web have moved well beyond the capabilities of a machine released twenty years ago or more.
I hope this is only a hobby computer for you.
You'll probably need to format the new hdd and install the OS.
It sounds like you have the install discs that the computer shipped with, so the next step will be to boot the Mac with the first of those discs, probably marked as such.
The boot process, I believe is to insert Disc 1 into the drive slot or tray and press and hold the "C" key while you power up the Mac. The computer should boot up to the installer. If you follow the on screen prompts, you may be prompted to format the drive and after that to install the OS.
If you google "Restore iMac G4" you'll find several guides on YouTube that you may find helpful.
I think you may have done yourself a disservice when buying that iMac. If your hopes are to use it day to day and you aren't especially tech savvy, then you're going to find this to be quite a challenge. The Mac is vintage vintage and the OS that it can run is beyond outdated. There really is no good path for an inexperienced user with the machine, and barely so with a user who knows their stuff. The world and the web have moved well beyond the capabilities of a machine released twenty years ago or more.
I hope this is only a hobby computer for you.
The gray-colored, model-specific Restore Disks contain a software build that's specifically tailored for the hardware of the Mac that the disks shipped with. Even if the OS version listed on the disk is compatible with your iMac, that doesn't indicate that the disks can be used for installation, mainly because key software components would likely be missing. If the computer ejects the disk when you attempt to boot from it, that's the telltale sign that the disk isn't supported. If you can't find the actual disk(s) designed for and included with your G4 iMac, you need to use the retail version (universal installer) disks for Panther or Tiger. Also, after opening up the base for hard drive replacement, did you reapply thermal grease on the contact point for the heat pipe? If not, you risk overheating the CPU and damaging the computer.
Is the machine model (BTW, which exact model/year do you have?) mentioned somewhere on the discs? Mac OS version? Any numbers on the discs? Disc colour?
Hi,
You could have a look at the specifications at https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index-imac.html for this exact iMac G4, where the pre-installed and maximum Mac OS can be found. The computer needs either the machine-specific original system discs supplied or a later retail version.
Yes, this is most definitely a hobby computer for me, I've got a PC I've built + my macbook pro. I just really liked the way it looked and I got this and a g3 mac for only $150. Thanks very much for the help!
One more question, you mentioned the install disk that came with the computer. This isn't the specific disk, but I looked up compatible operating systems and got that. Whenever I put it in, the computer spits it out 30 or something seconds later. Is there a different disk I need? I have the 2 install disks for Mac OS X
Okay, I checked and the OS I have is compatible with the system. How do I go about actually installing them though. I can't chose a hard drive to boot into and the disk doesn't do anything when I put it in. Do you know? Thanks
You're welcome. 🙂
Enjoy the time you spend with this old Mac.
Yes, it is the gray disk. I'll try to find the panther or tiger install disks. I did reapply thermal paste when I opened it, thank you for all the help.
Can't boot iMac G4
