Powerbook G4 won't boot install disk

Powerbook G4
1.5 GHZ PowerPC g4
1GB DDR SDRAM
Currently running 10.5.8

I am attempting to wipe and restore this laptop to its OG condition so I can give it to a friend. I have the original install disk OS 10.4 AHT Version 2.5 Disc Version 1.1

I pop in the disk and the computer recognizes the disk. But I cannot get the computer to boot the startup disk.

1. I have attempted to restart and shutdown the computer while holding C. It boots normally.
2. I have held down the option key while booting and it bought me to a screen. That screen only gave me the option to click on the mac HD drive.
3. I have used system preferences - start up disk- selected the 10.4 install disk and clicked restart. That just boots through like normal.

Any other way to go about this? Really would love some help...

Thanks
- Kyle

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 30, 2010 8:36 AM

Nov 2, 2010 6:04 PM in response to Kyle Chapman

If the original software set that came with the computer is
somehow defective, a replacement set from Apple by phone
would be a suggestion; these usually have a processing fee
and would be less expensive than a later version retail disc.
That'd be an order via the 1-800-MY-APPLE sales/support #
and the serial number of that computer is required to be able
to match the correct restore/install disc with the model build.

(You may be able to get your personal data off the computer,
and then let the new owner work out the other details; but do
try & include an OS X install disc, the original if you have it.)

You may be able to create a new Admin level user account
in the computer, set it so it will be the initial user on start up,
so the computer sees that as the main Admin/User account.

From there, you may be able to trash your old Admin account
and then use the built-in Disk Utility to 'erase free space.'

There is also a way to get rid of your personal information from
the computer, perhaps without a booted install disc; such as it
would not be "Mr Jones Computer" if you can change it correctly.

Hopefully someone will help you further by addressing other
ways and means of trying to make your OS X install disc work.
Or detail the possible way(s) to make a new Admin user acct
and delete the old one; and also change the Computer's name.

Ideally, as you know, the ability to do this is substantially better if
& when the computer can simply be booted from an install Disc.

Being able to totally over-write, partition map, reformat & do a
complete new installation (from the install disc set you will be
including with the computer) and Quit the Installer before it runs
the 'first startup' before it asks for personal information, is best.

Is there a Mac user group in your area? How about a school with
a computer lab and someone there who helps students and also
maintains their computers? Some people are of the type to help
and can do so for free. Others may do so, and know of someone
who may want to take that older computer off your hands, too.

However that works out...
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

PS: you may be able to donate the computer to a valid charity
if you itemize your taxes; or gift it to a private school, etc.

+{ edited }+