Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

8 points

Mac OS X 10.4: Repeatedly asked to insert Install DVD Disc 2 during install

Hello,

I have erased my hard drive and am trying to install 10.4.4 using the original disks that were supplied with my iMac.

Disk 1 installed fine but disk 2 stops half way through saying "there were errors installing software please try again". I have, many times.

I'm not bothered about iLife so would be happy with a custom install from just disk 1 but it won't let me boot from it. I've tried that lots of times too. It just asked for disk 2.

I have tried using my laptop to solve the problem using target mode but again the iMac just asks for disk 2.

I have tried zapping the pram, nothing happens - no second chime, it just asks for disk 2

I have tried to open it in single user mode, nothing just disk 2???

I have now spent 8 hours searching for an answer to what's seems to be a common problem but the only solution seems to be to boot from disk 1 but my computer is having none of it.

Please help.

Please...

iMac core duo, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Jan 12, 2011 10:00 AM

33 replies

patpending74 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2011 5:33 AM in response to BDAqua

No it won't boot in Target mode

Limnos

Level 10

411,241 points

Feb 1, 2011 7:09 AM in response to patpending74

[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.

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 8, 2011 3:38 PM in response to Limnos

This is the EXACT problem I am having and it is very frustrating. I've scoured all the internet and have been unable to come up with a solution.

I've tried booting my macbook pro to my imac in target mode. The imac still doesn't recognize anything.

Tried holding option - doesn't recognize it.

Tried holding C,D apple S, the other buttons as well.

I just want to find a way to get disc 1 working b/c it automatically goes to disc 2.

please help us find a solution =P The cost of getting it looked and and even replacing the optical drive costs more than the computer =P

Thank you for your help

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 10:20 AM in response to urepalal

Patpending74 did you ever find a solution??

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Feb 9, 2011 2:48 PM in response to urepalal

Is this a wired USB Keyboard you're using?

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 3:50 PM in response to BDAqua

Yes it is. Thanks for the reply.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Feb 9, 2011 4:15 PM in response to urepalal

And holding the Option/alt doesn't bring up Boot choices?

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 8:44 PM in response to BDAqua

When I hold the option. I can only click on the harddrive. There's a reload button to the left. My Harddrive w/ an x on the bottom right. And an arrow sign to the right. Even with my Disc 1 cd in there nothing else shows up. And I can't even click on the hard drive. My only option is to hit forward.

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 8:45 PM in response to urepalal

Sorry that got a little mixed up. I see the only thing I see is are those three things w/ the hardrive in the middle and i CANT click on the harddrive.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Feb 9, 2011 8:56 PM in response to urepalal

Seems it quit reading the CD/DVD, do you have another Mac around with Firewire?

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 10, 2011 10:32 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes I have my Macbook Pro

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Feb 10, 2011 10:52 AM in response to urepalal

Put the Install Disc for this one in tthe MBP, then put the MBP in to FireWire target disk mode...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661

Connect with a Firewire cable, boot the MBP holding the t key down, once the floating FW symbol shows up, boot this Mac holding the Option/alt key down, eventually the Install Disk in the MBP will show as a Boot Option for this one. 🙂

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 10, 2011 2:29 PM in response to BDAqua

Hi BDAqua
I've tried it but I can't get my macbook pro to show up on my imac.
It doesn't show up as a boot option... =P
Is there anything else you can think of?

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Feb 10, 2011 2:47 PM in response to urepalal

Forgot to mention, sometimes with Notebooks you need to unplug the FW cable & plug it back in once it's in t mode, then click the 3/4 circle on the iMac.

urepalal

Level 1

0 points

Feb 10, 2011 9:13 PM in response to BDAqua

What's the 3/4 circle on the mac?

Mac OS X 10.4: Repeatedly asked to insert Install DVD Disc 2 during install