Possible to combine Panther into one disk?

For backup purposes, sure, but you have to make a master disk image. I don't think it will work as installer. For that matter, what you need to do to get all the discs on that one will probably mean it won't even boot to the Installer. I am pretty sure it is written to look for multiple discs. It isn't just directly copying a set of files to the computer but is more structured.

Unlikely to work as images alone. The installer insists upon you being booted from the volume containing the installation package. An image isn't mounted until you have the OS running. Let's say you put an image on a drive, then mount the image and try to select it as the startup disc. I don't think it will even let you select it. Even if it did, that image wouldn't be mounted at startup time to be accessible for booting the computer.

Uh, it is possible the direction this topic is taking is not one to make the hosts happy since it discusses things that circumvent the intentions of Apple which is basically require you to use installer discs. As such, you might wish to carry out your investigations outside AD. I did a search on this topic and do not see a mention of its kind on the Apple web site which suggests to me it is not encouraged. 🙂

May need a gogole search, it sounds like an interesting project. It would require some digging into the install scripts to indicate that all the required parts are on the one DVD. This may violate some usage agreement terms.

Nt sure how to get the XCode install to be an option, it may still require to be a disc image on the DVD.

Even if the three CD images were burned to a DVD disc, the natural scripting which
runs at intervals during the original installation process may be asking for a second
CD when the image is already available; and so on. However, there may be a way
to work around that if someone is really clever or extremely focused.

If a DVD had three install disc images on there (seen on desktop as three CDs)
the natural script to' Eject disc 1 and ask for disc 2' etc; may be unnecessary.

However, this does get into an area where Discussions may be not the correct place
when the details may invoke some rule breaking; even if unintentionally directed there.
This does get into some speculative and perhaps 'end user rule' areas best left alone;
especially outside of ones secret clandestine laboratory in the basement? LOL.

Wonder if there's a USB flash drive method of making a backup copy, that'd work?
I'd hate to think the original, hard to find install disc set, would be lost or damaged.
Usually, a clone of the installed system is adequate; for one computer at a time.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Well I wasn't thinking images burned to DVD, it just wouldn't boot.

I was thinking of carefully moving the content to a single read/write disk image, mdifying the install script to not go looking for "Mac OS X Install Disc 2".

Although not an OS, I've seen this done with old game installs, like Riven, from 5 CDs to 1 DVD.

Yes, I know what you mean; and have seen something along the lines
of attempting to boot an image (usually an incorrect OS version, too)
in some forum discussions online.

However it would be a curious project to re-compile a set of CDs into
a working boot install DVD disc for whatever Mac OS X 10.3 supports.

I still have a retail set of Panther 10.3 CDs, Tiger DVD & Leopard 10.5.
but, gave away Jaguar 10.2, and earlier OS X/9 install discs. Of these, I
regret no longer having the full install OS 9.2.1 and 9.1 the most. Never
know when a rescue-project computer may be found by a dumpster.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

K Shaffer wrote:

Never know when a rescue-project computer may be found by a dumpster.

LOL. Happened to me twice.

Saw a Quadra 610 sitting by the skip one day. Thought "I'll come back when it's dark in an hour", of course it was gone by then.
And exact same story many years before outside an Apple Premium Reseller closing up and relocating - a skip full of IIci, IIvi, IIvx, LC's. I'll dash away to get the car, got back, all were gone. Skip and other rubbish was sill there.

If I'm ever so lucky again, I'll not delay.