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

installing Snow Leopard over Tiger Server

Hi


I have an old tiger server (mac pro) and I would basically like to install snow leopard over the top of this 8 core xenon intel server.


I didn't have time to find the SL install discs themselves, but with the SL server discs; they wouldn't pickup as bootable media in the drive, and with the normal leopard disc it comes up "Not for this Machine".


We have a licenses for SL at work, and the machine doesn't need to run any server roles but I would like the raw power of the processors and ram to update/manage images, run VMs; sadly I have to run windows on it for AD.


Is there any tech reason why I cant just boot up using the SL discs, disk util the hdd and remove tiger and install SL? if the firmware on the machine is upto date? Its come from another site and I'm waiting on the all clear data wise and the password to access the machine at the moment.


Will wiping the the hdd ethier with the discs or target disk mode help with the install of SL?


Thanks...

Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 25, 2011 11:02 AM

Reply
3 replies

May 25, 2011 11:27 AM in response to slinxy

Since the client Snow Leopard DVD cannot upgrade a server system, you will need to first erase the drive. If the drive is not currently partitioned for GUID, then you will need to first repartition the drive using GUID then format Mac OS Extended, Journaled.


Drive Preparation and Install Snow Leopard


1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.


2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.


3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID (for Intel Macs) or APM (for PPC Macs) then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.


4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.


5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.


6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.


Steps 4-6 are optional but should be used on a drive that has never been formatted before, if the format type is not Mac OS Extended, if the partition scheme has been changed, or if a different operating system (not OS X) has been installed on the drive.


When formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Complete the OS X installation.

May 25, 2011 11:33 AM in response to Kappy

thanks mate... a thought as much, I just switch the mac pro to target disk mode then wipe the hdd clean using a laptop, once I get the all clear data wise.


Now its a question of trying to source an apple display connector cable/convertor or switching the graphics card in it to one with two dvi ports as the thought of using one monitor is killing me at the moment.

May 25, 2011 11:36 AM in response to slinxy

Yes, reformatting the drive will allow you to install SL. Just be sure to have saved important data/applications/settings before doing so. You cannot install Leopard or SL over a server version. You do need the SL discs though, you cannot install it from server discs.

Do be aware though that a SL full retail disc will be needed, as OEM discs that come with new macs are built specifically for those machines and have checks to ensure that is the only machine they will install to.

installing Snow Leopard over Tiger Server

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.