Install Tiger on iMac G3

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Level 1

1 points

Install Tiger on iMac G3

Hi,
This might seem like a daft question but here goes, I have just purchased an iBook G4 direct from Apple(Europe) which has install disc for OSX Tiger 10.4. My old iMac G3 is installed with Mac OS 9.2.
Question:- Is it possible to install Tiger on the G3 as I want to let my daughter have the use of it but be on the same software as I am.
Thanks in anticipation.

Robo1

iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Jan 29, 2006 12:00 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Jan 29, 2006 12:39 PM in response to Robo1

Welcome to Apple Dsicussions!

The iMac G3 will not support the Tiger install disk from the iBook. You'll have to purchase Tiger separately as a retail package.

Secondly, only iMac G3s with built-in Firewire support Tiger. Older iMac G3s do not without third party software like XPostFacto

http://eshop.macsales.com/OSXCenter/XPostFacto/

Third prior to installing 10.2 or higher on any iMac G3 you need to make sure to install either the 1.2 firmware on tray loading iMac G3s, or 4.1.9 firmware on slot loading iMac G3s while booted from Mac OS 9 that is found on this page:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117

Finally, if your iMac G3 does not have a built-in DVD drive, you'll want to apply for the Media Exchange Program.

http://www.apple.com/uk/macosx/mediaexchange/

I can help if your machine does not need XPostfacto to install it once you get the right disks. Just let me know.

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Answer 2

Jan 29, 2006 1:17 PM in response to a brody

I'm trying to install Tiger 10.4.3 onto my iMac, but disk 3 keeps asking back for disk 2. I have installed this fine onto my iBook. Any hints?

Bill King
audiking@arcor.de

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Jan 29, 2006 1:50 PM in response to William King1

Bill,
Read the license agreement. I think those disks may only be used on one computer.

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Answer 4

Robo1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Feb 5, 2006 12:25 PM in response to a brody

Hi Silver Spring,
Thanks for your reply to my question. The Imac G3 I have is a slot loading type with built in Firewire and is Airport Ready. It has a 24x CD-ROM but I can't find out what the Firmware is, although I do remember updating the firmware from the original which came with OS 9.04 supplied with the machine (updated to (9.2.1), a couple of years back. When I have checked for Apple updates since that first one, I've always found that "the firmware is up to date".
Sorry if this is bit vague but I'm not an expert, just a recreational user.
Don't worry if you can't help, I'll try and find an earlier issue of OSX.

Tony R

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Feb 5, 2006 7:35 PM in response to Robo1

Hi Robo,
First time I've been called by the town I'm from. I guess that's like Robin of Locksley! Anyway, you gave me just enough info that I'll be able to take you a step further. Tell me your Boot ROM version when you startup the machine holding command (where command is the Apple logo key)-option-o-f at startup

Once you get that, then type

mac-boot

followed by a return key

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Answer 6

Robo1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Feb 7, 2006 8:55 AM in response to a brody

Hi A (?) Brody, sorry about addressing you that way, I'm afraid I am blessed with a warped sense of humour.
I have tried following your suggestion but could not get to a point where I could type anything.
Anyway, I used the system profiler and got the following;-
Boot Rom version $0004.19f1
Rom Revision $ 77d.45f6
Mac OS Rom file version;8.4

Does this help in any way?

From a cold, wet and miserable England

Robo1 = Tony Robinson or son of Robin (Hood/Locksley), well you never know do you?

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Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Feb 7, 2006 11:52 AM in response to Robo1

Your firmware version is definitely 4.1.9. So at least that aspect will allow you to run Tiger. The question is, are the others going to affect you in any other way? Do you have trouble determining these other things like whether you have Firewire?

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Answer 8

Robo1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Feb 8, 2006 2:17 AM in response to a brody

No, there's no trouble determining the others, Firewire is built in as is airport etc.

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Answer 9

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Feb 8, 2006 5:06 AM in response to Robo1

Oh and I'd make sure your RAM is upgraded to at least 512 MB.

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Answer 10

Feb 19, 2006 12:50 AM in response to Robo1

Hi there! I'm using 10.2.8 on my old iMac G3.

Jumping right in here, my Boot ROM is 3.0f3. Does this imply that I have not got the latest firmware update?

If so, how the heck do I get it to install? Will I really have to partition my drive? I can't even start up from OS 9 anymore, it just hangs with the smiley mac.

Also, I have only got 256 megs of RAM on here. Is my situation totally hopeless?

Thanks very much,
Ryan

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