Q: Which Install CD?
When my older G4 Power Mac failed beyond repair I bought a used G4 Power Mac that came without an OS install CD. I'm now trying to buy an Install CD, but there seem to be several versions for sale on Ebay and elsewhere. I have been running OS10.4.11 on this Power Mac G4, Machine Model: Power Mac 3.5: CPU Type: Power PC G4 (2.1): CPU Speed: 933 MHz. This seems to indicate that my Mac G4 is a QuickSilver 2002. How do I determine which version of the many OS 10.4 CDs being offered for sale is the correct version for my G4????
Posted on Jan 27, 2012 6:09 PM
Most of the gray Install/Restore discs contain sysytem software that is unique to the model it shipped with. The install won't work on another model Mac.
You said you believed you have a Quicksilver 2002 model. Here's the spec page http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g4/stats/powermac_g4_933_qs.html It came with OS 10.1 preinstalled, so a gray installer will not provide OS 10.4 You need to get a retail OS 10.4 install DVD. It looks like this
Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A (10.4.6), MA190Z/A (10.4.3) and M9639Z/A (10.4). Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray) (See http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1976068 Can I use another Mac's system restore disc on my Mac?.
Also check these web stores: http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521 http://www.allmac.com/shop/index.php?cPath=5_10003
After you install the base 10.4.x, update to the final Tiger version 10.4.11. Here's the link for the 10.4.11 combo update http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US
Look at this link Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Installing Software Support Page
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/install/
You can also download the Tiger Installation and Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/Tiger_Install_Setup_Guide.pdf
When you upgrade the OS, do it via Archive & Install. See About the Archive and Install feature http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
Be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings. Also, repair permissions before and after the install.
Cheers, Tom
Posted on Jan 27, 2012 6:23 PM
