reinstall cd for powermac 4.2

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reinstall cd for powermac 4.2

I'm trying to figure out which OS I need for this legacy Mac and how to get it. I appreciate any constructive help that is offered.

Here is the HW Description:

iMac

Model: PowerMac 4.2

CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.1) 800 MHz

512 MB RAM

100 MHz Bus

4.5.0f4 Boot ROM Version

Serial Number: QP******P18

HD: ST360015A (60 GB)

HFS+ (Journaling FS)

Wireless: Airport Card (Version 9.52)

I called and spoke with Apple support. They like to hand people off a bunch, I couldn't get a straight answer out of them.

The first person told me that she could order a set of re-install cds for me. She switched me to another person. The second and third person seemed to agree that Apple doesn't sell the SW for this machine anymore.

My other problem is that this is my only Apple. I've a few other computers, but they are all Windows or Linux.

I put 10.4 in the OS drop down at the bottom of this. But, to tell the truth I can't remember what it was. Oh, I can't find my discs anywhere.

Thanks again.

PS

I hope that this is in the right section. If not, please let me know.

< Serial Number Edited By Host >

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Jan 31, 2012 4:57 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 31, 2012 5:35 PM in response to momix803

This is the spec page on your iMac

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac_800_fp_macosx.html

When new it came with OS 10.2.3 preinstalled & it's max OS is Tiger OS 10.4.11.

OS 10.2.3 Jaguar is obsolete, and the next OS 10.3 Panther is also basically obsolete. Your besy bet is Tiger OS 10.4., however, a retail Tiger is hard to find & expensive.

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 😉

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