Possible to install MacOS 9 on imac G5? (Need to use Classic mode)

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Level 1

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Possible to install MacOS 9 on imac G5? (Need to use Classic mode)

I need to run old apps in Classic mode on an iMac G5 that has OSX 10.4 factory-installed. I have an OS9.2 installer CD. Is it possible to install an OS9 system folder and run OS9 apps in Classic mode without disturbing the OSX installation?
Also, is it possible to actually boot OS9 in this configuration? I might need to do that, in order to install some of my old OS9 apps.

I can't find anything but very skimpy instructions from Apple on this topic. Mac connection told me that it was NOT possible to have Classic mode on an iMac G5, but I don't necc. believe them.

Any help or pointers to documentation would be welcome.

G4 iMacG5, Mac OS X (10.0.x), OS9.2 Classic iMac G5

Posted on Feb 25, 2006 11:49 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 25, 2006 11:54 AM in response to jduesenb

HI
Are you sure you don't have Classic already?
I, too, have a iMac G5 and I have Classic. I know that my machine came with OS 10.4 installed, unfortunately I don't know how it came that Classic is on the machine. I don't think I installed it, at least I don't remember installing it.
Hope this helps.
Dave

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Answer 2

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Feb 25, 2006 1:42 PM in response to jduesenb

Its perfectly possible to use Classic on an iMac G5, jduesenb (though not on the new intel based models).

If it did not come installed you will find it on your 2nd iMac G5 DVD (mine is called "MacOSX Install Disc 2). You don't need to use your OS9.2 CD. Insert the DVD and click on the "Install Mac OS 9 System Support" package.

Installing it won't affect your OS X installation.

You won't be able to actually "boot" from it, though. It runs only as an "emulator", while booted from OSX , on all recent G4 and G5 macs. Despite this, you should be able to install and run most OS9 apps.

Cheers

Rod

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