BIGiMAC

Q: iMac G3 OS X Installation Problem

I have been trying for the past 2 days to install OS X Panther on my iMac G3, but when I open the install window and click restart, I get the following message: "An error occurred. 'Startup disk was unable to select the install CD as the startup disk. (-2).'"

 

I have tried starting up in different modes, but it always results in booting off the hard drive.

 

I have an iMac G3 DV slot loading 400MHz and the install disc is a retail version.

 

It is running OS 8.6

Posted on Jun 12, 2012 12:57 PM

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Q: iMac G3 OS X Installation Problem

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 12, 2012 1:04 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 12, 2012 1:04 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    What CDs are you using? Are these black, retail version CDs?  CDs supplied with another model computer won't work. (Sorry, see you've answered that.)

     

    You have done any appropriate firmware updates first?

     

    You have sufficient RAM?

     

     

    Mac OS X: Available firmware updates for upgrading from OS9 to OSX - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117

     

    Are you sure the drive works?  Will it boot to your original OS8 installer disc just to check?  If it does then I think you're one of the few people on the planet with a working G3 iMac optical drive. 

  • by Texas Mac Man,

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jun 12, 2012 2:31 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jun 12, 2012 2:31 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    Your iMac does require a firmware update. The update (available at the link above) must be installed while booted in OS 9 befor installing OS X.

     

     Cheers, Tom

  • by BIGiMAC,

    BIGiMAC BIGiMAC Jun 13, 2012 2:45 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 13, 2012 2:45 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    Well, my CD drive works fine since now I have been able to update it to Mac OS 9.2.2 and yes, I have sufficient RAM. I also preformed the firmware upgrade, but still no luck. I keep getting the same message. Disk first aid says that the disc is fine.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 13, 2012 5:51 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 13, 2012 5:51 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    You are booting from the installer disc?  Hold down the C key while starting the computer with the disc inserted (I think it's the same for older models).

  • by BIGiMAC,

    BIGiMAC BIGiMAC Jun 13, 2012 7:19 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 13, 2012 7:19 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    Doesn't work, it just boots up from the hard drive. I also doesn't work if I start up using the Option key. I tried installing Cheetah and I get the same result.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 15, 2012 9:32 AM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 15, 2012 9:32 AM in response to BIGiMAC

    You are using the original Mac keyboard?  Sometimes after-market or later model keyboards do not work until the OS is actually running.

  • by BIGiMAC,

    BIGiMAC BIGiMAC Jun 17, 2012 4:45 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 17, 2012 4:45 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    Yes, I am using the original keyboard. When I start up using the option key it DOES show the startup disk menu, but the CD doesn't show up. The same thing happens with Cheetah. I have even tried it with Tiger and the the DVD does show up, but when I click on it and press the arrow to start it, it st refreshes the menu. The iMac also has a DVD drive, so it should have worked.

  • by BIGiMAC,

    BIGiMAC BIGiMAC Jun 17, 2012 4:50 PM in response to BIGiMAC
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 17, 2012 4:50 PM in response to BIGiMAC

    The "st" in the second last sentence was a typo. It should say "just refreshes the menu"