Installing OS Tiger

First thing to do is try a PRAM reset. Boot holding the cmd-option-P-R keys down until you hear the second boot tone (chime) and see if the machine will find the installer disc.

When you mention multiple discs, then, for a retail Tiger install, you are referring to CDs and not DVDs. Is the OS version 10.4 (not, say, 10.4.6) for instance? Your machine shipped with 10.4.2, so a 10.4 installer might or might not boot the machine.

If the PRAM reset doesn't help, then you might try an NVRAM reset. Boot holding down the cmd-option-O-F keys to bring the machine up into Open Firmware's white dumb terminal screen, then enter the following two commands:

reset-nvram <press enter>

reset-all <press enter>

This will cause a reboot with non-volatile RAM set to its default values.

Just the first two things to try.

EDIT: I'll bet you might find more help on the iMac (PPC) discussion area. I am notifying the host and we'll try to get this moved to that discussion.

Also concerning the three option I cannot select any of them an I thing thata why it times out. Any ideas.

Just to be sure:

-- you need to use the mouse to select items on the startup screen

-- You should disconnnect all external devices with the exception of mouse & keyboard.

I have this sequence for the resets. an extra command.

Shut down the Mac, then power it up, and before the screen lights up, quickly hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys, until the Mac has chimed twice more after the powerup chime. Then, before the screen lights up, hold down Command-Option-O-F until the Open Firmware screen appears. Then enter these lines, pressing Return after each one:

reset-nvram

set-defaults

reset-all

"The reset-all command should restart your Mac. If so, you have successfully reset the Open Firmware settings."

Robert

jaxconnection wrote:

I did the NVRAM reset and that worked but it booted up to a gray screen with a blinking file with a flashing question mark. Concerning the Tiger CD's it is Ver 10.4.2

flashing question mark -- could not find a valid OS on any partition.

10.4.2 if full install version may not work. may not have the drivers need for your machine. to be sure of having all software you need greater than 10.4.2.

Did you try to install on your machine?

if you have another ppc install 10.4.2 on drive [ externa harddive ] then use the combo update to 10.4.11 then transfer drive to you machine. Be sure to understand the use of and need for heat transfer pads & heat puddy.

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Visit an apple store with machine. come during a non-busy time & they may install a working system.

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Apple may still supply the original restore CDs/DVDs for a nominal fee. Have your serial number and model information available when you call them. You do not have to be the original owner.

AppleCare Support Phone Number: 1-800-275-2273

open 6am to 6pm Pacific Time

Apple Phone Sales 1-800-692-7753

International Technical Support Numbers

http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html

"You have to call Apple & likely ask for a Product Specialist to get it (Leopard), if they still have it... helps if you tell them you have a new iPhone (iPad) that needs it!"

BDAqua

Requirements for Mac OS X v10.5

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3759

don't get your hopes up on calling apple. their probably out of the old media.

Robert