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I cannot find the Previous Systems files! I only have an old previous systems folder in there!

I was having issues with my iMac G5's fans, and so I had to restore it using it's supplied media (I had bought it off eBay with leopard) and it dumped me back to about 10.3. I couldn't open my applications, and so it lay dormant until I managed to get a copy of leopard, I updated it as you would, and booted it up to find there were updates available, and so installed them. The computer rebooted, but then it rebooted again. Kindling bad memories, I immediately shut the thing down before it had a chance to boot, and reinstalled the OS using the archive and fresh method, this now giving me a fresh install, I installed the same updates, and annoyingly it booted straight up after rebooting twice. I then proceeded to look in my Previous Systems folder to find with dismay, that all my files were missing, and only an old folder was there. Are all my applications and files destroyed, or are they retrievable?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5), OSX Leopard

Posted on Jul 11, 2012 10:56 AM

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6 replies

Jul 11, 2012 11:56 AM in response to Tecwhizz

it dumped me back to about 10.3


Why did you use a non-Leopard installer?

I immediately shut the thing down before it had a chance to boot, and reinstalled the OS using the archive and fresh method, this now giving me a fresh install,


This was probably unwise.

annoyingly it booted straight up after rebooting twice.


I don't understand what you are trying to say.

I then proceeded to look in my Previous Systems folder to find with dismay, that all my files were missing, and only an old folder was there. Are all my applications and files destroyed, or are they retrievable?


I am not sure if you will ever get anything back after this. The best file search tool I know is:


http://apps.tempel.org/FindAnyFile/


A lesson to all. Never install without proper backups - see my general advice below:



Backup first

It is always best to have a full bootable backup before you upgrade. If you fail to do this you will be unable to return to this OS if you decide you don't like the new OS. Also there is a slight chance that an install could lose everything on the Mac. The backup must be to an external hard disk. Preferably use Carbon Copy Cloner to make a bootable backup of the whole disk.


Erase before the install

Once you have a bootable backup on an external disk it is best to erase the internal disk with the new installer DVD before you install.


During the install

Preferably do not import any data or preferences from earlier OSs during the install process as this can reintroduce bugs.


OS numbers and names

OS X 10.4.x - Tiger

OS X 10.5.x - Leopard

OS X 10.6.x - Snow Leopard

OS X 10.7.x - Lion

OS X 10.8.x - Mountain Lion


More about Macs

The Apple History site has specifications for every Mac ever produced: http://www.apple-history.com/


Upgrade to Leopard

Those wishing to upgrade to Leopard should be aware that install disks can be expensive unless you contact Apple. Details: http://lowendmac.com/deals/best-os-x-leopard-prices.html Standard Leopard installers impose several hardware limitations including speed and RAM size but all these restrictions can be overcome. Google for details. Leopard works well at 500 MHz with 1 GB of RAM and many happy users have less than this.


Upgrade beyond Leopard

OSs beyond OS X 10.5.8 require an Intel processor. If in doubt check this: Click the apple at the top left of your screen and select 'About this Mac'. This will give you your OS number. Then click 'More Info' to see which processor you have. If it says PowerPC you cannot upgrade to Snow Leopard and above. If you have an Intel Mac it is well worth upgrading to Snow Leopard now and then considering other options after that. You can buy Snow Leopard here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A


Upgrade beyond Snow Leopard

Information about upgrading Snow Leopard to Lion or Mountain Lion: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD256Z/A


Important

Check that your Mac complies with any requirements. If you are not in the US you should use the Change Country link at the bottom of Apple pages.



Jul 11, 2012 3:02 PM in response to Tecwhizz

If you were trying to do an Archive and Install, here is how to do it properly without losing all your documents:


How to Archive & Install:


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710


and this also:


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2196?viewlocale=en_US


This document explains how to correctly reinstall a prior version of Mac OS X in the event that other troubleshooting does not resolve an issue:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25404

BUT: Don't install older versions of Mac OS than what came with your computer:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2186?viewlocale=en_US

Jul 11, 2012 4:23 PM in response to Klaus1

BUT: Don't install older versions of Mac OS than what came with your computer:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2186?viewlocale=en_US


This is good general advice but it is not strictly correct. It would be more accurate to say 'than originally shipped with this type of Mac by Apple'. Even this is slightly suspect. It depends if there were hardware changes not supported by an older OS.


Often trying to install on older valid OS still results in a refusal to install. Resetting firmware usually corrects this.

Jul 12, 2012 5:18 AM in response to Klaus1

I stand by my remarks.


Apple used to publish OS compatibility charts such as the following for OSs 7, 8 and 9:


http://support.apple.com/kb/TA47341


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1835


I have not found an OS X equivalent.


These were a good guide but one could often get OSs working outside of Apple's stated range. For example I use Leopard on a 733 MHz G4 which Apple say is incompatible.

I cannot find the Previous Systems files! I only have an old previous systems folder in there!

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