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Q: How can I buy or obtain a copy of OSX 10.4 (Tiger)

I have a 15in lampshade iMac desktop. It bricked itself and won't go past the gray screen. Long story short, I need a copy of OSX 10.4. I just want to reinstall the entire OS. How do I either buy it from Apple, since everyone tells me its obsolete (obviously?) and they don't support it - the Geniouses tell me to order it online and I cannot find any place to do that. Help? (And please don't tell me to upgrade... I already have several other computers. I just want this thing as more than a fancy paperweight on a desk).

Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 18, 2013 2:16 PM

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Q: How can I buy or obtain a copy of OSX 10.4 (Tiger)

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  • by Egon84,

    Egon84 Egon84 Mar 4, 2013 2:24 PM in response to Bcarey
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 4, 2013 2:24 PM in response to Bcarey

    Yeah I did. The last "kid" I had talked to was one of those Apple folks that give the community a bad name. Just a bit of a jerk. I see you had from SC to MN, so I assume your in the states? If that is the case it is possible to get here.

     

    I'm cleaning up some old eMac's to donate to the Boy's & Girl's Club here. Just is a lot of run around for a decent cause.

  • by Egon84,

    Egon84 Egon84 Mar 4, 2013 3:22 PM in response to Egon84
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 4, 2013 3:22 PM in response to Egon84

    Got it square away. Patience and kindness goes a long way. Thanks to everyone on here.

  • by Linda Yohannes,

    Linda Yohannes Linda Yohannes Aug 25, 2014 4:57 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 25, 2014 4:57 AM in response to Jeff

    Thanks for the info, Jeff. I have the same problem and I'm buying this on ebay. "Mac OS X Tiger 10.4 Install DVD Includes Xcode 2 Nice Condition Disc Only" Does it sound about right? My repairman said that it had to be 'bootable'. Is this it? Thank you in advance!

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Aug 25, 2014 7:40 AM in response to Linda Yohannes
    Level 8 (35,039 points)
    iPad
    Aug 25, 2014 7:40 AM in response to Linda Yohannes

    Welcome Linda!

     

    I doubt Jeff will see this as the thread has been inactive for over a year. A tip from an old-timer: always start your own thread when you need assistance here. Some helpers will avoid answering tag-ons to old threads because it is like a doctor having six patients with different ailments in the examining room at the same time, all screaming for pain relief! Starting your own will get you the full attention your problem/issue deserves.

     

    However, in this case, your eBay link did not show up as a clickable link so we can't check to see if the disk shown is a proper full retail install version. Can you try copying/pasting the link again?

     

    In general, I've avoided eBay for Mac system software because I have seen too many offerings that were, either through ignorance or malice, wrongly described.

  • by Jeff,

    Jeff Jeff Aug 26, 2014 1:31 AM in response to Linda Yohannes
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Aug 26, 2014 1:31 AM in response to Linda Yohannes

    I bought a lot of Mac software from ebay sellers some years ago and never had a problem, but I typically went for new-in-box or sealed in the original jewel case items.  The last software I bought was Panther (10.3.5), still sealed in its retail box.  It's a good idea to buy from someone who took and uploaded a photo of the actual item they're selling, and didn't use the photo found on the software manufacturer's promotional literature.  Many ebay software dealers are selling the gray system restore disks, even though they post the stock photo of the black retail box for Tiger.  Not too long ago, Tiger became scarce and resellers were charging more than its original retail price.  As with any older OS software, the value declines as users migrate to newer hardware running newer OS versions, so the resale price drops.  As for buying used software, there could be a problem with activation (especially MS titles).  If the software's serial number is still registered to the original owner and if you're required to connect to the manufacturer's web site for activation, you will appear to have pirated software.  Obviously, if you purchase factory-sealed software, this problem doesn't occur.

  • by Linda Yohannes,

    Linda Yohannes Linda Yohannes Aug 27, 2014 7:17 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 27, 2014 7:17 AM in response to Jeff

    Thank you both for your response. Yes, the previous ebay link was for an upgrade installer so I was glad when it got away. Now I'm bidding for this one. Hope it works...but from what Jeff wrote, it seems there's a lot that can go wrong. http://www.ebay.com/itm/291224156599?_trksid=p2059216.m1431.l2649&ssPageName=STR K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 27, 2014 6:43 PM in response to Linda Yohannes
    Level 6 (14,249 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 27, 2014 6:43 PM in response to Linda Yohannes

    Did you try calling the sales or support numbers at Apple such as

    others suggested further on in this tread, to see if those white label

    replacement DVDs were still available directly from Apple?

     

    I'd referred a few ASC inquiries to try that angle, and that was early

    this year, both said they were able to get their needed replacements.

     

    There have been more than a few who've asked about these discs.

     

    And they needed full install DVDs. One was for 10.4, the other 10.5;

    both for PPC. However, Apple store main number (myapple) or the

    support applecare number may work to order replacements for most

    others if you have the computer serial number. This was US/Canada,

    so other regions with different contact numbers may vary in result.

    Also, depending on who you get on the phone, also may change results.

     

    Thought I'd mention this, as the price was very reasonable.

    Good luck & happy computing!

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