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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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Posted on Jan 18, 2013 2:19 PM

Apple doesn't sell Tiger anymore, but you can buy Tiger, for example, on Amazon > http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mac-Tiger-10-4-6-VERSION/dp/B000BWZZLG/ref=sr_1_2?ie =UTF8&qid=1358547508&sr=8-2&keywords=Mac+OS+X+tiger Also, it's very cheap to buy compared to the price when Mac OS X Tiger was released

21 replies

Jan 18, 2013 9:44 PM in response to shaftedness

"It bricked itself and won't go past the gray screen."


Are you certain that the hard drive doesn't have an electronic and/or mechanical problem? Has the internal battery on the motherboard ever been replaced? A very weak or dead one can cause startup problems.


As for the Tiger installer disk, buy the retail/universal installer disk (black with a large "X" across the face of it) and not one of the gray model-specific Restore disks. You can also check eBay. Note that the installer disk listed on that Amazon link is an upgrade disk, requiring OS 10.3 as a prerequisite.

Jan 19, 2013 12:14 PM in response to shaftedness

Thanks for the clarification on which OS disk to get - I had completely forgotten about differentiation! In the last ten years, I have managed to misplace everything related to the machine except for the actual computer and its peripherals. Your guys help is appreciated, I didn't really expect such helpful responses.


It's been several months since this problem occured so forgive me for my lack of specificity- I'll have to run through it all again and see if my problem matches anything posted already on this community. After it happened I just set the machine aside for a while, since it's extraneous. Had the idea to use it for a NAS setup on the home network, but will need to get it running first. Plus since its so old, everything will need to be Firewire, since USB 1 is pretty slow for reading large movie files (5-10gigs), music files (flac), etc.


Just wanted to check in and say thanks for your help so far!

Jan 20, 2013 1:14 PM in response to shaftedness

Actually... I just called Apple support this past week at 800-767-2775 and explained I had just received an iMac g5 as a gift- but did not have the original installation discs... (all true by the way). They are sending me a copy of 10.4 and 10.5 for $17 each including shipping (~$16 for the discs, ~1 shipping).


My machine is not under warranty, but they were still able to look up the supported software by my serial number and send me the software required.


The cheapest I found the OS for on ebay was about $100, so this was well worth the call.

Jan 22, 2013 11:37 AM in response to BDAqua

Initially I was thinking it would be the grey system specfic disks.. but what came instead was disk 1 of the full version.


See the attached screen shot.


The MAC OSX tiger Part number appears to be

SRF2Z691-5811-A


I'm currently installing the 10.5 Leopard so can't give you the part number for that- but its got the same type of notes on it.


I called them Thursday morning and it came by fedx on Monday (SC to MN).


I see you posted to a simlar response re. these disks.. so it appears based on that post (4/17/12)


"2Z691-5811-A is the Install Disk for PPC Macs, G3, G4, and most G5s... 10.4.6"


That this is the full version... but just the install disk.


I attached a pic of the tiger disk.


User uploaded file

Mar 4, 2013 2:07 PM in response to Egon84

Just asking 🙂 you did try the number I gave above (800-767-2775)? I found that on another forum I think for someone looking for replacement System discs.


When the person from Apple answered - I had to give him the serial number from the PC- to which he replied it was out of warranty.. but what was it I was calling for? I explained I had the system- but no disc to load the OS and I read on the web Apple would send me a copy. He asked what version I wanted- and I *THOUGHT* I needed 10.4 Tiger. So he repeated, "I understand you to be asking you want to purchase a copy of OSX 10.4 Tiger correct?' I confirmed and so he looked it up and said he could send me the copy above for $16 and ~$1 shipping.


Then I asked what would it take to get Leopard.. he just repeated, 'You would like to purchase a copy of OSX 10.5 Leopard, Correct?" (Something like that anyway) - and I confirmed- he looked it up and said he could send me that as well for $16 and ~$1 shipping. Whole thing took about 20 minutes on the phone with them.


Hopefully you are able to get ahold of someone as helpful as the person I reached... wish I knew what else to tell ya. I should have written down my support person's name... he would be getting a lot of calls I'm sure. 🙂

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.

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

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