Can I run two operating Systems (10.4 and 10.5)

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Can I run two operating Systems (10.4 and 10.5)

Well, I need to use my old 10.3 and 10.4 now and again (on two older iMacs, G4, G5) to use an older CLASSIC (9.0) software (Adobe Page Mill, in case you are wondering).

But I also need to use 10.5 for newer stuff.

Can I have two Operating Systems on my computer installed? How do I do that? And how do I use each?

I imagine I would have to restart my computer for each use. How do I do that?

Thank you!

PS: I posted similar question on 10.3 site. Along with my new INTEL imac (10.8) I have a G4 and G5 I need to keep going, and to be able to use the CLASSIC 9.0 now and again. Thx!

G5 Desktop, Mac OS X (10.4.8), Also own G3 and G4 and Intel iMac

Posted on Feb 24, 2013 3:51 PM

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Answer 1

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Kappy

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Feb 24, 2013 3:54 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

As long as the computer can boot from the OS you can put as many as you want on the computer, but each one must be separately installed in separate partitions using an appropriate installer DVD.

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Answer 2

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 4:39 PM in response to Kappy

OK: So, yes, I have separate install disks.

Right now, I just installed the original 10.3 on one computer and 10.4 on another. So.....

I now wish to install 10.5 on each (and I have the disk for that). The 10.5 will be used mostly, but at times I will need 10.3/10.4 (and classic 9.0, which i have also installed)

How do I do it? And then, how to use it?

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Answer 3

Niel

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726,635 points

Feb 24, 2013 4:43 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

Restart from the Mac OS X 10.5 DVD, use the Disk Utility to repartition the drive, and install it onto each computer. To switch between versions, press the Option key at startup or use the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.

(77551)

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Answer 4

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 5:37 PM in response to Niel

I shall try....

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Answer 5

Feb 24, 2013 5:38 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

Why do you think you need both 10.4 and 10.5?

Allan

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Answer 6

Niel

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726,635 points

Feb 24, 2013 5:42 PM in response to Allan Eckert

As stated in the original message, because some of the stuff he needs to use requires Classic, while some of the rest requires 10.5.

(77558)

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Answer 7

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 5:46 PM in response to Niel

That is true..... I still run Classic 9 on some stuff, which needs 10.4

I seem to have a new problem: I did a clean fresh install (erased disks) on my G4 with the original 10.3 disks.

Now, I am trying to start up using my copy (I purchased) of Leopard 10.5.

But it won't keep the DVD disk in. Keeps spitting back out.

I used this disk before, once, on this computer, and it worked fine.

I have tried starting from that disk. And just adding after boot up. Won't keep it in. Looks clean and fresh and new.

Suggestions?

j

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Answer 8

BDAqua

Level 10

238,961 points

Feb 24, 2013 7:17 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

Coupl of things to try...

One of those CD head cleaners.

Have you done a PRAM reset, CMD+Option+p+r...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

In fact, do 3 in a row, takes a bit of time.

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Answer 9

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 8:59 PM in response to BDAqua

I'll try that tomorrow. The computer does run other CDs/DVDs. For some reason not the new OS .

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Answer 10

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 8:59 PM in response to BDAqua

I'll try that tomorrow. The computer does run other CDs/DVDs. For some reason not the new OS .

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Answer 11

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 9:29 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

OKAY: I am making progress. I hooked up a seprate DVD/CD Drive and I can boot up UTILITIES from the new 10.5 disk. Again, this current computer has a new copy of needed 10.3 (and classic) on it.

I am at a place of PARTIONING THE HD into two, but I quit at this window:

It asks me if I am ready to ERASE EVERYTHING OFF THE CURRENT HD (in order to create 2 newly named HDdrives).

Is this correct? I wish to verify the partioning steps before I hit APPLY and delete every thing off my HD.

My goal, again, is to seprate part of my HD in order to use the 2nd operating system --- the newer one.

So, in Disk Utility, I click on the current HD, and click on PARTITION. Then it asks me to choose a VOLUME SCHEME.

I assume, 2 paritions?

It asks me to choose size and name them. Then apply. But then it tells me that I will then delete all on my HD. I am doing this correctly?

Oh, it also asks me to choose FORMAT. I assume the default one (Extended/Journaled)

any guidance before I proceed?

J

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Answer 12

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 24, 2013 9:57 PM in response to DadOfSixJon

I found this....

http://www.macworld.com/article/1164643/live_partition.html

Which I think will answer my own question on partitioning.... let's hope....!

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Answer 13

BDAqua

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238,961 points

Feb 25, 2013 12:12 AM in response to DadOfSixJon

t asks me if I am ready to ERASE EVERYTHING OFF THE CURRENT HD (in order to create 2 newly named HDdrives).

Is this correct?

Yes on older OSX versions you can only partition by erasing everything.

I think that link only applies to newer OSX versions.

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Answer 14

DadOfSixJon Author

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Feb 25, 2013 8:05 AM in response to BDAqua

It works: I now have "2 macs" on one!

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Answer 15

BDAqua

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Feb 25, 2013 11:18 AM in response to DadOfSixJon

Good to hear, what exactly worked?

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