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Upgrading PowerPC G5 10.4.11 to Leopard

I've been reading about upgrading my older Power PC G5 in community discussions. I recently went to an Apple Store where they told me to get the Snow Leopard online and install it in order to eventually get the Lion upgrade. What I learned when I tried to install it, is that I cannot do it on my computer because I need an Intel processor. The discussion communities said I should first get the Leopard disk from customer service at Apple. I called them and was told they no longer sell it and they do not support it. That's not what the discussions were saying. Does anyone know if I am out of luck as far as doing any upgrade to at least Leopard? Thanks.

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Mar 10, 2013 7:59 PM

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27 replies

Mar 10, 2013 10:32 PM in response to Penelope589

At one time, Apple still had a supply of retail install discs for OS X 10.5 Leopard.

That, apparently, is no longer the case.

You need the Black background official retail install DVD discs.

You'll have better luck with finding this disc on Amazon.

You'll end up paying more than Apple's original $129 U.S. for these discs, maybe.

Tthe OS is over 5 years old, now.

Here's what I have found on Amazon.com.


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=OS+ X+10.5+Leopard

Mar 11, 2013 1:44 PM in response to Penelope589

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation system requirements

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24950


Look on eBay or Google the installer part numbers to possibly find at an on-line store. Here's what to look for:


MB427Z/A Leopard 10.5.1 install DVD

MB576Z/A Leopard 10.5.4 install DVD

MB021Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (single user)

MB022Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (5-user family pack)


Installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544


Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Installation and Setup Guide

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf


After you install the base 10.5, download & install the 10.5.8 combo update at http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update


The DVD should look like this

User uploaded file


Caution - Leopard does not support classic mode. So, if you currently open OS 9 apps in classic mode, you won't be able to do this if you upgrade to Leopard.


 Cheers, Tom 😉

Mar 13, 2013 7:26 AM in response to Penelope589

Apple DOES have OSX 10.5 Leopard AND OSX 10.4 Tiger "Replacement" media available! I just ordered 2 copies yesterday. (March 12, 2013) You will need to call the number below and work your way through the automated phone service until you get a real-live customer service representative. Explain that you have a PowerPC G5 and need the 10.5 Leopard DVD media replacement. You will be asked for your computer's serial number. You can also opt for the 4-CD install set, but it's much higher. The price for the DVD with shipping is right at $17.


Apple support phone # 1800-767-2775


Cheers;

Kevin N.

Mar 13, 2013 11:15 AM in response to String Theory

Are you sure these are not just replacement install discs that would've come with your Mac, initially?

Apple sells these at $17. The replacement install disc are discs that have the Mac original OS X version that shipped with that model Mac. These discs are Mac Model specific discs and do not work with just any Mac.

Almost all of the PowerMac G5 line shipped with some version of OS X 10.4 Tiger.

OS X 10.5 Leopard came later with the release of the new Intel Macs.

Replacement Mac machine/computer specific discs do not work across other Mac models.

Mar 13, 2013 12:25 PM in response to MichelPM

No, these are "Replacement Media" DVD's. They are white in color and are still available through Apple. They aren't machine specific, as I have used mine on both the G4 eMacs as well as the G5's. Although the PowerMac G5's shipped with Tiger, most are more than capable of running Leopard. I was going to upload a photo of the exact disk but can't seem to get it to go.

Mar 13, 2013 1:19 PM in response to String Theory

All G5's can install up to OS X 10.5.8 Leopard.

I already know this.


If they asked for your Mac's serial number, these are Mac model specific system restore discs.

I Think it's just coincidence that they also work with your G5. Maybe these discs you purchased work with all PowerMacs?

I Would like to see if the purchased disc you got would work to install Tiger or Leopard on an Intel Mac.

Apr 2, 2013 8:26 AM in response to String Theory

String Theory,

I have just today called the phone number you provided and confirmed that the discs you received were Mac model specific OS install discs and not just OS X 10.5 retail discs made available as a retail replacement.

(Just as I suspected!!!!)

Also, I am confused and curious how you were able to obtain OS X 10.5 Leopard replacement discs as Apple only ships OS X replacement discs with the OS X version that was originally installed on the specific Mac model when it was shipped new.

This is why Apple asks you to supply the specific Mac serial number!

This is how they determine what OS X version the Mac originally was installed and shipped with.

No PowerMac G5 ever shipped with OS X 10.5 Leopard! None!

All PowerMac G5s shipped with some version of OS X 10.4 Tiger, originally.

So, your theories are all wet as to the reason why Apple sells these.

They are simply replacement system discs that normally come with older Macs out of the box! Period!

I needed to definitely confirm your info as I had been recommending this info, based on what you told me, to help out other Posters/Users who could get OS X 10.5 Leopard cheap instead of paying the expensive prices online and many of these Posters are coming back and telling me they can't just simply order a set of these discs as standard retail OS X 10.4 or 10.5 discs.

Apple is telling them OS X 10.5 is no longer available and hasn't been for quite some time.

(I, also, knew this!)

So, what you have there are system replacement discs. Plain and simple. Maybe the reason you got OS X 10.5 discs is that Apple may no longer have any type of OS X 10.4 Tiger discs available any longer.

I never, ever take the info of a brand new Poster at face value. Esspecially when I know better. I made the mistake of doing so this one time.

Nevermore....

Upgrading PowerPC G5 10.4.11 to Leopard

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