burn copy of Mac OS X install disk

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burn copy of Mac OS X install disk

Sometime ago, there was a post on how to burn a duplicate with Disk Utility. I did that successfully with my previous iMac and OS 10.3 just in case something would happen to the original.

This morning, I decided to do the same thing with my OS 10.4 install disk; I created a .cdr file without a problem, but the file now is 5.5 GB - obviously it won't fit on a 4.7 GB DVD. I tried both DU and Toast and both informed me that there isn't enough space on my disc. Is there a way around the size problem?

20" G5 iMac 2.1 GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.6), 1.5 GB RAM, LaCie d2 DVDRW, LaCie ext HD

Posted on Jun 12, 2006 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

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Steve M.

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Jun 12, 2006 12:14 PM in response to babowa

There was at least one recent series of posts on this topic. Apparently, some of the system discs coming with new Macs are much larger than before. Unfortunately, many of them seem to be above the capacity of standard DVDs so that the ability to burn a copy for backup has been lost.

I don't believe anyone came up with a solution but I'll post back with a link to the discussion if I can find it.

Regards,
Steve M.

P.S. Here's a link to one such discussion:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2245471&#2245471

Message was edited by: Steve M.

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Answer 2

babowa Author

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78,103 points

Jun 12, 2006 1:31 PM in response to Steve M.

Thank you, I read that thread and it seems it might work with a DL DVD; I will check on the prices of these to see if it's worth it to me since they are quite spendy.

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Answer 3

Steve M.

Level 5

4,757 points

Jun 12, 2006 3:00 PM in response to babowa

You are welcome, Barbara. Let us know if you do it and how it works. It's hot and dry in Texas, hope you are having pleasant weather up there!

Steve M.

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Answer 4

babowa Author

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Jun 12, 2006 3:34 PM in response to Steve M.

Actually it isn't (the weather)...

As I said, I'll have to check into the pricing of DL DVDs first to see if it's worth it to me. I'll post back if I buy and burn one.

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Answer 5

babowa Author

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Jun 16, 2006 8:11 PM in response to babowa

Update:

After finding that the prices at local stores were rather high, I ordered a 3 pack of Verbatim DL DVD+R online at a reasonable price with free shipping.

I just successfully burned the .cdr image and my iMac recognized it as a startup disk in System Prefs. Have not had a chance to try it, but can't see a reason why it wouldn't since the computer recognizes it.

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Answer 6

Steve M.

Level 5

4,757 points

Jun 16, 2006 8:26 PM in response to babowa

Glad you got that worked out! Everyone ought to be able to make a copy of their system disc.

Regards,
Steve M.

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Answer 7

Steve M.

Level 5

4,757 points

Jun 19, 2006 12:03 PM in response to Steve M.

Barbara,

I just ran across this technique in the Mac forums at Ars Technica. It uses terminal and allows you to ultimately burn the Mac OS X installer on a regular DVD. I have not tried it myself.

"Step 1: Convert the DMG to an ISO (by using the CDR Master option in disk utility).

Step 2: in terminal type:

hdiutil -mount path/to/file.cdr -readwrite

Step 3: Drag the developer folder out of the read/write mounted disk and into the trash; empty the trash.

Step 4: Unmount the image and burn it to a standard DVD-R"

I wanted to include this for completeness sake. Perhaps it will come in useful.

Regards,
Steve M.

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