I am trying to install 10.4 fresh onto a brand new hard drive, it is in my old macbook. When I start up the computer I hold down "C" just like all the guides tell me to and I get a flashing folder. The disc is spinning but nothing happens.

The c key should boot up the cd. Hold down c key then poweron.

the option or alt key should bring up the startup manager on models that support the startup manager. click on cd then click on right arrow icon.

Robert

I have done both. When I hold down the "C" key it pauses for a few seconds while the cd spins and then the flashing folder icon appears.

Could be you have the wrong cd/dvd. The mac will only boot a supported cd/dvd for your machine. The flashing question mark indicdates your machine could not find a valid os.

When I hold down the "option" key for the startup manager the cursor comes up and moves but the actually manager doesn't come up no matter how long I leave the laptop on.

Not sure. Could be your machine does not support the startup manager. You would think the machine would ignore the key.

Where did you get the dvd? What is the number on the DVD?

What machine do you have anyway?

This site provides more information, but lacks security.

"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

or

This site provides more information, but lacks security too.

"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

( hint by K Shaffer )

Maybe the problem is not a bad disk after all

I am using a Legal copy of Mac OS X TIGER on a 2006 macbook.

It may be legal but it doesn't mean that it will work for your machine. The dvd has to be either a full install dvd the x is black or the grey dvd that came with the machine.

What is the exact model of your machine? See above for working with the machine serial number.

Robert

What is the 2z691-****-A number on that Install Disc?

"I am using a Legal copy of Mac OS X TIGER on a 2006 macbook."

Is it the DVD that came with the machine or a perhaps a copy of it?

If it is neither, then it must be an OS X Tiger retail DVD.

The problem the Tiger retail DVD is that Apple never sold one capable of running on intel macs (AFAIK), it was only released for PowerPC macs and that's perhaps why you get the flashing folder at startup.

The retail Tiger DVD is not even able to inform you that it is the wrong version for your machine which happens to be intel-based rather than PowerPC based.

Good points, thanks! 🙂

PS. I believe there was a Retail 10.4 Server edition that was Universal, (PPC/Intel), but originally $499 & $999, so likely not a Server version.