Hi, I have an iMac G3. I formatted my hard disk without checking the firmware version. So now I'm not able to install OS 9 because of firmware and also not able to update firmware because I boot the machine from cd not hdd. Is there a way to save this computer?
iMac, Mac OS 9.0.x
That's going to be difficult. You need to install the firmware from a working system running from a HD.
It would be helpful to know the exact model of machine.
This site provides more information. Best for older machines. Note, serial number is sent in the clear.
"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 )
Why can't you install OS 9?
The firmware update is for being able to run and reliably dual boot OS X.
You should be able to install OS 9.
What is the issue?
What year, CPU speed and amount of RAM installed?
What color is your G3 iMac?
I solved the issue by taking one of my friends System Folder. I boot up with OS 9 cd and copy the System Folder to the HDD from usb. Now my computer is booting.
How to upgrade firmware when I boot from cd?
