amkolaniak

Q: I got my disk for my g4 it's the OS X 10.3.3 and it won't install what do I need to do? Please help

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Posted on Jan 17, 2014 5:12 PM

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Q: I got my disk for my g4 it's the OS X 10.3.3 and it won't install what do I need to do? Please help

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 18, 2014 3:04 AM in response to amkolaniak
    Level 6 (14,249 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 18, 2014 3:04 AM in response to amkolaniak

    To further identify the iBook G4 may help to discover if the computer has issues, or if the DVD install disc (or CDs, if early model) are good, is one of the first items to consider. To be sure what we're looking at...

     

    Do you have access to the serial number* of the computer? It may be on the outside of the case in hard-to-read lettering by the model number & where it says Apple Computer, usually nearer the hinge where the display attaches to the bottom case.

     

    With that, you could *lookup the build model year and original specs as shipped from a site such as this: http://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

     

    This would tell quite a bit. You could also enter a model or sales order number in such a search to see if it comes up with information; but that would be wide and not conclusive to find what One you have... which may be this one: An Early 2004 model.

     

    IF your model number or order number is among those in the following series, the iBook G4 may a second build-model G4

    Model NumberA1054
    Order NumberM9426LL/A (12-inch), M9418LL/A (14-inch 1 GHz), M9419LL/A (14-inch 1.2 GHz)

     

    •At what point does the iBook G4 fail to utilize the install-restore DVD or CD disc? Do you hold C key down on startup with the disc already in the optical drive bay? Is the power adapter attached since you don't want to rely on questionable battery reserves when attempting to diagnose, test, repair, or install software.

     

    What other computer are you using to be online, and does it have a FireWire port? This could be used to troubleshoot the other computer in Target Disk Mode, at least see if the hard disk drive is OK or not. A second computer may also be able to test that iBook HDD to see if it is repairable.

     

    •Is that an 1.0GHz or 1.2GHz iBook G4? (second model) -- If so, then:

    Original OSMac OS X 10.3.3 (7G51)
    Later OSMac OS X 10.3.4 (7L46)
    Maximum OSMac OS X 10.5.8
    Hardware TestAHT (iBook) 2.2.1, 2.5

    The install-restore disc may have the build number (7G51) on Disc #1.

     

    The Panther OS X 10.3.x disc, is that a grey-label one? There are numbers and other information on those to be able to identify what else is important to know, such as the computer they were intended for; not all grey install discs 'for iBook' will work, as each build series and model year had changes, & often different discs.

     

    Older portable computers are tough on hard disk drives, so that one may be worn and unstable, failing, etc.

     

    Anyway, more information is needed in order to decide what one could do in that matter, and what you know about troubleshooting, and if the Panther disc is a grey one, if the computer is the correct one for the Disc, etc. I think the info I have from MacTracker is close to what you have...

     

    Hopefully you can verify some information

    where the most I can do is try & guess...

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

     

    {edited 2x}

  • by amkolaniak,

    amkolaniak amkolaniak Jan 18, 2014 2:17 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 18, 2014 2:17 PM in response to K Shaffer

    The model number a1133 an the sales number is m9846ll/a

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 18, 2014 6:08 PM in response to amkolaniak
    Level 6 (14,249 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 18, 2014 6:08 PM in response to amkolaniak

    The model iBook G4 you have will not work with the disc you have.

     

    Model NumberA1133 (12.1-inch) A1134 (14.1-inch)
    Order NumberM9846LL/A (12.1-inch), M9848LL/A (14.1-inch)

     

    The 'mid-2005' iBook G4 is among the last iBooks made, the 12" & 14"

    both shipped with versions of Tiger 10.4.x on grey install-restore DVDs.

     

    Original OSMac OS X 10.4.2 (8D37)
    Later OSMac OS X 10.4.4 (8G32)
    Maximum OSMac OS X 10.5.8
    Hardware TestAHT (iBook) 2.5

     

    The older iBook's disc part number is what I was researching to find a

    computer you may have -- but that is not the correct disk for the model

    number or order number. The old Panther disc will not work, except to

    install or restore, or perhaps to boot a special Hardware test for an older

    iBook G4; it is useless for the one you have. Yours is a Mid-2005 model.

     

    If you had the serial number, you could try calling Apple Care or Sales

    Support (see contacts in Apple Support) to ask if they may be able to

    provide a replacement disc set, but maybe not; they are near obsolete.

    (800) APL-CARE (800-275-2273) -- if available, there would be a fee.

     

    So if you end up looking online for a grey install-restore disc set, one

    for the 12"/14" iBook G4 are shown, from the MacTracker database.

     

    {You'd need to know the serial number also to narrow down the correct

    original install-restore disc set, since there are two possible versions.}

     

    Good luck & happy computing!