"Classic" for Mac Mini G4?

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Level 1

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"Classic" for Mac Mini G4?

Dear Fellow Mac Lovers!

Issue No. 1:

After having had for years my iMac OS 9.0.4, I spoiled myself now and purchased a refurbished MacMini G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB OS X 10.4.2. I read about the possibility of installing OS 9.2 (or later?) to be able to use the "classic" features on my new MacMini; I do miss the Apple WORD feature from my old OS 9.0.4. for my correspondence.

Question: May I use my OS 9.0.4 orig. disc to reinstall into the MacMini or would that not do it and I should try to download the OS 9.2 or later [if that is still possible from the apple site]?

Issue No. 2:

I experience sudden "black-outs" while working with/on my MacMini. They do last only a few seconds and then the desktop is back to its normal appearance, having lost nothing. It is very annoying though and my call to apple for help did not bring any solving result. It happens sometimes every minute, every two minutes or so.....
My energy saver is set for 15 minutes.

Question: What may cause this 'sudden black-out'?

Gratefully yours, for any help you can give me 🙂

Christa_az [an isolated Greenhorn in the desert 😟 ]

Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.2.x) G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.2.x), G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB

Posted on Aug 3, 2006 4:19 AM

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Answer 1

mhunter

Level 6

9,191 points

Aug 3, 2006 8:57 AM in response to christa_az

Hello,

The Mac Mini G4 will not allow you to install OS 9.x on it. At least not from the original disks.

The newer Macs are not able to boot an OS older than the version they shipped with. They are specifically set-up to require the exact version they shipped with or newer.

So, this will prevent you from directly installing the old OS 9.x version that you have.

But, the PowerPC Macs (which the G4 is), will have a "Classic" mode installer on the disks that come with the computer.

You can install it by inserting your original restore disk (it's the second disk in my install set) and running the installer to install "Classic" mode.

This will enable you to run your older OS 9 software within OS X.

Here are a couple of articles that describe the installation methods available:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86775

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=151871

As for the video problem, I would check two things:

1) Make sure that it is not a loose cable that is acting-up. Check connections at the computer and the monitor end. And, jiggle your cables around and see if the same thing happens.

2) Try a different monitor if you can. Make sure it isn't just your monitor acting-up.

And, if neither of those do it, then take the computer into your local service center and insist that they observe the problem with you standing there.

I hope this helps.

Let us know if you have other questions.

P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.

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Answer 2

christa_az Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 7, 2006 4:33 AM in response to christa_az

Dear Fellow Mac Lovers!

Issue No. 1:

After having had for years my iMac OS 9.0.4, I
spoiled myself now and purchased a refurbished
MacMini G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB OS X 10.4.2. I read about
the possibility of installing OS 9.2 (or later?) to
be able to use the "classic" features on my new
MacMini; I do miss the Apple WORD feature from my old
OS 9.0.4. for my correspondence.

Thanks, I FOUND the Classic right there on my MacMini. I am learning and learning this new Mac; and it's exciting 🙂

Issue No. 2:

I experience sudden "black-outs" while working
with/on my MacMini. They do last only a few seconds
and then the desktop is back to its normal
appearance, having lost nothing. It is very annoying
though and my call to apple for help did not bring
any solving result. It happens sometimes every
minute, every two minutes or so.....
My energy saver is set for 15 minutes.

I have to try your suggestions!

Thank you very much for your help!!!

Christa_az [an isolated Greenhorn in the desert 😟
]

Mac Mini Mac OS X
(10.2.x) G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB

Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.2) G4 1.5 GHz 512 MB

Reply

Answer 3

mhunter

Level 6

9,191 points

Aug 7, 2006 10:12 AM in response to christa_az

You're quite welcome. Glad to help 🙂

Let us know if you have other questions.

P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.

Reply