Hi,
I just bought a apple iMac G3 for a few euro, but there is no os on it.
Now did i insert a os 9 install disc in which ive downloaded from the apple site,
but then in only get a small image from a classic mac with a face.
If i insert a os x 10.3 install disc, i got a kernel panic....
What should i do?
We need to know the exact model of the iMac.
You may want to post machine info.
blue apple > about this mac > more info button. Click on the hardware line. It has a little triangle in front of the word hardware.
Leave out the serial number.
Example:
Machine Name: iMac
Machine Model: PowerMac4,1
CPU Type: PowerPC 750 (33.11)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 600 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
Memory: 768 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.1.9f1
--------------------------------------------------------------
You need to figure out the level of your firmware before installing 10.2 or greater. ( The PC name for firmware is BIOS. ) Installing 10.2 with a down level firmware will most likely make your iMac unusable and difficult to fix.
What is Open Firmware?
The firmware on a PPC is called Open Firmware. Open Firmware software receives control when you poweron your machine. It does some hardware testing and some hardware configuration then passes control to your version of Mac OS. It reside on a PROM ( program read only memory ) chip on the logic board.
Figuring out what level of Open Firmware you have?
Open Firmware, boot into Open Firmware.
Power on your iMac while holding down command+option+o+f
The first output line contains the firmware level. Mine reads:
Apple PowerMac4,1 4.1.9f1 BootRom built on 09/14/01 at 13.18.04
Copyright 1994-2001 Apple Computer Inc.
On my machine, I have 4.1.9f1.
What firmware do you need?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1395
You can download the firmware from this page:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1283
filename: N-iMac_FWUpdate_4.1.9.smi.bin
avoid expanding the file on the download computer.
For a slot loading iMac, this article indicates that you need to be running 9.1 or later version of Mac OS Classic.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1283
"The iMac Firmware Update 4.1.9 will only run on iMac computers with slot-loading CD or DVD drives running Mac OS 9.1 or later from a local drive. If you are using Mac OS X you must boot from a local Mac OS 9.1 or later writeable partition (not a CD, or network disk) prior to following the update instructions."
Now did i insert a os 9 install disc in which ive downloaded from the apple site,
I've never seem Apple post any system software for free download newer that OS7.5.5, ands I check often. Are you sure your were on a Apple site? I think you may have been steered to a non-Apple site featuring pirated, and often contaminated, software.
iMac G3 kernel panic.
