I want to install Mac OS X at my Apple Powerbook G4 but when i must choose a HDD to install the software there is no HDD available. What is the problem and the fix?
PowerBook
Powerbook G4s will not install Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Powerbook G4s under 867 Mhz will not install Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
No Powerbook will install an installer disc from another Mac model, an update, dropin, or OEM disc.
But with the standard Mac he gots only to the Apple Logo. So i've got that install at a CD. And wanted to see if i can by the hand of the installation see what's the problem and when i go to choose a HDD for installing the Mac he gives no HDD so, can it maybe be the problem that my Powerbook can't read the HDD? How to fix it?
Perhaps a previous owner disassembled the computer and removed the hard disk drive, instead of making a copy of his/her private works, then secure-erase the hard drive; to reinstall a new correct system before passing the computer on to someone else. The computer should have an internal hard disk drive and a correct OS X or other original system install-restore DVD set, as official original part numbers, they are part of the Kit.
Helps to identify the computer model & build series,
in order to further make plausible suggestions...
You may have to diagnose and troubleshoot the computer to see IF there is a failed hard disk drive inside, or none at all. If there is one inside, it may not have failed, but that would be a good bet it may have, should it not appear in any troubleshooting measures to attempt to diagnose the issues or symptoms of inoperability noticed.
Part of routine troubleshooting is to have a correct supported OS X or original system install-restore disc that can be used to try to start the computer, since the system disk utility tools are on the OS X install disc #1. The original disc set also had the Apple Hardware Test for that model included. Those would be grey color DVDs with specific part numbers for that series (year model build) computer only. Discs from a different series would not work. A retail supported system install DVD from a newer one than was included with the computer may work to attempt a repair, as it could be used to start the computer to see if there is a hard disk drive.
You would usually attempt a startup from the Installer DVD by inserting the disc into the computer and holding the C key down through the startup. This would take time and may not be successful if other damages or defects are within the computer not allowing it to run. There could be a power management issue, or in certain models, there is a second tiny battery that would be replaced by a tech, that keeps PRAM settings in special memory; this can affect a PowerBook and some desktop Macs abilitiy to start up.
If you get a partial loading system or grey/white screen with flashing question mark or a folder blinking, that may be a sign of no hard drive, or a corrupted or damaged system software. Or worse.
So there are workarounds. If you have a firewire cable you can see if the computer can be accessed, and if there is no response to attempting the FW target disk mode (with a second Mac, with FW ports) you may have to assume the computer has no (working or other) hard disk drive.
•How to use and troubleshoot - FireWire Target Disk Mode:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
Not sure what to say, as most of the details involve hands-on... 😐
Look inside the battery bay for some identification other than the serial number.
If you find the serial number, do not post it here. Post it in this page:
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
And that will tell you the year, time of year, and model.
That is enough to tell us what should be able to run on it.
I see a serial number but it is not valid in the apple selfsolve bar.
I can't perform a troubleshoot because every time i start the Powerbook it go's to the installation. I can't get de cd out of the laptop.
So what now?
(-_-'') I have sayed that i automatically go to the Mac OS X installation so i can't do anything with a Mac Operator System.
Sorry, but you are not making much sense. Boot with open firmware:
command-option-o-f
You should get a prompt.
At the prompt type
eject cd
That will force it to eject the disk.
If you are stuck in installation, you probably don't want to interrupt it.
If it wants the disk upon the next reboot, you may just have to resort to getting an external Firewire DVD drive from http://www.macsales.com/ and determine if it is your internal drive that is failing to read it, or the disc itself that is damaged.
Allright but what's Firmware and Firewire
And where is the command button? Because i don't have experience with Apple only with the iphones.
Firmware is programmable chip memory, that once updated can't be downgraded.
Firewire is a serial peripheral standard much like USB, only it is not CPU dependent, and supports about 63 devices on the chain, and at minimum has 400 Mbps speed in asynchronous communication except when multiple devices are connected. It comes in three well known varieties. IEEE 1394a - 4 pin, the unpowered iLink technology Sony uses on many camcorders, and its PCs. IEEE 1394a - 6 pin, that Apple has used since 1999 on its desktops, that is bus powered. IEEE 1394b 9- pin, at 800 Mbps for single device minimum, also known as Firewire 800. Adapters exist between all three as well as cables that have one of the three ends on one side, and one on the other. Naturally with an adapter or cable, only the slowest speed of the two is achieved. All Powerbook G4s have at least IEEE 1394a. Some have both. Here's the 6 pin Firewire, and the 9 pin Firewire 800 on the back of a PowerMac G4:
Command key - On the Apple keyboards is usually labelled with a 4 leaved cloverleaf icon, or an Apple logo. Windows keyboards connected to Macs tend to use the Windows key for Command key on Macs. Alt key is the same as Option key. Since Apple places command and option keys in an opposite orientation from the normal Windows keyboards for Windows and Alt, Microsoft has made a software for its own Windows only USB keyboard that switches the two keys. You'll find this key labelling on some Macs:
Can't installing Max OS X because not find HDD at Powerbook G4.
