Powermac G5 won't boot from install dvd.

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Level 1

9 points

Powermac G5 won't boot from install dvd.

The hard drive in my Powermac G5 quit, so I put in a new one that was formatted. I put the install DVD (OSX Server 10.4) in and booted. Every time I try I get a kernel panic. Everything else in the computer works. I have tried putting it into target disk mode and installing the OS using another computer, but it won't let me because the computer doesn't run tiger. I have also tried putting the functioning Mac into TDM with the install disk in it, then booting it from that but I still get a kernel panic. The computer was functioning normally before the hard drive crashed.

Posted on Jul 11, 2014 1:15 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,595 points

Jul 14, 2014 11:52 AM in response to Mac McUser50

Looks like that is too early of version for G5, likely 10.4.0...

Re: G5 Grey screen (Kernel Panic) when booting from CD

If you don't know the model, find the Serial# & use it on one of these sites, but don't post the Serial# here...

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

How to find the serial number of your Apple hardware product...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1349

Then we can tell what minimum OS your G5 can take.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,595 points

Jul 12, 2014 10:34 AM in response to Mac McUser50

I think the problem may be the new Advanced Format on newer HDDs, which only 10.4.11 & up can handle, & no 10.4 Install Disc came with 10.4.11.

Another is SATA speed, G5s need SATA 1.5 Gb/s, some drives step down & others don't, if a WD drive you might try a jumper on pins 5&6.

As a test, I'd disconnect the Internal drive & see if it still KPs booting from your Install Disc.

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Answer 3

Mac McUser50 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 13, 2014 2:53 PM in response to BDAqua

I set the speed to 1.5 GB/s, but had no luck. When I disconnected the hard drive and booted, I still got a Kernel Panic. Would it work if I bought a Leopard install disc? Anyways, here are the specs of my HD: Maxtor Model 7V300F0F, 300 GB. Also, the last version it was running was 10.5.8.

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