I can't boot panther install cd on my PowerBook G4

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Level 1

4 points

I can't boot panther install cd on my PowerBook G4

I have the Mac OS X 10.3.0 Install CDs, and I am trying to install it on my PowerBook G4 5,6. My PowerBook G4 came with 10.6.7. I can't find the original discs. When I try to install Panther on my PowerBook G4 it shows the gray apple for a second the it show a Gray X with a circle around it. Is there any way I can get panther on this PowerBook G4. I know it is an old OS but I love old OS's. I don't have another PowerPC Mac that can run Panther. I just have an iBook G4 from Mid 2005. It can old run 10.4.3 or later. And is there anyway I can update the 10.3.0 Install Disc to 10.6.7?

Thank You

iOS 8

Posted on Oct 5, 2014 5:10 PM

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Answer 1

mergesoft Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 5, 2014 5:14 PM in response to mergesoft

Sorry I am new to the forum. I hit iOS 8 by mistake.

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Answer 2

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,885 points

Oct 5, 2014 5:16 PM in response to mergesoft

1. You need to install those CDs onto an older Mac and then update the installed system to 10.3.8 or 10.3.9 before you can use it to boot the PowerBook.

2. That iBook can't run Panther through any means. It can't be used for the steps in #1.

3. No. You can only update a system after installation.

(114170)

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Answer 3

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,684 points

Oct 5, 2014 5:26 PM in response to mergesoft

A quick look at Mactracker.ca (get the app if you can run it - it has lots of info on old Macs) shows 10.3.7 as the lowest OS for that Mac.

You need to find it's original install disks or OS install disks with 10.3.7 or higher. If you had a Mac that can boot into 10.3.0 you could install via target disk mode onto the PowerBooks HD, but that is a kludge since the install will be setup for running based on the other hardware (may have different drivers etc). Upgrade it to the last 10.3 release & it may be bootable, sometimes this can work.

10.5.8 is the maximum OS that Powerbook will run, you cannot run 10.6 on any PowerPC Mac because 10.6 was the first Intel only OS from Apple, sorry.

Also see everymac.com for info on specs.

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