can I install OS 7-9 on a Mac Pro

Question

Level 1

27 points

can I install OS 7-9 on a Mac Pro

I have some legacy software called art explosion 750K. I bought it off ebay for a good price, but I can't install it. I am running mavericks right now on a MP 2009. Can I install a backward comparable legacy OS on a boot drive? The earliest OS I have is Leopard or SN, not sure which.

I would like to be able to get to the graphics on these discs through a search portal.

Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro, Other OS, Mavericks, late 2009, 4 x 2.26 GHz

Posted on Mar 7, 2016 11:28 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 7, 2016 11:28 AM in response to nelsonmay

No

Reply

Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

411,223 points

Mar 7, 2016 11:31 AM in response to nelsonmay

Not really, it requires a PPC Mac to run Classic (OS9).

You could look into Sheepshaver, if it is still in progress. You have to be really, really keen on running this other software.

Reply

Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

82,941 points

Mar 7, 2016 11:32 AM in response to nelsonmay

You need a PowerPC Mac to be able to get a ROM that can run up to 9.0.4. And then the legality of running something like Sheepshaver is questionable. You are better off getting something like a PowerMac G3 beige tower. That can allow you to run a lot of older software and newer software.

Reply

Answer 4

Mar 12, 2016 8:17 AM in response to nelsonmay

Yes indeed you can. Go to the Emaculation forums and read up on using SheepShaver; if it's for you, then download the setup pdf which - if you follow it faithfully step by step - is very good and not too difficult (it even tells you where to go to get the components you need). I am using a 2011 Core i5 iMac running OS X 10.6.8, but I can run SheepShaver / OS 8.6 which lets me access old software, data, and games.

There is nothing illegal about SheepShaver. Apple used to supply System 7.5.3 as a free download but don't bother now. Nor do they sell or supply any classic OS, or even any earlier versions of OS X before Snow Leopard. My view is that if you wish to access your old data, and Apple no longer sell the OS you need, then they lose nothing by you emulating it.

Reply