lucablue77
Level 1 (9 points)
Desktops

Q: Problem with a mythic eMac (USB 2.0)

Hi all,

I've recover an old eMac (USB 2.0) and I've changed the HDD with a compatible 100% ULTRA ATA/100 with same specific of the 40GB Original.

 

Actually the system is without OS, and I've tried to install the last version compatible ( Mac OSX 10.5) in 2 ways:

 

1) The original DVD OEM with my old iMac 2008

2) The USB version of the full retail version

 

In the first case the eMac load the installation program but cannot install it, and I can just enter into utilities desktop to partition and format the Hard Drive

 

In the second case the eMac NOT load nothing and says cannot install and restart itself.

 

Anyone can help me to understand how can I restore the OS on this splendid Mac?

 

Thank you

Posted on Jul 24, 2016 8:21 AM

by lucablue77,Solvedanswer
lucablue77 lucablue77
Level 1 (9 points)
Desktops
A:

Hi, all

I've bought and installed a retail version of OS X Tiger ( 10.4.11) and now it works perfectly.

So thank you all for help.

Posted on Aug 8, 2016 5:23 AM

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lucablue77

Q: Problem with a mythic eMac (USB 2.0)

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  • Helpful answers

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jul 24, 2016 11:02 AM in response to lucablue77
    Level 10 (123,462 points)
    Jul 24, 2016 11:02 AM in response to lucablue77

    Hi,

     

    1. 200 iMac version will not work, it's Intel only, you need Universal Retail DVD.

     

    2. Are you booting up holding the alt key? Does that show the USB stick as a boot choice?

  • by lucablue77,

    lucablue77 lucablue77 Jul 24, 2016 11:17 AM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 24, 2016 11:17 AM in response to BDAqua

    Obviously, I see the usb key and start the installation, but after a while appears a message says is not possible to install it in this machine.... Without any reason or explication. After this the eMac reset itself.

     

    The same result with the double layer DVD I've created from the ISO.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jul 24, 2016 1:09 PM in response to lucablue77
    Level 10 (123,462 points)
    Jul 24, 2016 1:09 PM in response to lucablue77

    Thanks, just needed clarity.

     

    Did you Format the drive with APM Partition scheme?

     

    Try CMD+L when Install starts & see if we get the Install Log showing for clues, I can't remember if 10.5 had that feature or not.

     

    Might also try in Disk Utility a One Pass Erase to clear any bad Sectors on the drive.

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jul 26, 2016 11:46 AM in response to lucablue77
    Level 7 (34,985 points)
    iPad
    Jul 26, 2016 11:46 AM in response to lucablue77

    PowerPC Macs like the eMac do not like booting from a USB device. That could be the problem. You need to have the full retail disk to use in the optical drive or a legit installer on a FireWire (IEEE 1394) device.

     

    Before spending money, see if your eMac falls among a group of USB 2.0 eMacs too well-known for a fatal logic board flaw. The affected units fall into these serial number ranges:

    • G8412xxxxxx- G8520xxxxxx
    • YM412xxxxxx - YM520xxxxxx
    • VM440xxxxxx - VM516xxxxxx

     

    If the computer falls within one of those ranges there is a significant chance that it has failed or will fail. Affected models may boot normally and then freeze as soon as you try to launch anything. You could spend a lot on a rightous OSX installer disk only to find the computer won't run longer than 30 seconds.

     

    There is no practical fix for this problem as the issue overwhelmed the supply of good logic boards and no one makes the parts any more.

     

    This Apple support page shows how to find the serial number:

     

    eMac: How to locate the serial number and identify your model - Apple Support

     

    Interesting that the image in the article showing a serial number puts that computer into the known-bad group!

     

    The flaw does NOT affect the eMac 2005 (1.42gHz G4 processor). Those are usually rock-sold so if you have the 1.42gHz model it may be worth investing in a proper install disk.

     

    Please be aware that Apple has never posted a free download of any pre-Intel Mac OS since OS 7.5.5. If you see a download version offered on the internet it is pirated and, at best, may not work and, at worst, may contain malware that can damage the computer.

  • by lucablue77,

    lucablue77 lucablue77 Jul 26, 2016 11:58 AM in response to Allan Jones
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 26, 2016 11:58 AM in response to Allan Jones

    Hi, and thank you all for help to understand.

     

    My eMac Serial start with VM419xxxxx so it seems not be one of that bad series, also 'couse if I start it with my original DVD OSX 10.5 for Intel iMac into the utility system, it works normally for hours without any problem.

     

    I was buying an original DVD retail of OSX 10.5 on Ebay but before to do it I wanted be sure it worked or I'll spend my money for nothing.

     

    To try it I've used a backup-ed version from USB and the same ISO put on a DL-DVD but nothing happens.

     

    So you say I need to risk to buy the original system even if I'll try to install it and won't work? Is there no another method to download an ISO image ( also if trial for ex. or an old beta ) and install it by DVD?

     

    Thank you

  • by lucablue77,

    lucablue77 lucablue77 Jul 30, 2016 9:11 AM in response to lucablue77
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 30, 2016 9:11 AM in response to lucablue77

    FullSizeRender.jpg

    Hi all, again.

    I've tried for the n time to install OSX Leopard from my Retail USB/DVD Image and when my eMac Start from it show this after a while it run the install software.

     

    If I use the same USB Key into my iMac 2012, it open as normal DVD OSX Installer.

    Anyone can say me for which reason appear me this message? Is for the Image not good for G4 1,25 Ghz processor of my eMac?

     

    Thank you for help.

     

    PS I've only found the Original DVD Installer Retail of Tiger OSX ( 10.4 ). I can buy it for 35€... If there are no solution to install Leopard from my USB, can I buy the Tiger without risk of issue that I cannot install it on my eMac?

     

    Thank you all for support.

  • by lucablue77,Solvedanswer

    lucablue77 lucablue77 Aug 8, 2016 5:23 AM in response to lucablue77
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 8, 2016 5:23 AM in response to lucablue77

    Hi, all

    I've bought and installed a retail version of OS X Tiger ( 10.4.11) and now it works perfectly.

    So thank you all for help.