Q: My old G5 computer has crashed and will not start past the cartwheel.
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Oct 15, 2016 4:21 PMby FGDuncan,I'm sorry I have not responded sooner, but have been out of town and will be this next week, too. The G5 was running the highest OSX that would allow running the older versions OS9, OS8,… I can't remember which one it was, except that I could run Claris Draw on it.
I have run Drive Genius on it and Utility on the G5 hard drive until neither one shows any problems, except it won't start past the chime and then runs the cartwheel forever. I do have a recovery disk with OSX10.2.6, but the computer doesn't see it when I hold down C at startup.
I thought about installing 10.2.6 on the drive, but I'm not certain I can since the computer still sees the other system and tries to start it.
I guess if I loaded a later version on the hard drive, then the G5 would start from that. What do you think? How would I do that?
Frank
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Oct 16, 2016 5:01 AMby K Shaffer,HelpfulDepending on the build model year and model number, among other
identifiers, the computer you have requires specific software to run.
The install-restore media from other builds cannot be used; nor can
other version applications outside of their intended configuration.
A G5 PowerMac tower would have been shipped with a build model
specific install restore grey label software disc kit, within range of
the year it was made; so an older software or one from another model
cannot be used. Also too new of a system install disc (from Intel) won't
be useful in an older PowerPC architecture Mac computer.
{The oldest Power Mac G5 (aluminum tower) originally shipped with
a specific version of Jaguar OS X 10.2.7 or if Dual 1.8, Panther 10.3.
So any disc with older or incorrect software install on it, won't work.}
The image files from one version of iPhoto may be used in another;
the images are not stored in the application. If you expect to get a
helpful response here, please identify the computer build model
exactly; because several year + different models had G4/G5 PPC
(not Intel core) processor architecture. And an install software kit
from a G4 would probably not be useful in a G5 model. Not unless
these specific install disc sets were 'retail versions.'
An iMac G5 also could have different install software than a G5 tower
"PowerMac". So you have to be exacting if you need detailed replies.
For you own information, you could lookup your computer's details
(do not post the serial number in your replies) from a site such as this
• Mac Serial Number Info - Lookup your Apple serial number:
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
Information can be found to identify the computer from everymac.com...
•Apple Power Mac G5 Specs (All Power Macintosh G5 ... - EveryMac
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g5/index-powermac-g5.html
"The Power Macintosh G5 shipped from 2003 until 2006. All models pack 64-bit PowerPC 970(G5) processors in an easy-to-upgrade aluminum tower case design with a single externaloptical drive bay. ... For answers to all your Power Mac G5" -- see above link to everymac.comEach series is based on year of build, & hardware/software configuration.
Good luck in this matter!
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Oct 16, 2016 12:24 AMby K Shaffer,Also, in some instances, certain startup issues may be caused in part by
a failed battery that keeps the pram and system settings such as clock
held in a special memory circuit. If the clock or pram battery fails to hold
a charge they should be replaced; these generally are not recharged.
Search results for 'replace pram battery G5 powermac (tower) show detail:
https://www.google.com/search?q=replace+pram+battery+G5+powermac
Of several results from this search, one example brought up this page URL:
• Power Mac G5 PRAM Battery Replacement - iFixit
The iFixit repair guides for Mac products could be helpful to attempt further
troubleshooting &/or repairs; several hardware issues can be the cause of
the 'failure to start' problem. This, after the easy steps are taken; because
items such as failed Power Supply and other parts could be to blame.
The above reply 'timed-out' so that post would not accept an additional edit.
Hopefully you can get the correct software & restore function to the old Mac.
The unit may need a quality replacement hard disk drive of suitable type. Also
should your computer model be different, please be sure to correctly identify it.
If the 'aluminum tower' is actually an Intel-based Mac Pro early model, that also
would be helpful to know. Or if you are talking about a G5 iMac.
Good luck & happy computing!
