trouble trying to reboot, please help....... anyone!!!

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Level 1

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trouble trying to reboot, please help....... anyone!!!

hi all
i'm trying to reboot my imac g4.
basically i want to erase EVERYTHING of the Hd and start from scratch again.
why? I'm trying to install adobe cs2 and i want to make sure that i've gotten rid of all the preferences and older versions of software that might be lingering around hidden in corners.
i have a set of 3 ibook g4 OS v 10.3.7 install discs, they came with my sisters ibook g4 (i brought this mac 2nd hand with os 10.3.7 already installed).
i've tried going through the disc utiliy an erasing the hd but i cant do anything.
also tried putting in the disc, restarting and holing the 'c' key down, but that didnt work either. the cd kept ejecting.
Can anyone out there help me? i'm not too mac sabby so if you could spell it out for me that'd be really helpfull, because i'm not really 100% sure of what i'm doing here (i'm not even 50% for that matter)
please i really need some help.
thanks

imac g4, Mac OS X (10.3.9), its evil and uncoperative..........

Posted on Feb 26, 2007 2:33 AM

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Answer 1

roam

Level 6

13,637 points

Feb 26, 2007 5:12 AM in response to Wyvex E

Hi WYvex E

Welcome to discussions

I'd say you are trying to use grey install disks, which are machine specfic when you need original Panther black disks.

Applestores don't sell 10.3 disks any more but apparently they are available from:
http://www.applerescue.com/

regards roam

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Answer 2

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Feb 26, 2007 8:26 AM in response to Wyvex E

Hi Wyvex E!

"i have a set of 3 ibook g4 OS v 10.3.7 install discs, they came with my sisters ibook g4..."

As roam posted, you can't use these on the iMac G4.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?

Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (U.S.).

Panther is no longer available directly from the Apple Online Store, as Tiger 10.4.x is the most up to date OS.

If you know what to look for, a Full Retail Version, of the Panther Install CDs, or a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD, can also be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, AppleRescue, FastMac, etc.

Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs, as you have discovered.
Panther is only on CDs, not DVDs.
The discs should look like the images in the above links.

Once Panther 10.3.x is installed or reinstalled, you can use the 10.3.9 Combo Update, to upgrade to the final version..

If your Mac meets the System Requirements for Tiger, you could also consider installing that.
And then use the PPC 10.4.8 Combo Update, to upgrade to the current version.

Tiger System Requirements

Additionally, "Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95."
Download the Media Exchange Program Order From Here.
Orders must be mailed by March 19, 2007.

AppleRescue, also sells a Tiger installation set on CD

Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And Good Luck!

ali b

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Answer 3

Wyvex E Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 26, 2007 7:02 PM in response to ali brown

thanks,
one thing though, my mac only has a internal cd drive, i do have an external dvd drive (its not of apple brand though), so would i have to source OS Tiger on a set of cds? or could i use my external dvd drive when i manage (or try) to re-boot it?
thanks

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Answer 4

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Feb 26, 2007 7:37 PM in response to Wyvex E

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Answer 5

roam

Level 6

13,637 points

Feb 26, 2007 7:32 PM in response to Wyvex E

H Wyvex E

You could use your external DVD drive, so there is no need to but Tiger disks on CD. As you live in Australia, your best bet is to get them mail order from Apple Rescue. The price is pretty good too.

happy installing
regards roam

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Answer 6

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Feb 26, 2007 7:38 PM in response to Wyvex E

Wyvex E,

In regard to roam's response,

"You could use your external DVD drive,..."
As I previously posted, this will only work if the external drive is a Firewire drive!

"...get them mail order from Apple Rescue..."
I also previously posted a direct link to AppleRescue.

Good Luck!

ali b

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Answer 7

Wyvex E Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 1, 2007 6:22 AM in response to ali brown

hi thanks for yyour replys.
i've managed to source some tiger cds so hopefully they'll work (it'll have directions in the box of how to wipe my hd right?)
as for firewire....? i have no idea if it is or even how to find out. it connects via a usb cable if that makes sense. ( computers arn't really my thing so i've just learnt the basics lol)
thanks

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Answer 8

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Mar 1, 2007 7:11 AM in response to Wyvex E

You're Welcome Wyvex E!

"i've managed to source some tiger cds..."
From where did you source the CDs?

What is the exact model of the external dvd drive?

"...directions in the box of how to wipe my hd right?..."
Mac OS X 10.4: About installation options.

ali b

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Answer 9

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Mar 1, 2007 10:27 AM in response to ali brown

Wyvex E:

as for firewire....? i have no idea if it is or even how to find out. it connects via a usb cable

As the external drive is now connected it will only serve as a USB drive. Many external DVD drives come as Firewire/USB. However, if yours is one of those it will have to be connected to the Firewire port via Firewire cable.

(it'll have directions in the box of how to wipe my hd right?)

Not usually. Here are some directions that might help.

Boot from the install CD holding down the "C" key.
Select language
Go to the Utilities menu and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select Partition tab in main panel. (You are about to create a single partition volume.)
Select 1 partion in pulldown menu above Volume diagram.
Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
Select Erase tab
Select the Macintosh volume under Manufacturer ID.
Select on Security Options button.
Select Zero all data. (This process will map out bad blocks on your HDD. However, it could take several hours. If you want a quicker method, don't go to Security Options and just click the Erase button.)
Quit Disk Utility.
Open installer and begin installation process.

Please do not hesitate to post back should you have further questions or comments.

Good luck.

cornelius

Message was edited by: cornelius

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