tiger won't install and other issues

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tiger won't install and other issues

Trying to help a friend with a suddenly problematic iMac (G4/800 512). Machine is running 10.3.9. Tried to install 10.4 (tiger) - went through installation and ejected after about 30min with a 'can't install' dialogue box (sorry I wasn't there for the actual text, but it failed three times). Ran Preferences in Disk Utility, repaired a couple, then tried to backup iTunes. Superdrive ran like molasses, even at 1x.
Is this mosaic of issues related??? Is this a nuke and rebuild? Or is this a HD facing extinction?

iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jun 3, 2007 1:45 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 3, 2007 2:18 PM in response to s2tex

It would be helpful to know the exact error message provided with the "can't install" dialogue but did this friend purchase a Tiger retail install package which is on a single DVD and has a black label?

Any current problems with this Mac running 10.3.9?

Has the S.M.A.R.T. status for the drive been checked via Disk Utility and if a Tiger retail install package is being used, was Repair Disk (not repair disk permissions) run on the boot volume via Disk Utility when booted from the Tiger install disc before proceeding with the installation?

Is there plenty of free hard drive space available?

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Answer 2

s2tex Author

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Jun 3, 2007 4:58 PM in response to Allan Sampson

She is running a small drive (@60g) but has about 20g free, so I don't think that is her issue. Yes, a retail install. No, I can guarantee she (or I) did not check SMART status or Disk Utility, boot from Tiger, etc. Check SMART first, then if OK, go ahead and boot from Tiger and go to Disk Utility (I'll be at the helm this time)?

Thanks for your time and sorry to be working as an intermediate party, trying to help a friend here.

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Answer 3

Jun 3, 2007 5:42 PM in response to s2tex

You can check the S.M.A.R.T. status via Disk Utility from the boot volume or when booted from the Tiger install disc I believe.

Boot from the Tiger install disc and after selecting the language, navigate to Disk Utility via the Installer menu bar. Select Macintosh HD in the drives and volumes window and under the First Aid tab, select Repair Disk.

If any problems are reported and successfully repaired, run repair again until no problems are reported and then repair disk permissions from the same location.

Quit Disk Utility and the focus will return to the installer.

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Answer 4

s2tex Author

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Jun 3, 2007 7:48 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks, will tackle it that way. Last question and this may sound ignorant, but so be it: she has never configured her Mail, preferred (past tense) to use a webmail. She is getting set up with her 'net provider email/POP etc (finally). Does Tiger care if Mail is unconfigured, assuming she has not completed this task yet? If so, will solve it first, then follow your instructions.

Again, I appreciate the advice.

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Answer 5

Jun 3, 2007 9:33 PM in response to s2tex

You're welcome.

Makes no difference if no email accounts are configured with the Mail application when upgrading to Tiger.

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