Upgrading from Mac OS Z1-9.1 to Mac OS X.3.2 using an old G4

You're Welcome Shane!

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, FastMac, AppleRescue, etc.

Be sure not to again purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Panther is only on CDs, not DVDs.
Unless purchased from AppleRescue, the discs should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, or CPU Drop-in DVD, on them.
The discs should also not say "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately."

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

If your Mac meets the Tiger System Requirements, you could also consider installing that, and then use the PPC 10.4.9 Combo Update, to upgrade to the current version.

Panther System Requirements
Additional Panther 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."

AppleRescue, also sells a Tiger installation set on CD.

Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And I Wish You Success!

ali b

Hello! Depending on the model you may have to have a firmware update LOOK HERE. Also the discs will have to be a retail version of 10.3 (Panther) and not a set for another computer. You'll also need to upgrade to 9.2.2 HERE. Tom.

To get the info you need, click once on the Desktop. Then under the Apple menu, open the Apple System Profiler.

Look in the Hardware Overview section for Model Name & Machine Speed. This will give you the info to determine which model G4 you have. Also see the links below.

Then look in the Production Information section for the Boot ROM Version. This indicates the firmware version you have installed. If required, you MUST update the firmware BEFORE installing OS X.

Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58418

Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models (Part 2)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42739

 Cheers, Tom

Hi Shane!

Is this the model Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio) - Technical Specifications?

"So i have downloaded and installed (successfully) the update..."
Which update, the OS 9.2.2, or the Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8, or both?

What size is the Hard Drive, and how much space is available?
How much RAM is installed, and is it original or added?

Do the CDs look exactly like THESE, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them?

A word of caution: Never use a Norton utility after you have upgraded to OS X!!!

ali b

Shane,

"Could it be because my G4 can't read DVD's..? "
Yes. The Full Retail Version, of the Panther Install CDs is only on CDs.
If you have a DVD, it is a Model Specific, or Upgrade disc, and will not work.

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?

ali b

Hello Again Shane,

As I posted in My Previous Reply, those are Model Specific discs. Probably specific to the other G4.

The Full Retail Version of Panther 10.3.x are Black.
Please review the links I posted.

ali b

Hi Shane,

I'm running Norton disc doctor as we speak

That's NOT a good idea to run anything from NORTON on your Mac. All product from Norton are Mac unfriendly an course you a lot of issues when not damages.

* Trash anything from Norton right away ... before you make things worse.

Norton un-installers

Dimaxum