need os 9.2 but..

nickmt · May 17, 2012 8:06AM

Hi all, I need to run a scsi dirve with os 9.2. I currently have a G4 with OS 10.5.8 sitting unused in my closet, but I don't have any original install discs for it, must have dumped them long ago. Do I need to zero data the 10.5.8 before installing the 9.2.? How without 10.5.8 discs? Thanks so much.

Marvin · May 17, 2012 12:38PM

You don't need to zero the drive but you might have to change the partition type to Apple Partition Map if it's currently set as GUID. If the partition map is ok, you should be able to install OS 9 from a bootable disc.

nickmt · May 17, 2012 12:52PM

Thanks Marvin. Not sure how to do that, but a quick help search yields instructions to boot from an install disk. I don't have any bootable discs at all, yet, but I know 9.2 is available at Amazon.com. Do I need that to check Partition Map?

Thanks again.

Marvin · May 18, 2012 2:11AM

nickmt wrote: »

Do I need that to check Partition Map?

If you open Disk Utility and select the drive, it will tell you at the bottom which partition map the drive uses.

nickmt · May 18, 2012 6:46AM

Thank you. Confirmed. It's set to Apple Partition Map. So I'll go ahead, purchase 9.2, load it over 10.5.8, and hopefully it'll work. ! I'll let you know just to follow up.

Thanks so so much. - Nick

nickmt · May 21, 2012 1:21PM

I've tried to start computer with OS 9.2 disc in drive, but holding down C doesn't bring up a new install window, it only brings me back to my 10.5.8 desktop with the dvd drive window open... OS 9.2 icons... I tried directly installing OS 9.2 over 10.5.8, but a window appears saying classic is no longer supported. Seems like I have to zero data the 10.5.8 first, no? If so, how? I don't have those discs. Thanks - N

nickmt · May 21, 2012 5:18PM

It's a mirror door g4 from 2002, Now, if I go to system prefs> start up disc, I can see an image of the 9.2 disc in have in the cd drive, but when I highlight it and click restart nothing happens. This 9.2 disc isn't an original disc. Maybe that's my problem. I haven't found 9.2 elsewhere, but I know Amazone has 9.0 for $30. Maybe that's my best next step. But I'm not opposed to doing the windows way. Am I missing something obvious??

Marvin · May 21, 2012 6:45PM

This site lists the minimum OS as 9.2.2:

http://apple-history.com/g4_mirror

It might only boot from the original disc. This thread might help:

http://hintsforums.macworld.com/showthread.php?t=88321

Not being able to install classic will hinder things - some people managed to install that first and then modified the files to get it to boot up. You might be able to do this manually by copying the system folder off the CD.

If it's a FW800 model, it will be more difficult.

Would the SCSI drive not work under 10.5? There are USB to SCSI adaptors:

http://www.lindy.co.uk/usb-to-scsi-converter-cable/32895.html

nickmt · May 21, 2012 7:40PM

scsi would not work with 10.5 even with special adaptor(s) I added for my film scanner from 2002 until upgraded to 10.5 last year. After that no scsi anything. But more importantly the camera driver I need to use requires os classic. So it's either os 9 or I go windows nt or something like that.

It's a FW400, and that maxoxhints forum link is very informative! Thank you. Some of it is over my head, but I have renewed hope. I'll follow up after I follow those leads.

sequitur · May 27, 2012 8:49AM

If you can't locate a copy of OS 9.2.2 for a G4, I'll lend you mine. Go to my AI private message site and tell me how to get it to you.

nickmt · May 27, 2012 9:39AM

REALLY Nice of you! Thanks. But I've bought a new hd loaded with tiger and 9.2 from headgap.com That should do it.

need os 9.2 but..

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