Problem installing system on older ibook

KBed · #1 November 6th, 2008, 06:05 PM

I had an old 333mhz clamshell in my closet collecting dust when I had a brilliant idea. I would decase it, build the needed components into a wooden frame, install OSX (as it currently has 9.1) and use it as a picture frame/music player. I built it, it looks great (I am a finish carpenter). I didn't install OSX before I de-cased it because the CD ROM drive didn't work so it didn't really matter when I did it. Now, I can't get OSX on there to save my life. I have an external usb CDROM which I am starting up from using either a 10.0.3 install disc or a 10.3.1 install disc, neither of them will boot from the disc. The discs are fine because I can boot from them on my Quicksilver and the CDROM is fine because I can boot from it with an OS 9 disc but when I try either of the two OSX discs I get a type 2 error. I am pulling my hair out here. My plan is to install a base system with only iphoto and itunes installed on the machine but without OSX I can't do anything. I have even removed the HD and hooked to my tower via a USB converter but the F-ing systems discs won't let me install a system on it from the tower because it tells me it is not a suitable startup device. Can anyone be of any assistance? Oh, here is another thing I tried. I downloaded an app called Dasboot which, supposedly, would let me convert a thumbnail drive to a bootable system disc but that has been useless. It won't recognize a single thumbnail I have. Any help would be appreciated.

FYI, there is no firewire on this machine so Target Disc Mode is out.

Hughvane · #2 November 7th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Firstly, I don't think you can boot a computer as old as that clamshell from an external device, so the solution in that respect is to replace the failed internal optical drive. I'm assuming it has the tray loading CD-ROM. Where you might find a replacement of that type and model of optical drive I cannot say, other than eBay, maybe other Mac forums. You may find this link helpful:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/appl...ats/ibook.html

ElDiabloConCaca · #3 November 7th, 2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hughvane

Firstly, I don't think you can boot a computer as old as that clamshell from an external device

Yes, you can, just not from USB.

As a loose rule-of-thumb:

PowerPC: Boot from FireWire.
Intel: Boot from USB.

KBed · #4 November 7th, 2008, 02:01 PM

I was able to boot from the USB CD drive with an OS 9.1 disc, but not with any of the OS X discs that I have. This machine does not have a firewire port. Is my only option to get a new optical drive that I will never use again?

nkut2000 · #5 November 7th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Are you sure your old computer has all the system requirements for OS X? HD space, RAM, etc.?

Natobasso · #6 November 7th, 2008, 04:07 PM

You need to upgrade your 9.1 to 9.2.2 so it will work correctly with your new install of OS X as Classic. Your computer will run OS X VERY slowly, just be prepared for that, since it's an older, slower computer.

Natobasso · #7 November 7th, 2008, 04:10 PM

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75186

"This article contains the Readme documents and links to Mac OS 9.2.2 software downloads.

The Mac OS 9.2.2 Update improves Classic application compatibility in Mac OS X and delivers updated support for Macintosh systems that are based on the PowerPC G3 or G4 processor."

KBed · #8 November 7th, 2008, 11:50 PM

According to the stats I have read this machine will run osx. I don't care at all about speed, when I am done it is going to be a picture frame. That is it.

I have downloaded the updates and will give them a try. I am a little skeptical that it will work because I should be able to start up from the CD with an os x disc even when there is no current system installed on the hard drive. I wouldn't think it would make a difference but it may, I will let you know.