Problem installing OSX Tiger

port2 · #1 February 1st, 2009, 02:50 PM

Further to one of my previous questions i have now managed to get hold of OSX tiger for my Imac G4 800mhz superdrive. However no matter what I try I cannot get this to install. If I go through custom instal it checks my disk and then comes up with a notice saying "mail cannot be intalled on this computer - intallation not possible" or something along these lines. I have also tried restarting while holding down the command button but the 10.4 disk does not appear. I have completely wiped my harddrive and reinstalled my original osx 10.3 and even taken out the airport card and additional ram memory card which i thought was causing the problem. But to no avail.
Any ideas?!?!??

DeltaMac · #2 February 1st, 2009, 02:59 PM

First question - What color is that OS X install disk, and what does it say on the label?
Is it Grey, or Black?
If your installer DVD is grey in color, then you are unlucky enough to get an installer that is for only the model Mac that it came with originally, and won't work on your Mac.
If the label is Black, with a big X - Does the label say it is an Upgrade, or Drop-in upgrade?
What other text is on the label.

Is the message you get when you try to install REALLY mentioning only 'mail'?

IHALL1977 · #3 February 1st, 2009, 03:08 PM

Hi Both, I have pretty much the same issue with installing OSX 10.4 I am also trying to upgrade by installing 10.4 on my imac G5 Power PC / superdrive and have tried to use the 10.4 install disks that shipped with my iBook Power PC G4, the thing is the install disk is Grey and says iBook G4 on it - so from reading your reply - Deltamac - Will I have to purchase a black install 10.4 disk which I assume is for use on any machine - also Do I have to uninstall 10.3.9 first - as I'm not sure quite hoe to do this…

RawMac · #4 October 19th, 2009, 08:51 PM

Hi folks, couple things I am having the same issues as above on both my macs which coincidentally have newly loaded 10.3.9 on them that I installed off of gray disks that said IBook G4 on them and neither of my computers are ibooks. They are IMacs one is a G4 and the other is a G3. So my questions are as follows. Why can't I use gray disks when I have used gray disks before on my machines? Secondly I have gotten the message "Mail cannot be installed on this computer - installation not possible." and it is the only message, what is the deal? I also get a kernal panic message with the install disk in the tray when I restart and press C. Have to restart the computer. Tried unplugging all usb things, removed various sodimm and dimm sticks with no change in the outcome. Frustrating... Thanks for your time and consideration

DeltaMac · #5 October 19th, 2009, 10:20 PM

I think you came up with an anomaly - a deviation that you may not be able to duplicate.
I have seen some install sets that would install on other Mac models, but that would be just luck. Usually you get the message "cannot install on this computer"
If you don't care for the frustration of re-discovering how you got that to work the first time - find a commercial OS X installer set (the black disks) for Tiger.