Panther install freakout--help!

fongster · #1 January 7th, 2004, 10:25 PM

I was about to launch the install on my G4 and the installer said that my OSX version could not be updated (too old? it's 10.0.4). So under options, it says I can basically erase the volume and install new. I read further that means erase the disk's contents (like my OS9.2 and everthing else). Is that correct? It says back up everything prior. I take it that means I would need to reinstall Classic and all my apps.? Ugh! Is there an easier way than what they say? What if I just trash all the old OSX stuff first as if it was never installed? Or just do it the way they say or if you know of another way that would be great as I hate to lose everything and have to reinstall and reset prefs. Thanks!

Urbansory · #2 January 7th, 2004, 10:41 PM

There should be an Archive and Install Option, this will save all your old and replace it with a new system, but keep all the old stuff. Now as far as upgrading from that version, that i don't know, since i upgraded each time. I haven't done this in a while, I think you have to click custom to see the options.

fongster · #3 January 9th, 2004, 09:54 AM

I just found an upgrade disk that I never opened when I first got the machine. It takes OS 10.0.4 that came installed up to 10.1

I think 10.1 is "upgradeable" per Panther's install notes. Can't hurt to try.

hdmac · #4 January 9th, 2004, 11:42 AM

Octan,
If I back up and do a "clean install" how do I deal with all my applications. Can I just move the applications back to the original drive from the back up or do I need to install them from installers?

Thanks,

P

ElDiabloConCaca · #5 January 9th, 2004, 11:50 AM

Your best bet would be to re-install those applications rather than copying them back -- the installer CDs will make sure all the files associated with that application are put in their correct places around your system. Some applications have files in other locations other than your Applications folder.

hdmac · #6 January 9th, 2004, 12:01 PM

ElDiablo,
How do I deal with my e-mail files and i-photo and i-movie files....

P

hdmac · #7 January 9th, 2004, 12:33 PM

Ocatne, Thanks for the very clear "how to" instructions. Looks like I have lots of prep to do before I attempt the "clean" install. This is the only thing that I don't like about Unix or Windows based machines, the fact that admin on them is so difficult. Admin on OS9 and below was a snap. This is something that Apple needs to think about. Some sort of auto admin features that would be more then just backing up the system and data.

Thanks again,

P

ElDiabloConCaca · #8 January 9th, 2004, 12:46 PM

hdmac: You are right, OS X is a much different beast than OS 9, but I think we'll see that as the system matures over the next year or years, it'll be much better than OS 9 ever was.

octane covered pretty much all the bases on backing stuff up. One thing I didn't see in his post was your iPhotos, and if you let iPhoto organize all your photos for you, then the only thing you need to back up to retain all your libraries and photos and such is the "/users/(your username)/Pictures/iPhoto Library" folder. For iTunes, if you let iTunes organize all the music, then you need to back up "/users/(your username)/Music/iTunes" folder. If you have MP3/AAC/WAV files elsewhere, like on an external drive, back those up as well.

Good luck! I think you'll find 10.3 much more satisfying than 10.0.