downgrading from 10.2 to 10.3.9 on ibook g4

[Dan Goldman]

hi
i would like to purchase a used ibook 1.4 ghz, 14inch ibook which has as its native os 4.2. however, i have software that only runs on 10.3.9. is there a way to downgrade? i've tried putting in the 10.3.9 discs and the start up freezes before i even see the mac icon.
any ideas?
dg

 

[eric2006]

You should be able to archive and install. What disks are you using, and what is the model of your iBook?

 

[Dan Goldman]

what does archive and install mean?
i have burned copies of 10.3.9 and originals of the 10.4
the model is:
M9848LL/A
http://support.apple.com/specs/ibook/iBook_G4_Mid_2005.html
thank you!!

 

[jbarley]

Burned Copies?
Therein, in all likely hood is your problem.
Unless the disk your copy was borrowed from was a retail OS X CD or at least an install CD for the same model of computer you are trying to install it on, it will fail.
Apple install CD's are machine specific, purchased retail disks are not.

jb.

 

[MisterMe]

hi
i would like to purchase a used ibook 1.4 ghz, 14inch ibook which has as its native os 4.2. however, i have software that only runs on 10.3.9. is there a way to downgrade? ...

Based on your description, it appears that you have the iBook G4 (Mid 2005) which shipped with MacOS X 10.4.2 when it came to market. As a rule of thumb, you cannot downgrade a Mac to an OS which is older than the version that was preinstalled on it. Also as was stated above by jbarley, you cannot use the System Restore discs for one model Mac to install the OS on a different model Mac.