Error message 'BaseSystem cannot be installed on this computer'

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corgi

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When trying to install MacOS 10.4 (Tiger) on my G4, I receive the error message 'BaseSystem cannot be installed on this computer'. Any thoughts on what may be causing the problem or how to overcome it. Thank you.

PowerPC G4 (Digital Audio), 733 MHz, 60 GB hard drive.
1.25 GB SDRAM.
Installed OS 10.3.9.
GeForce2 MX card.
 
The disk is a retail 'iBook G4'. It was tried, without problem, on a friends newer dual processor G4 (MacOS 10.4 was already installed).
 
If it says "iBook G4", then it's not a retail disc. The retail disc is the full version that you find in the stores with the silver "X" over a black background. The one you have is an OEM disc that ships with an iBook G4. It will only work on an iBook G4. It's possible that it might install in some Macs, but probably only those that meet the same hardware requirements as the iBook G4. Think of it as using an OEM Windows disc from a Compaq and installing it on a Dell...you might get lucky, but most of the time it won't work.

You need to purchase that actual retail disc which you can find for a decent price here.
 
corgi said:
The install disk is grey.
Click to expand...

That also signifies that it's an OEM disc for a particular Macintosh (in this case, the "iBook G4" that you said was labeled on the disc).

You're going to need that actual full universal installation (aka, the retail version that's sold in stores....the gray ones aren't sold in stores, only with new Macs).
 
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