help w/OSX4.2 upgrade from 3.9 on mini

L

lbhammond

Registered
Isn't it possible to upgrade OS3.9 mini to OSX4.2 with my PwrBk G4 disk.
Spec say yes, but,
it won't allow from disk itself, or from 3.9 finder.
Do I need to uninstall 3.9?
Is there another way? Its for my 85yo Dad, so if there is any potential for gliches after fact, I won't do it bcuz I'm not close by to help.
Please advise asap, I'm on a quick visit.
Thanks!!!
 
Short answer - no. You can't use the Mac OS X install discs that were shipped with a different model of a Mac to upgrade your other Mac system.
The discs that came with the PowerBook G4 were made for that model of PowerBook G4, and include the license of Mac OS X for that one Mac.

To upgrade the Mac Mini from Mac OS X 10.3.9 to Mac OS X 10.4, you will need to get (read: purchase) a retail disc of Mac OS X 10.4. Those discs are always black in color, and don't contain any mention of a Mac specific model.
The gray discs, like the one with your PowerBook, are always Mac specific, and will not install on other Macs.
 
Thanks you for the quick reply. Very much appreciated.
Looks like the 'retail' black disk version is selling for almost as much as a new Mac Mini! Why would anyone bother!
Thanks again~
 
You may find sometimes a better deal on those versions.. Amazon, ebay etc.
But the differences between 10.3 and 10.4 - there are some but you'll be fine in 10.3 on that Mac unless or until you can find a really good deal on 10.4 (or 10.5).
 
Either someone is charging you way too much for Tiger, or you have a smoking deal on a Mini. One is under 100, the other over 500.
 
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