Problems installing Mac OSX Server 10.5 on a G4

O

oneobserver

Registered
I ordered the free Mac OSX Server 10.5 evaluation from Apple and am in the process of trying to load it on a G4 that I have. The system has a NewerTech 1.6Ghz CPU upgrade in it, 1.25Gb of RAM, and 30Gb free on a 80Gb HD. The system doesn't have an Internal DVD, so I attached an external Memorex DVD via Firewire. The system is already running 10.4.11 client and works just fine. I am willing to either upgrade in place or do a clean load. What ever it takes to get this installed so I can play some...

Currently, when you put the DVD in the drive it shows up on the desktop and you can open it to the Installer. Upon launching the Installer, you get the message "Mac OSX 10.5 cannot be installed on this machine. Please read the documentation ...".

I have read the documentation and this machine does fit the specs. Can somebody point out to me what I need to do in order to get the installer to launch properly on this machine?

Any help gratefully accepted!!

oneobserver AKA markh
 
The original processor (prior to the installation of the NewerTech processor)probably was slower than 867MHz. The Leopard installer looks at the machine number/ID, which is part of what determines if the system is an eligible system. This is despite your third-party processor being well within the listed specs. The machine ID is determined by both the logic board, and is not affected by the processor that might be installed. If any one criteria is not met, then the installer won't continue. There is a possible work-around.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/33657

This software attempts to change Open Firmware to prevent the OS X installer from checking the hardware, so overcoming the installer's limitation.
The website, source for that software, also offers the opinion that the software does NOT work on every G4, for unknown reasons.
There's also the possibility that Server, which is somewhat more restrictive, may still not like your NewerTech Processor, and you may need to remove that, and install the original processor just to install Server. Swap the processor again when the install is completed.
 
Apparently mine is one that it doesn't work on. When it reboots it can't locate the DVD, so it drops to the Open Firmware prompt. Trying to locate an Apple DVD to see if that works better.

oneobserver AKA markh
 
Couple more trys and I was able to get the right combination of running the program and holding down the Option key while it booted and finally got the install started. Thanks for the pointer to the cheater program. BTW, it appears to be working fine with the upgraded CPU in place.
 
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