Why can't Panther be installed on my Powerbook?

Ok, here's the scenario. I have an iBook G3 that I just installed Panther on. No problems. Then I was trying to re-install Tiger on my Powerbook. I erased the hard drive and THEN I remembered that the Tiger install DVD I have is horribly scratched. I attempted to buff it out, it's too far gone. I get errors when trying to install. So then I figured I have the Panther cd's, I could always install that on the Powerbook and just go back to using Jaguar on my iBook. I just added ram to it so I would be content. But I get the "circle with a slash" thing when trying to install Panther on my Powerbook. From what I've read, you can't go from Tiger to Panther. Well here's the problem I have with that. When I first received the Powerbook it had Panther running on it. That is what I was told I would receive. It came with Tiger DVD's, which I assumed was an un-intended bonus, so I then installed Tiger. If I had this OS on the Powerbook before, why can't I install it? Also, could anyone give me any suggestions other than replace my scratched cd's? If I don't find a fix I will call Apple tonight, but I would like to see if there is anything else I didn't try.

thequicksilver said:

It isn't possible due to hardware locks put into new models by Apple. The OS it shipped with is the lowest you can install.

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It shipped with Tiger cds but had Panther installed when I received it. So how could be that there are hardware locks if Panther has been previously run on this computer?

eva01 said:

your trying to install a lower OS than what is allowed

use the CDs that came with the powerbook (system disks) then it would work

you can't install 10.3.0 on a machine that came shipped with say 10.3.3

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I see, it had 10.3.9, I'm trying to install 10.3.
Also, the restore cd's (Tiger) are scratched and the install fails every time. I know I can call Apple and maybe get a replacement set but I was hoping there was something else I can try.

Eidorian said:

Just call Apple and get it over with.

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Mmm, yeah...I called and requested another set of install DVD's and the lady put me on hold...2 seconds later dial tone...oh crap

UPDATE:Called Apple a 2nd time, discs are on their way. They're backordered to the 23rd, so I'll be waiting a while.

If people are supposed to learn from their mistakes, why haven't I learned a thing?!?

Sorry to bring up an old topic but this is really bugging me. I get that there are "hardware locks"or whatever keeping my Powerbook from installing Panther. Read the first post in this thread to understand my situation. I received the Powerbook with Panther running on it, no DVDs-the DVDs that came with my system were Tiger. Now keep in mind, I ordered a Powerbook with Panther. I was told I was going to receive a Powerbook with Panther. Yet I got one running Panther but with Tiger DVDs. My fault that I didn't "archive and install" when I installed Tiger for the first time. My fault that my Tiger DVDs are scratched (though I don't know how). But explain to me why I can't put the OS of my choice on the computer I spent a nice chunk on? Also explain how my computer HAD Panther on it at one point. When I received it it was running 10.3.9. Now I understand I am trying to install 10.3, not 10.3.9. But how did Panther get installed in the first place if it is supposedly impossible? Did the previous owner install 10.3.9? Is THAT even possible? I'm just assuming you can only install 10.3 then update your software.
I apologize for the long-winded questions, but this is really bugging me. I'm not trying to be a whiny b*tch but I just don't understand this. ANY enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

eva01 said:

Your System restore disks should have Panther, and you should have gotten separate disks for Tiger

Assuming you bought it from apple

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The only discs that came with the system were Tiger discs. The copy of Panther that I have I bought for a different computer but later decided I wanted Panther on my main system. And after discovering that my Tiger discs were too scratched I thought this would work. And yes, this was purchased from Apple.

TLRedhawke said:

If you happen to have an Apple Authorized Service Provider (that is, not an Apple Store) nearby, you could ask them to download you a copy of the restore discs via GSX. They'd probably charge you a nominal fee, plus the cost of the CDs, but it would sure beat waiting until the 23rd.

All Apple service providers have access to Apple GSX, which allows them to obtain Restore Discs, Hardware Test Discs, Service Diagnostic Discs, and Service Manuals, as well as allowing them to look up warranty status and other such fun things for ANY Apple machine (iPods included).

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Wow, I did not know that. I will have to check that out. Thank you.

I just basically want to know the reasoning behind forcing one OS upon someone. Why it's necessary. It just doesn't make any sense that I can't put an OS on my computer when it is perfectly capable of handling it. Just wondering why is all...