Using iBook G4 install disk for Mini

[platz]

Just for fun, I've got a couple of old machines that I would like to occasionally use, for old times sake, so to speak. My G4 Mini has a great monitor and keyboard, but it came with OS X 10.3. Later I bought an iBook, which came with 10.4. I know that I discovered years ago that Apple prevents people from using install disks on machines that are different than the one with which the disk was shipped. Nevertheless, I was wondering if anyone has any additional wisdom with regard to this. I can, of course, just keep using 10.3.9 on my Mini (the iBook died several years ago). But, as some of you may know, Panther has some limitations, particularly with modern browser use. Thanks for anything at all. Best - Steve

P.S. I've been using Linux for many years, so I do have access to modern operating systems and software; like I said, using Macs is fun for me sometimes, I grew-up with an Apple Macintosh 128k - I wonder where that is now....

[jchase2057]

Just swap the drives. Should boot right up.

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Plenty of limitations in 10.4 too. You should look into a copy of 10.5.

[platz]

I'm not sure I understand swapping the drives. Besides, the iBook is very dead, like I said (meaning, the drive is shot). I used to use a 17 inch MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard (before I switched fully to Linux); but in the case of this little Mini, 10.4 would be enough.

[jchase2057]

My bad. I thought the ibook was dead but the drive was fine.

[Omnius]

This is probably best suited for the Power PC forum.

[platz]

Originally Posted by Omnius

This is probably best suited for the Power PC forum.

Is this strictly an issue for PPCs?

[Omnius]

Originally Posted by platz

Is this strictly an issue for PPCs?

You're talking largely about software that is no longer supported, and exclusive to ppcs. So the folks that generally peruse that forum will probably be better situated to provide help. Further, the mac mini hasn't really support optical media since the 2010. (see: Optical Media is dead)

The current online/partition installation gets the drivers for the machine you're using.

The OEM CD or DVD, if it is actually exclusive to the machine(I seem to recall that as well) may or may not have the drivers you need. In either case, it would probably get you a better answer to ask in the PPC forum. Your question would be exposed to a group of better situated people who may or may not check the mac mini forum.

If your ibook were still functional or you have access to an ibook somewhere, I would try something to this effect:

1) connect the mini to the ibook with a firewire cable(i think both would have this)
2) use the mini in target disk mode.
3) Select the hard drive on the mini to install the OS.

However, if it doesn't have the drivers, that could be quite problematic.

[platz]

Thanks, this is all good information. Frankly, I'm surprised I've had this kind of response at all. Anyway, the iBook is in the garbage somewhere, we've moved and it didn't make sense to keep it. I think I will take your advice and post in the PPC forums, couldn't hurt.

[warvanov]

Let me ask the stupidly obvious question: Have you tried using the iBook CD to install the OS onto the Mac mini?

Also, I second the recommendation to track down a copy of 10.5.

[platz]

Originally Posted by warvanov

Let me ask the stupidly obvious question: Have you tried using the iBook CD to install the OS onto the Mac mini?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to do! But, Apple has made install disks hardware specific, so it's not possible. The reason I started this thread is to try to find out if anyone has discovered a workaround.

[jchase2057]

There is no work around. You cannot use the gray discs.

[platz]

Well, I guess that's it then. Thanks.

[warvanov]

Originally Posted by platz

Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to do! But, Apple has made install disks hardware specific, so it's not possible. The reason I started this thread is to try to find out if anyone has discovered a workaround.

Ok, just thought I'd ask. I know I've had luck using install discs from other machines before, but that may have been before Apple locked them down.

Your best bet is probably to find someone with a standalone copy of 10.4 or 10.5. Try to track down a copy of 10.5 if you can. (Unfortunately they still retail for $150+.)

[jchase2057]

Originally Posted by warvanov

Ok, just thought I'd ask. I know I've had luck using install discs from other machines before, but that may have been before Apple locked them down.

Your best bet is probably to find someone with a standalone copy of 10.4 or 10.5. Try to track down a copy of 10.5 if you can. (Unfortunately they still retail for $150+.)

It's been machine locked since OS X came around. A retail copy of 10.5 is definitely your best bet. 150 is a tough pill to swallow though. Maybe look elsewhere...

[minifridge1138]

Do you have access to a working Mac (preferably PPC)?