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Leopard doesn't run on PPC mac mini!!!

F

FabioCandeias

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 10, 2012
9
0
Hello guys! I need help from you, experts!

I'm trying to bring my old PPC mac mini back to work. To do this, I’ve installed Leopard via target file mode from my intel macbok, using the retail dvd (the mac mini’s dvd drive doesn’t work anymore), and partitioning the hd in GUID mode to allow the installation.

When the installation finished, I turned on the mac mini and all I have is the “lost hd” icon on the screen. However, I can boot it in target file mode, through my macbook.

Does anyone have any idea how I can solve the problem? Thanks a lot!!!
 
You have to choose "Apple Partition Map" for PPC Macs:
2012_01_05_pA1_DiskUtility_PartitonMapSchemes.png

If you use Target Disk Mode with the MacBook, you can use the MB's optical disk drive (ODD) as installation drive.
 
well, it doesn't work... the installer says that i have to repartition this disk in GUID mode... the installation isn't allowed!
 
yes, its a grey dvd, that says "for mac computers". the mac mini is in target mode, plugged in the macbook.
 
FabioCandeias said:
yes, its a grey dvd, that says "for mac computers". the mac mini is in target mode, plugged in the macbook.
Click to expand...

The grey DVD is a Restore DVD and is only meant for the Mac it came with. And since Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard was released in 2007, there weren't any PPC Macs sold anymore.
In other words, that grey DVD will not work with the PPC Mac mini.
 
ok! i have the retail leopard files and i'm gonna make a bootable flash drive to try again. i'll notice you! tks!
 
Sorry to thread-jack, but it's related.

I don't think you can use an Intel mac to install OS X for a Power PC, but I've seen a few people say that you can.

Either they're wrong or I didn't do it right.

I tried using a MacBook to install 10.5 for my PowerMac.
I boot the MacBook using a retail 10.5 disc (yes I know the difference).
I connect the hard drive to the MacBook using a SATA to USB converter.
It sees my hard drive and lets me format it as Apple Partition Map.
But it won't let me install the OS on the drive. It tells me that drive is not formatted correctly.
I can format it as GUID and install OSX, but then the PowerMac can't boot from it.

Is there something I'm doing wrong?


Also, if the Mac Mini's DVD drive is dead, then burning a DVD won't help.
 
minifridge1138 said:
Sorry to thread-jack, but it's related.

I don't think you can use an Intel mac to install OS X for a Power PC, but I've seen a few people say that you can.

Either they're wrong or I didn't do it right.

I tried using a MacBook to install 10.5 for my PowerMac.
I boot the MacBook using a retail 10.5 disc (yes I know the difference).
I connect the hard drive to the MacBook using a SATA to USB converter.
It sees my hard drive and lets me format it as Apple Partition Map.
But it won't let me install the OS on the drive. It tells me that drive is not formatted correctly.
I can format it as GUID and install OSX, but then the PowerMac can't boot from it.

Is there something I'm doing wrong?


Also, if the Mac Mini's DVD drive is dead, then burning a DVD won't help.
Click to expand...

You have to use something like Carbon Copy Cloner.

1) Make a clean Intel installation (yes, Intel)
2) Put the PowerMac in target mode
3) Format the disk for PowerPCs, and then on your MacBook, use Carbon Copy Cloner to stick the cloned disk back into the PowerPC disk (It'll keep the partition tables intact, it's just copying the system data that's needed).
4) If it won't boot, go into Open Firmware and reset the NVRAM:

To reset the NVRAM *

Boot holding "option + apple + o + f" until you get a white screen with black text. Upon releasing the keys you are presented with a command prompt.

1. type "reset-nvram" at prompt and press return (will say OK if successful)
2. type "reset-all" at prompt and press return (you will see a quick flash of commands and screen will blank)

Upon completion of step 2 the machine will reboot.
Click to expand...

You need the FireWire 800/800 9-Pin to 9-Pin cable btw.
 
minifridge1138 said:
Sorry to thread-jack, but it's related.

I don't think you can use an Intel mac to install OS X for a Power PC, but I've seen a few people say that you can.

Either they're wrong or I didn't do it right.
Click to expand...

This ;)

Right way (retail disc only):

- boot Macbook in target mode, with 10.5 disc inside
- boot PM with alt (option) pressed and select 10.5 disc from BootX icons
- format PM HDD and install OS
 
Ah... that makes more sense.

And that's 2 different ways of using an Intel mac to get a working PowerPC hdd.

Thanks everyone.
 
Well guys...
I've tried everything. Absolute everything. Including Jessica's suggestion. I think it's time to give it up and come back to Tiger!:(
But i'd like to thank everybody who tried to help!!!
brazilian hugs! ABRAÇO!!!
 
Don't give up so fast.
You can always convert your grey DVD into retail and instal in TDM normally.
Can't say how to do it due to forum rules, just google it
...or buy retail copy ;)
 
Sheep, i've downloaded and burned a new retail DVD... the last chance is install the system through the mini, with the cd on macbook in target mode - i did the inverse (mac mini in target mode), but i think it is the same thing, huh? tks!
 
It isn't. Installer still will see Intel CPU instead of G4 and will force you to GUID partition.
See post #12, do that same and it will work.
 
Solved!!!!

It's aliiiiiive!!!!
How we say in Brazil, vocês são os caras! YOU ARE THE GUYS!!!
Thanks a lot everyone!
 
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