Need help loading OSs

[metzler000]

Hello,

I'm new to the world of MACs. I have a G4 that came with OS 9 and OS X. I want to wipe the hard drive, install OS9, install any updates, install my OS9 software and then add Panther and get Panther to use OS9 for classic mode. What's the best way to do this? I can't seem to boot to the software restore cds by holding down the c key at bootup. Is the update from 9.0 to 9.2 free? How do I do the update and where do I get it? Is there anything else I need to know about installing 9, the upgrade, or the version 9 programs? Should I then install the version of OSX that came with the G4, or should I install Panther directly. How should I partition the disk? Is there anything else I need to know. I am wiping the machine because the machine stopped booting into OSX. When the machine would boot I would just get a gray screen with an apple. Anyone know why this would happen, or maybe what I should do to correct this if it happens again? Help is much appreciated. Thanks.

John

 

[wrldwzrd89]

Try this instead

My suggestion is to try a different install sequence. Your G4 might be one of the G4s that cannot boot Mac OS 9; if this is the case, you'll need to install Mac OS X first, then install Mac OS 9 from the restore CDs. You may not need to boot off one of the restore CDs to do this; the Mac OS 9/Classic installer might simply be loadable from the CD instead. You will need to do a clean install of Mac OS 9 (if the restore CD installer offers this option - I don't know if the restore CDs use the standard Mac OS 9 installer). Anyway, once Mac OS 9 is installed, Mac OS X will auto-detect your Mac OS 9 install and use that for Classic.

 

[jeremy.king]

These questions have come up often, do a search (as everyone should do before posting) and I am sure you will find you answers.

This will help with your OS9 upgrade questions.

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58247&upgrade+9.2

 

[janey]

btw its mac or Mac or Macintosh or macintosh not MAC

 

[Sun Baked]

If it is a Mac with DDR memory it won't boot OS 9 (unless it is a PowerMac, then only FW800 kills OS 9 bootability).

You need to check the box that says add OS 9 drivers when you wipe the drive.

Otherwise it won't boot into OS 9 even though it is capable.