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G4 powermac used mac computer custom upgraded iPod compatibleOSX Install Notes for G4 Systems

Updated 6-26-07

Make sure you absolutely and solidly have a backup of all data before starting.

We do not provide free support for systems user upgraded to OSX. If you call with an OSX related question please do us the courtesy of dialing on your dime. We are always happy to help, but please use the tech support 901-591-1548 number.

How much ram and hard drive do I need?:

We recommend at least 512MB unless you don't mind waiting for the beach ball to spin. Apple says a full install requires 128MB of ram and 3GB of drive space. That means of course you really should have 6GB available and 256MB or ram or more. Realize now that you will actually be slowing down when you install X. You need at least 256MB of ram, 384 or 512 is better. Apple says 128. More is always better. A full install requires 3 GB of drive space. With the enormously fat Applications etc, you would be quickly out of space with anything less than the 8GB. A 4 GB is marginally okay but if you can upgrade to where you have 6 GB or more of free drive space.

If youare on an older G4 with a 350 or 400 mhz we recommend you replace your processor with a 500mhz or faster. You can do this yourself and we have processors starting at $25 or so.

First off read all of the information below especially on how I install OSX. If you screw up and have to restart the machine, you can get the machine into a state at which it no longer works at all. Pay careful attention and you won't have troubles. If you do run the reset routine I describe below. You may have to hit the CUDA switch so before beginning make sure you know how to recover your machine or don't start.

When we say a machine is OSX ready what we mean is Apple says this machine is supported and you have the necessary ram and drive space to meet the install requirements. You need to read the instructions included with any options installed on your system such as processor, graphics card, DVDR or CDRW Drives etc. before starting as each require special drivers. If you have a special processor check with the processor manufacturer's web site before installing.

Where is the PMU or CUDA Switch?

ROM UPDATES:

Rom updates should be kept current on all Macs that use them. Check Apple System Profiler/Product Information/ROM Revision.

The updates are available on the Apple Web Site or of course on the Kitchen Sink CD. Follow the directions.

OTHER FIRMWARE UPDATES FOR X

A list of required firmware updates is listed on Apple's web site. Do this before installing X. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117

Know how to recover your machine or don't start

Before you install or if your machine fails and you can't get it to come back up:

DEEP LEVEL RESET TIP: On G4 Machines especially when aborting an OSX install really scrambles the computer. You can super reset the computer by Zapping the PRAM 3 times in a row. Then move your fingers from the P R keys to the O F keys (in other words Command - Option - O - F). COOF will bring up a machine language screen. <return> means press the return key you don't type the characters out. At the prompt type the following:

On G4 Towers you want to include resetting the NVRAM.

reset-nvram <return>
set-defaults <return>
reset-all <return>

If that fails hold the CUDA switch down for 15 seconds and run through zapping the pram sequence listed above. Need help resetting your CUDA? Read Bob's Mac Tech Tips.

Leopard OS10.5 WARNINGS

Check to make sure before you install that all the major applications you run are Leopard compatible. I can't tell you how many people called after Leopard was release singing the blues. MacRumors.com has thoughfully put up a list of incompatible programs as well as listed some programs that just have certain issues. Before upgrading to Leopard make sure your machine qualifies. You need an 867 mhz processor or faster, 512MB of ram, 13GB (really more) of free space, a DVD capable optical, and a 32MB Quartz enabled video card. Also remember there is no classic mode in Leopard so if you run older software in classic mode you will need to find alternatives before you upgrade. I have had to simplify the machines I install on so often I now start up with only one stick of ram and all PCI cards removed, and of course only the keyboard, mouse and monitor plugged in. Lastly and more importantly if you are installing on your old system you should archive and install rather than let the software be updated. A clean install is recommended.

There are problems with the OSX 10.2, 10.3, or 10.4 when installing on some systems. Based on my experience:

  1. NEW NOTE: OSX ABSOLUTELY SHOULD be installed in the FIRST PARTITION of the FIRST drive if you didn't know. I don't usually partition drives on G4's but if you must, make sure it is about 12GB's or so. In a pinch you can boot from a slave or even external Firewire Drive but for day to day operations FOLLOW THE RULES.
  2. Turn off all energy saver settings. (Don't just disable the ext., it leaves the prefs running).
  3. Pull all PCI cards (leaving the stock Ultrawide card if you have one) and unhook everything from the back of the machine besides the powercord and the keyboard, mouse, and monitor, remove any zip media.
  4. I recommend you set the extensions to OS 9.2 only. (not on 9.2.2? upgrade your classic OS first). Make sure your firmware is updated!
  5. Run disk first aid or Norton (OS9 only systems) for the last time. (Do not install if you can't get a clean bill of health). Replace your drive if you need to. Never run Norton on a drive that has X already installed.
  6. I then zap the pram as described above and reset the firmware.
  7. I don't normally recommend pushing the CUDA switch except to recover a machine that has stopped working.
  8. I restarted with the C key held down and the X disk in. Hold down Command Option Delete Shift (CODS) if you are booting from an external.
  9. I do a CUSTOM INSTALL and deselected the 12 or so languages I don't speak and only selected the printers I use.
  10. DON'T have it format the drive unless you really want everything wiped off the drive!
  11. You really should sit through the install which is long and boring and click the install window of the installer every once in a while. The system tries to go to sleep without activity especially during the second CD. Including all updates takes several hours to complete an install with all updates.
  12. Should your install initially fail I have learned that reducing the ram in the unit helps. Don't ask me why but one stick in the first slot profiler reads seems to result in things working where they didn't before.

If things go well you should be able to boot in X now. Setup two accounts to start with and don't forget the passwords. THE FIRST ONE SET with Adminstrative access and a second make it a personal account. Use the Admin account to install new software. You are now ready to add the updates to get your OSX and applications up to date and these should be done logged in from the Admin account. Personally I leave the password fields blank but I am the only one who uses my machine and nobody else dare touch it.

NOTE: If your install fails for any reason, do a deep level reset as described above before reinstalling!

NOTE: If you can't get your machine to boot from the install disk, try holding down the option key at startup and then selecting the disk. If that doesn't work try CODS command-option-delete-shift keys held down at startup. Lastly try booting from an external firewire optical, using the above tips. Last resort? Try temporarily connecting the old optical drive that came originally in your G4 for the install.

NOTE: It will take longer for your system to boot and synch with your monitor when booting into X. Be patient.

NOTE: If your monitor doesn't synch after the first CD finishes (on Jaguar or Panther installs), you may need to try another monitor. I have had to swap monitors to get an install done. It worked fine with the original monitor after installing, although I had to zap the pram on some systems.

NOTE: If it fails again pull all but one stick of ram and make sure there is nothing plugged in but the keyboard mouse and monitor. If it fails to install again, format the hard drive by having it write 0's or replace the drive.

NOTE FROM RICK (a Headgap Customer): Bob - thanks for your time on the phone today. Switching from a LCD to a CRT revealed the problem. To recap: It's a BW G3, rev2 main board, boot ROM v 1.1.1f4, plenty of RAM and HD space. I booted from panther install disk 1, started a custom install to exclude all the non-essentials other than X11. Install took about 30min, never asked me to switch CDs, then gave me a 30-sec. warning before rebooting (all normal so far). Startup chime sounded, the LED on my LCD turned green, then amber. It stayed amber, thus no video. I switched to a CRT monitor, booted from install CD 1, started a custom install to exclude everything but X11. Within a few minutes, it was finished with CD 1, rebooted and was asking for CD 3. This was the step it couldn't take before (unable to successfully sync the LCD monitor). Installation from there on was a breeze.

TIP: Once you finish updating the system run the OSX Disk Utility and repair permissions from the startup X CD. You should do this anytime you install new software. I like and use a shareware program called System Optimizer (Tiger and below) that performs a whole series of maintenance on your system all at once, including repair permissions. Disk First Aid though requires you boot from the first CD.

OSX is a multiple user based system unlike what you are used to on the older OSes. Notice when you install anything logged in as a user it may only be accessible by you when you log in as that user. That goes for music, pictures etc. Understanding how this multiple user system works will help you learn to use this OS. Things you want to be accessible to all should be installed by the admin level account. Before and after installing it is a good idea to repair permissions.

ENABLING THE DVD or CDRW FOR OSX:

After you install OS X, you'll need to run Patchburn to create a driver for any aftermarket optical drive.

OTHER ENABLERS:

If you have a SONNET or other aftermarket processor I recommend you visit the site and download any needed patches before starting. If you have a Realtek 10/100 card you will need to install the patch (rtsmacx(110).zip) from the Kitchen Sinks OSX folder after installing X. The stock 10/100 is supported as is USB and Firewire. You may have a special graphics card or other PCI cards that need updates. Check before starting and make sure you have the necessary drivers.

You may have no problems and many of our customers are successfully running OSX on custom boxes purchased from us and most of our office machines have Tiger installed. One thing I have learned over the years is not to be the first person to install a revision. Sites like MacFixit.com and even Apple's are full of the grief people go through. Usually if you wait a short while and revisit those sites most of the problems have solutions. I would encourage you to study up before installing.

If you are totally unable to recover your machine, we will be glad to restore your machine. Simply call our toll free number 1-877-639-1543 9-6 CST M-F for an RMA number and pay the shipping both directions and a nominal $35.00 bench charge assuming there is no mechanical damage. We do install OSX for you or you can buy from us. Call for more information.

OSX notes for Beige G3 Systems! | OSX Notes for B&W G3 Systems | New! OSX Notes for G4 Systems

OSX Tips for All Users

Since OSX is a user based system designed around BSD Unix there are a few things that most Mac users haven't had to contend with. One of which is permissions. When you install software or fonts that you intend for everyone on your system to use you need to install them from the main user which is sometimes called Admin or Adminstrator account. It was the first account you set up when you first installed your software. If you install it from one of the user accounts it will only be accessible by that account.

BEFORE AND AFTER YOU INSTALL SOFTWARE and on a regular basis run the Disk Utility (in the Utilities folder) and repair permissions. I have read a few folks who think this is un-necessary and all I can say is wait until you munge a drive and have to do a new install because you didn't take a few minutes.

Another handy program is System Optimizer X (Tiger and below). It is on the OSX Kitchen Sink in the Diagnostics folder. It runs all of the maintenance on your system on demand. It is a $12 shareware program but the demo works fine until you decide to register it and this one is well done, so try it and register your copy if you like and use it. The guy who writes this now has an "improved" program called SOCKS. I still like the simplicity of the System Optimizer though it is not Leopard (10.5) compatible.

Lose Your X Password or Need to Change It?

Boot up from the first OSX install CD by placing it in the drive and holding down the C key. When it comes up choose Reset Password from the Menu and follow the instructions.

X and Norton?

I can't recommend Norton for OSX. You certainly don't want to boot into 9 and run a Disk Doctor any version. All versions will trash the drive since there are many changes to the drive format that X adds. I find that it flat kills most installs so just don't use it. I have used Tech Tool X and Disk Warrior but my best advice at this time is the use the disk repair program when booted from the original X install disk at this time. Do this periodically and it will help keep your drive healthy. Disk Warrior for X seems to work okay for drive recovery. I would NOT use it for maintenance though. Use the disk utility that comes on your install disk for regular drive maintenance.

HOW DO I BACKUP MY X INSTALL?

Carbon Copy Cloner (http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html) is on the X version of the Kitchen Sink. This puppy allows you to backup your OSX drive to an internally connected drive or an external Firewire drive (this will only work for booting with built in Firewire and will not work on Blue & White systems). This will make a bootable backup! It can also be used to recover parts or all of your X install. This solved one of the main objections I had to X and why I was not an early adopter. I still prefer the older version but the new version 3.01 does have nice features although it only works in Tiger or above.

If you don't have an internal second drive consider purchasing one. Having a bootable backup of your X install on a second drive is really a good idea. We will talk you through the install if you need help.

HELP! My OSX JUST SITS THERE SPINNING THE BEACHBALL AND NEVER FINISHED BOOTING? or maybe you get the Kernal Panic Screen (charcoal gray panel with printing).

ANYTIME YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE BOOTING UNPLUG EVERYTHING FROM THE BACK OF YOUR COMPUTER except the keyboard and monitor, and of course the power plug. Fix one thing at a time. If you just installed hardware remove it.

  1. Try booting with the shift key held down. This is called safe mode (kind of like starting 9 with the extensions off). If it comes up okay then sometimes you can then simply reboot and things will work normally. I would load the disk utility from the Applications/Utility folder and repair permissions.
  2. Boot from the 1st OSX install disk by inserting it and holding the C key down after rebooting. Run Disk First Aid, then run Repair Permissions from the Disk Utility (from the menu).
  3. Last resort - install the OS again. Make sure you don't tell it to wipe the drive. Once you have reinstalled run the latest combined update to get your system version back up to snuff.
  4. You can always recover from the backup you made using carbon copy cloner (assuming you made one).
  5. Run Repair Permissions before and after installing software.

APPLEJACK PREINSTALLED?

We recently started preinstalling AppleJack on all OSX systems and so should you (not for Leopard yet). This little utility (Kitchen Sink OSX Diagnostics Folder or downloadable from http://applejack.sourceforge.net/) allows you to repair your disk, repair permissions, validate the system's preference files, and get rid of possibly corrupted cache files. In most cases, these operations can help get your machine back on track. The important thing is that you don't need another startup disk with you. All you need to do is restart in Single User Mode (SUM), by holding down the command and s keys at startup, and then typing applejack, or applejack auto (which will run through all the tasks automatically), or applejack auto restart (which will also restart the computer automatically at the end of the process).

The only gotcha I have found so far is on Beige G3 systems. If you had to borrow someones monitor to install X, then your other adapted monitor probably will show you a black screen at startup. Since you simply need to type applejack auto restart, I do just that blindly and then leave the system alone. It runs through the cycles and then restarts usually getting you back up and running. There are some other warnings in the documentation so read through them thoroughly before using on your system. This is an emergency repair program and I really would not run it all the time, but it has saved me more than a few times from the hours of reinstallation.

We do not provide free support for systems that you have upgraded to OSX. If you call with an OSX related question please do us the courtesy of dialing on your dime. Please use the 901-591-1548 number. Thanks.

PHONE TECH SUPPORT

We love this business and live, breath and eat Macs. We thank you in advance for using the tech support line for out of warranty or systems and equipment you have bought elsewhere. 901-591-1548 is our tech support line. Thanks for paying for the call. We need you to help us with this as our toll free lines expenses are rising far faster than our sales are. We are always happy to help and we pay for the calls on in warranty products. Please let us know that you are on your dime when you get a tech online, our phone system doesn't show this at the work stations. Use our email form anytime you don't need immediate response or after hours. Make sure you identify the system you are on, the OS you are using and any other pertinent hardware facts.

Macintosh, Apple and the Apple logo, OSX, Jaguar, Panther, Tiger, & Leopard, are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
All other products are registered to their respective companies.

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