[Destrto]

Hey guys, I was given an old PowerMac G5 from work, but they had to remove the HDD. (Security reasons, you know) I would like to get OSX reinstalled and see if the machine still functions, but I have no experience with Apple or Mac's.

I've read a few threads so far on reinstalling OSX, and a few google searches, but most of them seem to reference using a program from within OSX.

My main question is, is there a way to install OSX onto this G5 without needing a prior copy installed?

 

[huzzug]

You can use a program called TransMac to make a installer USB / CD to install Mac on your system.

Here's a link of a guy make it.

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by huzzug

You can use a program called TransMac to make a installer USB / CD to install Mac on your system.

Here's a link of a guy make it.

Thanks, I will check that out this evening.

 

[Destrto]

Alright, so I checked out the video that was linked. It did not match up with the image file I had on hand.

So my next question is, If I have an image for Leopard in (.iso) format, and burn it to disc using poweriso, will it still be readable by the G5?

 

[coachmark2]

I would assume you'd need an image compiled for PowerPC rather than x86.

@Lord Xeb can probably help

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by coachmark2

I would assume you'd need an image compiled for PowerPC rather than x86.

@Lord Xeb can probably help

The image I have states that it is compiled for PPC, however, I have no experience with Macs, so I want to make sure before I fudge things up.

 

[1337LutZ]

You cant really fudge things up. Only thing u can get is a non-readable disk.

 

[KyleMart06]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destrto

The image I have states that it is compiled for PPC, however, I have no experience with Macs, so I want to make sure before I fudge things up.

You will need a PPC version of 10.5 (Leopard). That is the latest OS that hardware supports. Let me see if I can wrangle an image up and get it to you for a download. The biggest thing is sharing that file out. lol.

As a side note, these machines are buggy as anything with the RAM slots. Not sure how much life or usefulness this computer will have for you. I would also consider installing Linux over 10.5 in your shoes. 10.5 has no support on almost every front from applications to web browsers.

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleMart06

You will need a PPC version of 10.5 (Leopard). That is the latest OS that hardware supports. Let me see if I can wrangle an image up and get it to you for a download. The biggest thing is sharing that file out. lol.

As a side note, these machines are buggy as anything with the RAM slots. Not sure how much life or usefulness this computer will have for you. I would also consider installing Linux over 10.5 in your shoes. 10.5 has no support on almost every front from applications to web browsers.

I appreciate the offer for assistance. I have located a PPC version of Leopard already, however, the new problem I am running into currently, is that the machine will not power on. When I first brought it home, I plugged it into a spare power plug to make sure it was still semi functional, and it powered on. It has been a few weeks of it sitting in my room untouched. And now, for some reason, it will not power on.

 

[KyleMart06]

eh, that is not good. I am thinking you have tried plugging into the wall instead of a power strip? Try this out as well: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1939 (It resets the power management functions). could be a bad power supply too. there are a good many possibilities. I would look up a service manual for that computer and find one online. I have found the official ones through google searches.

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleMart06

eh, that is not good. I am thinking you have tried plugging into the wall instead of a power strip? Try this out as well: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1939 (It resets the power management functions). could be a bad power supply too. there are a good many possibilities. I would look up a service manual for that computer and find one online. I have found the official ones through google searches.

It was plugged into a power strip. Never straight to the wall. I will try the steps listed in your link.

 

[GermanyChris]

Put a new cmos battery in it, then use disk utility to burn your Leopard .iso to a disk. You should make sure however that whomever you got that iso from used the retail and not a machine specific disk (grey).

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

Put a new cmos battery in it, then use disk utility to burn your Leopard .iso to a disk. You should make sure however that whomever you got that iso from used the retail and not a machine specific disk (grey).

I will start at the beginning with the PMC, and then a CMOS battery.

As far as the .iso I have for Leopard, I will just have to find out when the time comes, as it was not listed which one it was.

 

[GermanyChris]

You can't reset any without being able to boot. The battery is like 1.69 for 4

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

You can't reset any without being able to boot. The battery is like 1.69 for 4

There is supposed to be a button on the Motherboard that resets the PMC.

 

[GermanyChris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destrto

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

You can't reset any without being able to boot. The battery is like 1.69 for 4

There is supposed to be a button on the Motherboard that resets the PMC.

There is but it's a pita to get to and without juice flowing to the board it's likely not going to work then as soon as you do you power down you're going to have the same problem again.

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

There is but it's a pita to get to and without juice flowing to the board it's likely not going to work then as soon as you do you power down you're going to have the same problem again.

That is a good point. I'll look into some new CMOS batteries as soon as I get time. Does it take a specific model?

 

[KyleMart06]

I am thinking these are the round ones running at 3.6V. Open it up and look though just to be sure. Here is a fixit guide showing you how and where to remove the battery from. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Power+Mac+G5+Backup+Battery++Replacement/1951

 

[Destrto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleMart06

I am thinking these are the round ones running at 3.6V. Open it up and look though just to be sure. Here is a fixit guide showing you how and where to remove the battery from. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Power+Mac+G5+Backup+Battery++Replacement/1951

Thanks, that will be plenty useful.

 

[KyleMart06]

No problem. That site is sort of the unofficial repair guide for a number of items. Step by step instructions and pictures. Have fun!