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Mac OS X USB Boot Drive

Tags:
  • Mac OS X
  • Boot
  • Powerbook
  • Macintosh
Last response: in Mac Os X
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February 26, 2014 8:53:39 PM

I have a Powerbook G4 that I need to reinstall the OS on because it is locked. I don't have an admin password, I can't login to the computer.

It was given to me by a family friend who wanted me to fix a flashing question mark folder icon. I fixed that, but the OS is locked. They also received it from someone else, and obviously don't know the password.

Therefore, I've decided to reinstall the OS. How would I make a USB Boot Drive with Mac OS X 10.5.6. I don't have access to another mac, so I can't use another mac to make one. I have little experience in Mac computers so any help would be greatly appreciated.

More about : mac usb boot drive

February 26, 2014 11:30:38 PM

I am almost 100% sure that you cannot boot from a USB drive with a Mac of that age. Is there a problem with the optical drive?

As an aside, I wouldn't recommend 10.5 unless you have at least 1GB RAM. Even then, it is likely to be pretty slow on your machine.
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February 27, 2014 12:13:41 AM

Ijack said:
I am almost 100% sure that you cannot boot from a USB drive with a Mac of that age. Is there a problem with the optical drive?

As an aside, I wouldn't recommend 10.5 unless you have at least 1GB RAM. Even then, it is likely to be pretty slow on your machine.


The optical drive itself is fine, but the case that is around the optical drive, the plastic around it is broken. If not 10.5, which would you recommend? And I need to reinstall the OS somehow, so if not from a USB boot drive, then how?

Thanks again.
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February 27, 2014 3:40:42 AM

10.4 works fine on G4s with 256 or 512 GB of RAM. Without another Mac your only option to install is from an optical drive or via Firewire.

If your only problem is a password one then Apple themselves tell you how to reset the Administrator password. Google should find it for you, but site policy forbids me linking to it.
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March 3, 2014 8:07:12 PM

I should have another mac up and running pretty soon here, so what would I have to do in order to get that G4 running? (with another mac).
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Best solution

March 3, 2014 11:38:58 PM

With two Macs you can use target disk mode.

http://www.dan-taylor.com/reinstalling-mac-os-x-without...
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