[SOLVED] Mac OS X USB Boot Drive

ToiletNinjaa · Feb 26, 2014

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.

Ijack · Feb 27, 2014

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.

ToiletNinjaa · Feb 27, 2014

Ijack :

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.

Ijack · Feb 27, 2014

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.

ToiletNinjaa · Mar 3, 2014

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).

Ijack · Mar 4, 2014

With two Macs you can use target disk mode.

http://www.dan-taylor.com/reinstalling-mac-os-x-without-a-dvd-drive-target-disk-mode/

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[SOLVED] Mac OS X USB Boot Drive

ToiletNinjaa

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Ijack

Ijack

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ToiletNinjaa

Honorable

Ijack

Splendid

ToiletNinjaa

Honorable

Ijack

Splendid

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