Can I install Tiger using an external DVD drive?

My PowerBook is being repaired and I have to use an older G4/733 tower (OS 9.2; CD/zip drives only) from 2001 ASAP. I purchased Tiger and now need to load it, along with the new software. Rather than purchasing an internal dvd drive, can I buy and external dvd drive to install Tiger/new software? I've seen some posts that say "no" and others that say yes, as long as its firewire, not USB. In looking at external drives, I've seen some compatibility requirements that say OS X as the minimum. Some places like CDW and the Apple store don't seem to have an answer for me. Does anybody here know? thanks!
Bob
PowerPC G4 Mac OS 9.2.x

Internal drives are much cheaper; you can get a DVD burner for under $40 online, vs. well over a $100 for an external, which may or may not boot your specific system.
The NEC ND-3550A or Pioneer DVR-110D will both boot the OS installer DVD when using the "C" Key, or from Startup Disc...
In a QS, you just have to remove the drive tray faceplate before installing the drive; This Apple Article has clear diagrams of the replacement process.

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Is it possible to install Tiger using an external DVD drive?

I have one the of the first iMacs and at the time I thought I didn't need a DVD Player. However, now I was thinking of buying an external DVD player/burner. Is it possible to upgrade to Tiger using the external DVD drive since I don't have an internal one?

Hi Celticart,
Welcome to the discussions.
I have an old AGP PowerMac G4 to which I have hooked an external Firewire DVD Drive. I have installed Tiger without any problems, using this drive. I see no reason why it couldn't be done on an iMac as well, (provided it has Firewire).
I don't think you could get it to work using an external drive hooked up via USB.
Cheers!
Karl

Upgrading to Tiger using an external DVD Drive

Our computers at work don't have internal DVD drives. When we try to install Tiger using an external DVD we can't get past the restart process. We insert the DVD into the external DVD drive and restart our computers. Once the computer restarts, we double-click the Tiger DVD and it once again tells us to restart. My questions is....Can you upgrade to Tiger using an external DVD drive or should I request the CDs from Apple for the upgrade?
Thanks,
Devra
Power PC G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Hi Devra,
first of all: WELCOME TO THE DISCUSSIONS!
Be aware that you CANNOT boot from an external USB-drive: Don't start up from an external USB device. You have to use an external firewire drive. Then insert the DVD and reboot while holding down the Option-key. Select the DVD in the external firewire drive as boot volume.
You also might want to follow this procedure: 10.4 Tiger Upgrade: Decision tree+Checklist . It also covers potential install errors due to outdated firewire-drive firmware.
If this answered your question please consider granting some stars: Why reward points?

Internal DVD drive is shot. Can I install SL from an external DVD drive?

Hi folks, a quick (well actually a few) questions.
I've had my imac since early '06. It's currently running Tiger, and I'd like to install Snow Leopard. The problem is that the internal DVD drive is shot. It's been occasionally refusing to accept DVDs for a while now, and now it has a DVD stuck in it (not mounted), which I can't get out via terminal, rebooting, or jiggling it (technical term I know).
Now, I'm going to assume that getting apple to replace the DVD drive will be more expensive than just grabbing an external drive, especially as I'll most probably only use it once. The question is, if I grab a cheap external DVD drive, will I be able to install Snow Leopard with it? Or will Tiger not recognise it as a boot drive?
Many thanks,
Chris
p.s. Also, I'm using a cheapo windows style keyboard (will be replacing asap), and I'm wondering if this is why I can't see bootable drives when holing option on startup?

Yes, you can install from an external drive, although I wouldn’t go for a cheap one. There are good, relatively inexpensive, drives out there. And you are going to need that option key to select the install disk as your startup. I believe there is a corresponding key on a PC keyboard, but I don’t know what it is (maybe Alt?). I’m sure someone can jump in here and tell us.

Install Tiger from an external DVD drive?

I have an old blue & white G3 OS 9.2.1 and I want to install Tiger.
Internal cd drive but an external dvd reader/writer.
Does anyone know how to get the CPU to recognize the external dvd drive for startup?
I tried changing in startup menu - drive was not allowed to be accessed.
Is it all possible to install with a dvd internal drive?
Hughrayfeather

That machine will not recognize an external DVD reader/writer as a bootable system.
You can get the Tiger Media Exchange on http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/ on the right hand side, which is a CD version of Tiger.
Only newer AGP PowerMac G4s and iMac G3s and iBook G3s with Firewire can boot off external Firewire drives.
For more on upgrading to Mac OS X, also see this FAQ:
http://www.macmaps.com/macosxnative.html
Disclaimer: Reference to links I make to my Macmaps.com website are a for your information only type reference. I do not get any profit from this page, and it is open to the public.

Why can't I boot from my windows install disk using an external dvd drive?

My internal disk drive is broken on my computer, so I'm using an external one, but when I put my windows install disk in, it shows up when I'm using the computer, but it doesn't show up when I hold ALT on startup. Why is this?

Alt/Option Boot code is all in ROM. It shows an Icon for each potentially-bootable Volume.
Your Windows install DVD is not directly bootable, and so it does not show an Icon. (An OS 9 Installer CD would not show an Icon either.)
To install Windows, you need to research the use of Boot Camp, the software that provides Mac drivers and facilitates the Installation of Windows on a Mac. There are also Windows restrictions on the use of external drives which you may have to meet.

Can't install windows 7 from external dvd drive

Hi,
I have a Late 2006 Macbook (I think). I am trying to install Windows 7 on it. The partitioning goes well. My Main issue is that my DVD drive is Busted. Whenever i try to install Windows 7 Ultimate 64 but from my Samsung External DVDRW Drive, The apple logo starts to flash with a Cross going through it. Are there any methods and solutions to install windows 7 on it?
I have also tried using rEFIt but when booting from a USB, it gives a whole list of Errors.
Plese Help Me
Thank you

HOLD ON GUYS THE PROBLEME IS MINOR AND THE SOLUTION SIMPLE, THE G585 WIN8 IS NOT THAT BAD AFTER U READ THIS OR GO DIRECTLY TO THE LENOVO SUPPORT LINK BELOW AND APPLY THE FIX..
I had the same problem with my new G585, I couldn't get any windows 8 upgrades done by undoing and reversing to pre-upgrade state right after reboot which made my system unstable and very slow to use and windows8 very buggy, it was very frustrating but I didn't give up and kept trying to upgrade with no success to the point I started to think that either something was wrong with my unit even though I had it for less than 2 weeks since I bought it from best buy or Lenovo effed up this time with this sluggish configuration and that I have to add RAM and see if its any better b4 returning it to them for servicing.. well IT TURNS OUT YES LENO EFFED UP BUT NOT WITH THE CONFIGURATION BUT WITH SOME BLOATWEAR CALLED NITRO PDF THAT WILL NOT LET U UPGRADE WINDOWS8 AND SPESIFECLY THE UPGRADE PART OF NITRO PDF FROM TRIAL VERSION TO FULL VERSION CALLED NITRO PDF PRO 7 OR SOME SH** LIKE THAT, THE GOOD PART IS NITRO IS OFFERING A DOWNLOAD FIX U CAN DO WHEN YOU USE THE BLOATHWEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME OR BETTER YET BY DELETING THAT APP AFTER THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS8 OS AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED BY HOW MANY UPGRADES YOU WILL GO THRU BUT YOUR SYSTEME WILL START RUNNING FASTER AND SMOOTHER FROM THE FEW FIRST UPGRADE. LET ME KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT WITH YOU.
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Windows-8/Microsoft-Windows-8-Updates-may-fail-to-apply/td-p/926945

Installing Leopard using an external dvd rom

I am unable to install Leopard on my iMac G5 due to a defective superdrive. Can i install it using an external dvd rom? pls HELP!

If it uses FireWire it should work. Boot while pressing Option. When he cursor changes to a arrow, select the DVD, then click the straight right-pointing arrow.

Trying to wipe the hard drive on a G5 iMac, using an external DVD drive as the one in the iMac is broken.

I'm trying to boot up with the OS (or install) disk, from an external DVD drive as the one in the iMac is broken. When the computer boots up, my normal desktop appears, but also the Mac OSX (Tiger) install disk. When I double-click on the "Install Mac OSX" icon, a screen comes up that says: "Click the button below to restart & begin the install process". The iMac restarts, but just goes back to where it was, & I'm prompted to: "Click the button below to restart & begin the install process".
So far there is no way to "begin the install process", I just keep going around in circles with this. I'm doing this so I can sell the computer. I hope I've made it clear, and TIA for any advice.

I looked at the disk utility erase option. The wording looked a little vague. Seemed to me to erase all the disk including the data if you pick one pass, but I am not sure.
but that is contradicted when you see you have to pick the correct option.

Starting up an emac using an external dvd drive?

My emac has frozen. I was installing the software update to system 10.4.6 when the machine crashed (not enough HD space? don't know.)
Now, it won't get past the Starting Mac OS X screen.
I figure I need to do a clean install or something drastic, just to rebuilt the system software. I think that will work, but I have a problem:
The 10.4 disks I bought only came in DVDs. My emac only has a CD drive, so I installed the software using an external DVD burner.
I have tried to restart holding down the C key, but it's not starting off the external drive.
I have no idea where the ancient OSX disks (CDs) are that came with the computer, and don't know if it's a good idea to go backwards anyhow.
I know the actual hard drive on the emac is functional, because I was able to make it a target disk to back up the files today.
Any clue how to start up using the external DVD drive and the 10.4 DVD?

Edward Rosenstein,
Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Had you used patchburn on the external DVD drive?
Does the drive appear as an option using the option key to bring up Startup Manager?
You mention backing up the eMac's hard drive in Firewire Target Disk Mode. The host computer you used for that should show you how much free space there is on the eMac hard drive; you'll need at least 5 to 8 GB free.
If the host computer you used for the Firewire Target Disk Mode backup has a DVD drive, you can use that to install 10.4 onto the eMac while the eMac is connected in target disk mode. If the host computer doesn't have a DVD drive, try moving the external DVD drive to the host, run Patchburn if it's not recognized, and you should be able to install onto the eMac that way.

Upgrade to SL using an external DVD drive?

Hi all:
I've got an older mac mini (it's an intel machine), but the internal dvd drive has been broken for a long time. I've been using an external DVD drive when needed. I've been trying to upgrade to SL from 10.5.8, but it just won't work. It gets to the instal screen and then at "45 minutes remaining" it flashes to the end of the status bar and reboots my computer... where I am still on 10.5.8. I tried repairing permissions and all that good stuff, but no dice.
Any help? Is the weak link my external DVD burner? Thanks!

Yes, there is a reason. That's what I was trying to figure out. I don't think it would have to do with using an external DVD. Did you try starting up from the DVD. You might try that. If you want to erase and install, then you'll have to start up from the DVD. If you can, once the installation begins choose your language; open Disk Utility from the top of the next page; highlight your drive and choose Partition; assuming you want one partition select 1 (you must select a number here even if you don't want to change the number); and select GUID under the options (which also will format/erase your drive). Shut down Disk Utility and continue your installation.
Next, if you have access to another properly equipped Mac (see link), then you may be able to install using [firewire target disk mode.|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661] Finally, [here is another interesting install possibility mentioned above.|http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20051227162152292] You should be able create your image file like this:
a. Insert the DVD/CD;
b. Open Disk Utility, and select the DVD/CD from the left side list (select the DVD/CD icon on top);
c. from the Disk Utility File menu select New Disk Image from Disk 1;
d. Choose to format the disk image as DVD/CD Master, name the disk image, click Save; and
e. Upon completion, Get Info on the .cdr file and lock the file.
Message was edited by: donv (The Ghost)

Can I install Bootcamp on an External Hard Drive?

*Bootcamp on External Hard Drive?*
Can I install Bootcamp on an external Hard Drive? I don't see why it wouldn't work. Do I need to install the Mac OS on the external Hard Drive first, then Bootcamp?
Parallels
Another question. Does Parallels allow you to not have to use the "option" key to boot into Windows? I mean if I use Parallels can I use XP or Vista at the same time as my mac applications?
What, (if any) are the drawbacks to using "Parallels"?
*What Options are there...*
Is it possible for Apple to allow users to program a key on their keyboard, when pressed will bring up Windows so they don't have to always restart? I need to switch between Windows and mac OS quite often and it's a real pain to always restart. What options do I have?
Thanks

Hi Paint Guy,
*Bootcamp on External Hard Drive?*
Can I install Bootcamp on an external Hard Drive? I don't see why it wouldn't work. Do I need to install the Mac OS on the external Hard Drive first, then Bootcamp?
By Microsofts Design no Windows can be installed and booted from external HDs. BootCamp just follows this.
However, according to this http://tubeshards.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/install-windows-to-a-macintosh-usb-dr ive/ it can be done.
Parallels
Another question. Does Parallels allow you to not have to use the "option" key to boot into Windows? I mean if I use Parallels can I use XP or Vista at the same time as my mac applications?
What, (if any) are the drawbacks to using "Parallels"?
Parallels is an OS X application which don't need a restart of your Mac to run Windows.
Therefor you can run OS X and Parallels Windows side-by-side.
Main drawback is, that Windows runs not native (on the real hardware) but in a virtualized environment.
While this is more than acceptable for 'standard' Office programs, any program that needs direct hardware access (especially games and 3D-programs) either do not run at all or run at noticeable slower speed.
Also you have to realize that the amount of RAM in your Mac is divided between OS X and Parallels Windows.
*What Options are there...*
Is it possible for Apple to allow users to program a key on their keyboard, when pressed will bring up Windows so they don't have to always restart? I need to switch between Windows and mac OS quite often and it's a real pain to always restart. What options do I have?
BootCamp is no option then, since it needs a reboot everytime you want to switch between OS X and Windows.
Parallels (and VMWare Fusion and VirtualBox, BTW) run alongside OSX.
Thanks
You're welcome. Hope it helps.
Have Fun
Stefan
Message was edited by: Fortuny

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Can I install Tiger using an external DVD drive?

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