Can't install OS 9 on external firewire disk

I am running Panther on an iMac G3 450. Some older software and games just don't run correctly in Classic mode, so I would like to install OS 9 on an external firewire drive. The original OS 9 disk from 2000 doesn't run with Panther. When booting from the OS 9 install disk, it can't read the firewire drive. How can I get the OS 9 boot disk to read the external drive for an install? Or - can I install OS 9 on my hard drive without affecting my OS X and all my software and files? Thanks.

Hi, sageimac -
The original OS 9 disk from 2000 doesn't run with Panther.
Correct. The installer on any stand-alone OS 9 Install CD, retail or original model-specific, will not run in OSX - it will run only when the Mac is booted to OS 9, such as to the OS on the CD.
When booting from the OS 9 install disk, it can't read the firewire drive.
The OS on OS 9 Install CDs contain the necessary software to 'see' a firewire drive connected to a native firewire port while booted to the CD, provided the drive does not need any additional software. If the firwire port was added via an upgrade card, OS 9 may not be able to see it without additional software.
When you added the firewire drive, did you reformat it using Disk Utility under OSX? If so, if the option to install OS 9 drivers was not selected, then that drive can not be mounted whenever the machine is booted to OS 9, such as to an OS 9 Install CD.
Article #106849 - Disk Is Available in Mac OS X But Not in Mac OS 9
Unfortunately, since in that case the drive probably did not have OS 9 drivers on it previously, there may be no solution but to re-initialize that drive - but it won't hurt to try re-installing OS 9 drivers while booted to the OS 9 Install CD, using Drive Setup's Update Driver function.
If it is necessary to re-initialize the drive, it can be done using Drive Setup while booted to the OS 9 Install CD, or by using Disk Utility while booted to OSX (be sure to select the option to install OS 9 drivers in this second case. This will erase it, so be sure to first back up your data. In either case select Mac OS Extended as the format.
Or - can I install OS 9 on my hard drive without affecting my OS X and all my software and files?
Yes - OS 9 and OSX are designed to co-exist on the same volume.
You should have no problem doing that, provided there is sufficient space on the hard drive. I do not consider my OS 9 to be overly fat; however, the System Folder still occupies about 0.4 to 0.5GB. OSX runs best when 5GB or so is left free on the drive. So, if you have 6GB or more free space on the internal drive, there should be no problem doing that.
Use the Clean Install method to install OS 9 from your original Software Install CD (not the Software Restore CD), or from a retail OS 9 Install CD of adequate version.
Note that a Clean Install of OS 9 removes nothing. It installs a brand new, 'clean' System Folder, renames any already existing one to Previous System Folder, installs a new set of standard OS 9 utilities if they're not already present, and little else.
Article #58176 - Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9: Performing a Clean Installation

Similar Messages

Can't install OS X onto external firewire

Hello all,
I have a strange issue going on and apple care won't support it because I am booting an external drive. I have an older ibook and a macbook pro. I have an external drive that has one partition with OS X on it, and another partition for backing up disk images to. I boot up into the OS X on the external drive to make image backups of my Mac HD onto the other partition of the external using superduper.
Here's my problem, I can do this perfectly with the ibook....but not the macbook. When I boot the computer holding down the option key it doesn't even show the external drive as an option as a startup disk. I though maybe because I installed the OS X on the drive using the ibook and an older retail Tiger disk, I should try to reinstall using the macbook's restore disk and do it through the macbook...just in case. When I startup with the install disk, it says that I cannot install OS X onto the external drive.
I am using a lacie drive here. I have created bootable backups using superduper on this drive, and successfully booted the drive many times in the past. So I know it is not that the drive is not bootable, but I don't know what else could be causing this.
Any ideas on this one? I'm getting frustrated, and I'm sure I am just overlooking something here!
From a friend in need!
sterlingfive

Welcome to the Forums!
What you are overlooking is that PPC-based computers like your iBook and Intel-based computers like the MacBook Pro require different partition schemes for their boot disks. Your external HDD is formatted properly for PPC booting (Apple Partition Scheme), and thus your Intel Mac, which requires a GUID partition to boot from, cannot boot from it.
There is a way to configure your HDD to boot both types of Macs, but it's a bit complex. Instructions can be found here:
http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20060721104222189
Hope this helps...

Install Solaris on External Firewire Disk

Hello All,
I have a laptop running windows 2000 and I have a External Firewire Hard Disk of 60 GB. Now my question is, " Is it possible to install Solaris 8 on this external Firewire Hard Disk". When I tried installing, It did not find the external Firewire Disk, the only partition information, which solaris was displaying was from my internal Hard Disk.
Please give me clues/information, how should , I do it.
Thanks
Sanjay

First off, is any of your Macs an Intel Mac, that will complicate matters since they use a different hard drive formatting and need a different installation of Mac OS X.
Secondly, you can't directly install Mac OS X from an Intel Mac to an external hard drive, you have to do a clone with a software like Shirt-Pocket's Superduper for that.
If it isn't an Intel Mac, perhaps your Firewire hard drive isn't Mac OS X bootable? Not all are.
Here's a hint on making the Intel/PowerPC partition table:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2006061610374449
Also note, different Macs which came out after Tiger will only boot off the install disk which came with them, and not the retail disk. So you are best off cloning that Mac to its own partition.

Can I install Leopard on an external drive to run my computer?

Since it seems my hard drive has totally bit the dust, can I install Leopard on the external drive I use for Time Machine, and run my desktop from that drive? Could I run it from an external drive totally dedicated to Leopard? I am buying a new desktop soon, but I need info off of this machine. Can I plug in my Time Machine drive to my laptop and be able to use it without losing data?

Elizabeth Salcido wrote:
Thanks so much.
Youa re welcome!
I figured I would have to use a second drive. At least when I get my new desktop I will have a drive for Time Machine for both desktop and laptop.
If you really plan to keep the laptop around after you get your desktop, I would recommend replacing its internal hard drive. While running your laptop off an external is possible, it should be considered a stopgap measure. i wouldn't do it on a permanent basis. For one, as you'll find out, it's quite a bit slower than when using the internal drive.

Can I install os9 on an external drive from mavericks

Can I install OS9 on an external drive from Mavericks? I'm running Mavericks 10.9.4 on both my MBP and 27" iMac. I have my original OS9 install disc. I'd like to install OS9 on an external drive so I can use some classic apps that I'd like to use.
I tried to install directly to an external drive, but when I click on the Mac OS Install icon, I get the message "You can't open the application "%@" because it may be damaged or incomplete." The icon for Mac OS Install is the generic page with an A. Figuring that Mavericks doesn't recognize the app. Then I restarted and held down the C key - no luck.

I understand, but was hoping I boot off an external drive in 9. Thanks for your response and I apologize for my late response.

How can I install ntfs on an external hard drive so that my Samsung Smart TV can see my media files? Or is there a better option?

How can I install ntfs on an external hard drive so that my Samsung Smart TV can see my media files? Or is there a better option?

OS X cannot natively write to a drive formatted as NTFS, nor can it format a drive as NTFS. There are third-party NTFS drivers available on the market.
Just out of curiosity: Even with NTFS, how is your TV going to access the external hard drive? Does the TV have a USB port?

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

Can i install wow on an external hard drive?

Can i install wow on an external hard drive and play it off that, cause im runing out of space on my computer.

If you are going to install WoW to a external hard drive I suggest getting a eSATA external hard drive. There is a noticable drop in performance when trying to use a external USB drive to run games from.

Tiger doesn't install on external firewire disk (partition)

hi, i've got a Lacie Porche 250GB firewire drive, partitioned in two parts, and i want to install tiger on the first 50GB partition, but the installer give me an error about the destination: "You cannot install Mac OS X on this volume. Mac OS X cannot start up from this volume."
i'm trying to do this with an ibook G4 and the standard Tiger DVD Install.
the external firewire disk is formatted in HFS+
please help me
iMac Intel\iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

A boot disk for the Intel Macs needs to have a GUID Partition Table, the G4 needs the "Apple Partition Map". If you formatted the drive on your Intel Mac, you may need to repartition for the G4. In the "Partition" tab in Disk Utility, use the "Options..." button to choose the partitioning. Backup any data on the drive that you need, first.

Can anyone recommend a brand of external firewire drive suitable for FCP?

Can anyone recommend a brand of external firewire drive suitable for FCP?
I have a mac book pro with the latest OS.
I have been told by Ken Stone that LaCie is no good and western digital is also no good.
I am in Australia and would like not to spend over $500 for a 1TB 7200 rpm drive.

'No good' is a matter of opinion and your expectations. I know people who use WD drives, and I myself have used Lacie ones with no problems. That said there are a lot of people who wouldn't. If you want quality (speed and reliability) you have to pay for it. If you're willing to compromise then you pays your money and takes your chances.
If you go for Lacie or WD then make sure you're getting 7200rpm drives that connect via FW or eSATA.
If you want a recommended solution then most popular seem to be G-Tech, Caldigit or Wiebetech. I have no idea of their availability or pricing in your neck of the woods.

Can you install leopard from an external usb disc drive?

I don't know if the disc drive is fast enough for leopard or something. It's taking forever to open the installer, and when I restarted into the installer it just booted back to my desktop. I have an external disc drive I want to try. Can you install leopard from and external disc drive?

****, I just tried it and when I restarted it didn't go into the installer. I think my disc drive in my old mac mini might be too slow. It takes forever to recognize the disc and just to double click on it and it up. And when I tried to install it the first time from the internal drive it just booted right into my desktop again.

Is there a way to install Windows on an extern hard disk?

I have a mid 2010 iMac and inside a 160GB SSD instead of an 1TB HD and I want to install Windows on it. Because of the SSD is to small for Windows and all the games and so on I want to install Windows on an external firewire HD. Is there a way to make this possible?

Windows 7 can be trimmed to fit on 40GB (I've seen smaller but you need that probably). Same for Mac OS, a small OS normally unless you load up FinalCut, X-Plane World Edition, etc.
You can use another drive with NTFS partition for all the other things you want to use, page, applications, whatever, even temp/tmp and cache can be relocated to another volume.
And, there are iMacs with SSD + 2TB hard drives, and while the iMac isn't as easy to service and upgrade there are drive upgrades, incl SSD.

Can't install OSX Mountain Lion, on the disk selection screen i cant select the Macintosh HD to install OSX giving a message (This disk cannot be used to start up your computer).only have one disk to select and my partition map scheme is GUID partition

just bough OSX Mountain Lion, my laptop operating with v10.6.8. Can't install OSX Mountain Lion, on the disk selection screen i cant select the Macintosh HD to install OSX giving a message (This disk cannot be used to start up your computer).only have one disk to select and my partition map scheme is GUID partition table. 24.44gb disk available.

Verify your computer can run Mountain Lion:
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
     OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements
       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later
         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later
         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later
         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Open Disk Utility and verify the drive is partitioned using GUID and formatted Mac OS Extended, Journaled. If it is then do this:
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
Now try installing Mountain Lion.

External FireWire Disk will not boot

Hi Forum,
after some installations (OS 10.4.9, latest security update and Qucktime 7.1.6 I canot boot from my external disk (Lacie) connected to FireWire 800 port. The Apple shows up but then nothing more happens. Does anyone have a hint?
Thanks
Oliver

Add me to the list also. I had an external firewire disk as a RAID mirror for my boot disk. After a system crash (and some problem with my internal disk) I couldn't boot from the firewire stripe. This used to work.
I've tried creating a single-disk "degraded RAID pair" on the external disk and cloning the internal disk to it (using Disk Utility "Restore"). The cloning works fine but I can't boot from the copy. This is how I originally set up the RAID pair (clone, boot from clone, add internal disk to RAID group). This used to work. I bought a new firewire disk and it has exactly the same problems.
My original firewire disk was an Acomdata E5. My new firewire disk is a Coolmax Gemini CD-311 enclosure with a Hitachi 250GB deskstar inside.
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

I can't install Snow leopard on my hard disk which has 10.4.11 on and lots of space.

I can't install Snow leopard on my hard disk which has 10.4.11 on it and lots of space, I run the snow Leopard install disk and it says it cant be installed on my hard disk, which has 160 GB of space.

Which iMac? If it's a G5, the highest OS you can run is Leopard. Are you using the full retail copy of Snow, or a grey, machine specific disc from another computer? If it's the latter, that's the reason.
Message was edited by: WZZZ

Can't install OS 9 on external firewire disk

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for