Classic System Folder Disappeared or Got Trashed By Mistake

I upgraded from OS 10.3.9 to 10.4.10, and from a G3 iMac to a G4 iMac -- all because the G3 died and I have had to put its hard drive into a USB enclosure to access it, and because one of my LaCie backup drives now needs a complete Data Rescue II.
The problem is this: Classic will not run; an error message appears which says "No System 9 Classic Folder installed." When I upgraded to 10.4, I did a clean install which certainly ought to have included the necessary pared down system 9 necessary for Classic. On the G3, I had both 9.2.2 and 10.3.9 installed, and I suppose I might install 9.2.2 from disks if that will give me a system folder with which to run classic. I think a system folder for Classic 9 got lost or trashed, and needs to be reinstalled. Is there any way to do this?
To reconstitute my G3 10.3.9 System to run the now encased former CPU hard drive, should I install a 10.3.9 system directly to that hard drive, boot from it and thereby access all it contained (including whatever made Classic run on that machine)? Should I install 9.2.2 on that same hard drive? Or install 9.2.2 on the new G4iMac running 10.4.10?
It is so easy to make big mistakes mishandling system folders and contents. Any help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Charles

Again much thanks, Kappy. The Classic Folder in the Library in the Previous System is unfortunately empty. This may be because the Archive was created onto an external hard drive(?). My present machine will not permit me to install OS 9.1 - 9.2 because it cannot start Classic (without a Classic Folder already on the machine:- Catch 22.)
Might I be able to use this G4 iMac in Target Mode, firewire connect it to the eMac G4, then try to install from the installer disk mounted on eMac or directly from OS 9 CD startup disk running the eMac? Somehow I have to get some Classic Folder onto the iMac G4 before it will allow me to do anything with the installation disk. It will not even let me install onto an external hard drive. The eMac however has Classic working properly, and will allow all these things; and the eMac and iMac are already connected as an ethernet network for file sharing and printing (if that mode could be used to install onto iMac from eMac.)
I'm sure there is some way to do this; I just can't get past the necessity for Classic to start first on the iMac within System 10.4.10 -- since there is no Classic folder attached to an OS System 9 to allow it.
Do any of my work-around ideas for targeting the iMac from the eMac have merit? If I haven't entirely exhausted your patience, I would deeply appreciate your advice.
Thanks for taking your time to help me.
Charles

Similar Messages

10.4.7 Update and Classic System Folder

I installed 10.4.7 with no problems.
However, I needed to start Classic to run an old application, and when it started up, I got a message stating that changes were required. I allowed the changes to be made and the old application started up with no problems.
Today I tried to boot up my QuickSilver using the Classic partition. (I've done this routinely for the last two years to do repair work on my 9.2.2 partition.) The machine would not boot. Instead it booted using my regular 9.2.2 System folder.
When I checked the start-up folders using the OS 9.2 Startup panel, it showed the Classic system as version 9.2.5. (Using the 10.4.7 Startup pane, there is no version given at all, it just states "Mac OS.") The system file was updated during the changes to Classic. The QuickSilver will no longer boot from this partition.
I would still like to boot from the Classic partition. Is there a workaround for this?
QuickSilver Mac OS X (10.4.6)
QuickSilver Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Apparently during the "update" of the Classic System folder, there was a glitch. I replaced the Classic System File using the one from my OS 9.2.2 System folder, and I can now boot from the Classic partition AND Classic runs fine from OS 10.4.7.

Can't find classic system folder

I recently bought a used Mac that has OS 10.4 installed on it. Everything works fine except for classic, which doesn't seem to be installed. I was told that I can simply copy the system folder of classic from another mac which already has it installed and I should be good to go. Now, I need to explain to a friend via email how he can locate this folder so he can make me a copy. Can someone tell me just where this classic system folder is located? Is it under the hard drive with the main system folder? I would love to get my classic apps going. Thanks fellas (and chicas).
Regards,
Billy M.

This may work. Keep in mind that if you just drag and drop a copy of a System Folder, you also drag and copy things that may have been installed later on the host machine, such as third party extensions, etc.. that my not work on your machine. If you do this, and have issues, you can drag the System Folder to your trash and be done with it. For the best results, try to find an old OS 9 install disk. There are used ones about, eBay sometimes. The one you want is the retail version of OS 9.1. There were two free updates available to this, still posted in places you can download, to bring it up to 9.2.2, which was the last and latest Classic release version. These may still actually be available on the Apple site, if you know where to look to find them. They are necessary to make your Classic folder more compatible to run in Classic mode within OS X.

Help with installing a internal HD to make a classic system folder.

Ok so I've been having one **** of a time trying to make this classic system folder (earlier thread: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2105407&tstart=0 ).
I have the original OS 9.0.4 disk, I didn't save my system folder when I went OS 10.4 so now I'm trying to make one because I can't make one with just 9.0.4 I need to make a 9.2.2 by just updating using IE 5. Should I install the internal HD as a Master Single, Master w/Slave presets, or just Slave then restart on that HD with my OS 9.0.4 disk in holding down c? Then move a copy of the system folder over to the other HD when I get it upgraded?
Hold on I got another idea just replace the HD that's in it now install 9.0.4 upgrade it then move it to my external if it can read it then put the old HD back in and the new one (which should I put that one back in as slave?) and tada.
Which way do you think will be the easiest and less painful way? Also do I make the second internal HD a Slave and the start up one as a Master w/Slave presets?
Message was edited by: HEMIII

Yep I just got done doin' just what you said and now I'm updating classic as we speak. Of all the questions I've had with trying to get classic to work I wish I would of thought of this first. Thanx for the simplified way of saying it. I'll post this in my other thread too, too bad I can't say I solved it myself, lmao.

Trying to install the classic system folder

Hi All, I have 10.4.11 installed on my G4 Cube and would like to use OS9 applications. I understand that I have to use the Classic environment and I have followed the apple instructions to restart the MAC with the OS9 disk and install. However, once I get to the OS9.2.1 desktop. the installer says that I cannot write over my existing OS. I cannot seem to see an option to installed the classic system folder..... The only disks I have access to are Retails OSX 10.4 and retail OS9.2.1.. Any ideas? Thanks Garry
Message was edited by: Garry Westwell

Yes, when booted into 10.4, double click on Macintosh HD on the Desktop, what folders do you see there?
Also, open Disk Utility, click on the whole drive on the left, click on the blue Info button, does it report OS9 Drivers installed like mine...
Name : Other World Computing
Type : Disk
Disk Identifier : disk2
Media Name : WDC WD50 00AAKB-00YSA0 Media
Media Type : Generic
Connection Bus : FireWire
Connection Type : External
Connection ID : 512381015163508
Partition Type : Applepartitionscheme
Device Tree : fw/node@1d20200660274/sbp-2@c000/@0:0
Writable : Yes
Ejectable : Yes
Mac OS 9 Drivers Installed : Yes
Location : External
Total Capacity : 465.8 GB (500,107,862,016 Bytes)
S.M.A.R.T. Status : Not Supported
Disk Number : 2
Partition Number : 0

Classic System Folder Not Installed

My hard drive was recently reformatted. The Apple guy installed Tiger and everything else but failed to install the classic system folder. Is it in my Tiger installation CD and can I install it separately or do I have to reformat my computer again? I don't have my Tiger CD with me right now. It's in my other place. I bought the CD separately by the way. My computer was running on Panther before. I really have to know the answers so I won't have to go get the CD for nothing. Thanks.

Classic is not a part of Tiger. If your computer can boot OS 9 then you can reinstall OS 9 from a bootable OS 9 installer CD. If your computer cannot boot OS 9, then you can install the special version of OS 9 from your original installer discs that came with the computer.

How can I reload Classic on my old iBook so that my re-installed OS 10.3 can find a "classic system folder"?

When I try to install an older program on my iBook running a clean re-installed OS 10.3, it asks for a "classic system". I don't have any of my old classic system discs. Can I download it somewhere?

David Wilson24 wrote:
…It still starts in OSX (10.5.8)…
Aha! You hadn't mentioned the stinky Leopard (10.5.x) until this very last post.
You had me believing you were on Jaguar, 10.3.x, as per your original post.
Leopard (10.5.x) absolutely dropped all support for the Classic environment.

I Have Accidentally Put My System Folder In The Trash...

Hello,
One day i was cleaning up my harddrive when i think i may have accidentally dragged my system folder to the trash can. At which point i shut down the computer. Now i went to restart the computer and a panic screen pops up and i cannot load into my os. i already tried force loading the start up cd and that don't work. i heard there is a fix for this i can't find it though. is there a way to fix this? Im ok with losing my data I would actually prefer to lose it.
Help Much Appreciated,
Hunt The Mac!
(Ibook G4 (10.4.11) PPC)
Just To Let You Aware I Have Other Computers If That Helps

What other computers do you have? If you have another Mac with FireWire, you could try starting up in FireWire Target Disk Mode with the iBook G4 as the target disk. This will mount the iBook's hard drive on the other Mac and you should be able to access the iBook's hard disk from the other Mac and drag the System Folder out of the Trash and back to where it belongs.

Upload System folder to use Classic in OS 10.4.6?

Hello, I have recently upgraded my old iMacs (400MHz & 500 MHz) to OS 10.4.6 and they both seem to run fine, except one thing, they don't have Classic. I have Classic ablility on my iBook G4 which uses OS 10.3.7.
My question is there anyway to just download the "system folder" that Classic uses in my OS 10.3.7 and upload it onto both the computers in order to use CLassic?
This is important since I am going to by upgraded the two iBook to OS 10.4.6 and that would be great to have Classic without trying to install OS 9 then OS 10.4.6, to just use Classic, and that opens up another can of worms when trying to back up the new address book and emails, etc. But I hope there is a way. Help if you can, thanks.

I'm not sure if this is a "big discovery" or not but I actually did copy the system folder and applications (Mac OS 9) from my iBook G4 running OS 10.3.7 to my iMac G3 running OS 10.4.6. I buurned it onto a CD and to my amazement it works!
I went into Classic in preferences and it found the Macintosh HD (I had restarted a few times, while going through to each step)
I put the system folder and application of OS 9 in to the Macintosh HD just like they were on my iBook.
When it was in Classic and it found the folder, I started it up, it said something about needing to update the folder, and it wouldn't affect boot folder (or something of that nature), so I clicked OK and it started up and I was running Classic.
That is only the half of it. And I had called up a person in Tech Support at Apple earlier in the day and they told me I would need to "Install" off the original 2nd CD (additional software)and that would give me Classic. But I bypassed that and just took the folder from my iBook and put it onto OS 10.4.6.
I restarted.
The whole reason for me doing this stuff with classic was to be able to use my mother's "Mail" application (Outlook Express 5.02) and get her emails and address book back with all of her "groupings" (she has like 10,000 email addresses).
So what I did from there was to get the copy I made of my mother's stuff (I had made a copy of Microsoft User Data, Contact Export, and the Mail application). I then proceeded to swap out the Microsoft User Data That I had on the new OS 10.4.6 with that folder from the OS 9.2.1 and put the old one in documents with the new one on the desktop.
I went to Classic in System Pref. and started it up.
I then went into the Identities folder in the Microsoft User Data (old one), Main Identity, then Messeges (outlook express file). Clicked on it and it said something like "rewriting strings" or something along those lines. It said something about starting up the email again and I ignored all of it because at this point I could see that I successfully got my mother's mail back in classic.
I looked and saw that her address book was there with all her groups. (I should note that I already knew the mail would work because I checked by uploading the same files/folders onto my iBook with Classic's help).
But now I had an operational mail off of my iBook and back onto my mother's computer.
I then decided to press my luck and see if the computer could boot off the OS 9 system folder. I went into Start Up Disk in System Pref. and sure enough OS 10.4.6 was there along with the new OS 9.2.2 system folder. Hmm, should I try it will it work? The guy online I think said it wouldn't work and the "pot-head" guy in Apple Tech Support (he did sound stoned) said I won't be able to do any of this. F*ck it.
I restarted on OS 9.2.2.
It actually booted up and I was on the desktop and I went to see if I could actually use Outlook on this desktop and clicked on it, there was an erroe that said I needed to copy the identities folder from Users:my name: basically just get the identities folder, and move it to the outlook express folder. I did so by copying (option key).
I went back to the outlook express, clicked on it and started it up. It worked, it works, just like it did originally (I should note I already had the Mail set up in OS 10.4.6 to our ISP and it is a POP account, it was set up before I tried any of this). I sent myself an email to anotherr account and it worked.
I had talked on the phone with tech support people for at least a couple of hours, coming to the conclusion that I had improperly backed-up my data (emails,etc.) on both (my iMac G3 was running OS 10.2.8 and OS 9.2.1 before I zeroed and formatted it to OS 10.4.6) OS 10.2.8 and OS 9.2.1 and since I didn't have Classic in OS 10.4.6 I coudn't look and see what had and would have to reinstall from the original install CDs then upgrade to 9.2.2 and then "upgrade" to OS 10.4.6 to even have a chance of seeing what I had; and even though I told them what files I had they couldn't tell me if it was correct. My mother was freaking out on me, I won't go into details but she was extremely upset with me. I felt horrible I couldn't even load the stuff from OS 10.2.8.
I thought I had failed and resigned that it was lost. Then a couple of days later I thought "hmm, I see that my comp has Classic I wonder if it would work if I uplloaded it onto my comp" I found out that both of the back ups I made worked, and that I could import the stuff I had in OS 10.2.8 into my Mail (1.3.9) on OS 10.3.7 on my iBook G4.
I am absolutely ecstatic about the fact that Classic works beyond the bounds of what you guys and everyone else said. I would have wasted a lot of time reinstalling all the OSs onto the computers just to have CLassic and now that I'm upgrading four Macs in my house to OS 10.4.6, I can now have classic without absolutely taking HOURS to upload the installers and do damage control. But thanks to you guys who helped and actually I still need help with exporting and importing messages and exporting my address book in OS 9 but now it is easier and alleviates future problems with other systems (I think ). Thanks anyway.

Trashing Previous System Folder??? Question

Did a archive/install of OS about a week ago.. It was successful.]
Fixed my corrupt issue/Everything is working great.
I've reinstalled applications that I need to...
I've checked to see that everything I want to be here now--is here.
(Music, Photos, Documents, Bookmarks, etc.)---It's all here.
My question is: Is it safe to trash the "Previous Systems" Folder?????
It's presently sitting on my HD. It's (understandably) a big file---I'd like to toss it.
Can I? Safely?
Thanks for your help.

jonnylovemac,
Apple Says:
You might wonder "What do I do with the Previous System folder?" It may contain items that you need. To determine this, once you've finished configuring, installing, and updating your applications, you can compare the Previous System to the new System. If there are things in the Previous System folder that aren't in the new System folder, copy them over or reinstall. If you're not sure what some items are (and don't seem to need them), leave them in the Previous System folder. Once you're comfortable that you've got everything you need out of it, you can delete the Previous System folder (or leave it around if you have enough free disk space).
Based upon what you listed in your post, you can safely trash the Previous System folder.
;~)

Trashing "previous systems" folder - applications in use by current system

Hi, Ive made a total mess of reinstalling tiger (probably cos I didnt do a clean install).
everything is working fine, but now ive got a "previous systems" folder on my hardrive that weighs something like 40GB. I was advised it was okay to trash this folder as so long as i'd got any user prefernces out of application support and copied them to the new system. I did this, but next time I went to open my email I was told I couldnt because the application was located in the trash. i tried opening text edit also, and the same problem. so the new system is clearly running applications out of the previous system folder. why?
can someone please tell me how to sort this out? my harddisk is now overflowing due to this folder, and I dont know what i can and cant delete from it (or even where to put the stuff I DONT delete). Help!

There may be a way to get the previous Home Directory files from
the old Previous System folder; and under certain conditions, this
is possible. The error in your current situation appears to be due
to not selecting to save old user accounts & settings in the new one.
"How to get files from previous home directory - after Archive & Install"
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107297
"About installation options - Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5..."
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545
"Peachpit: Installing, upgrading, Backing Up, and Restoring..."
http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=454796&seqNum=3
Some ideas, not all valid, as found in a search of these terms:
{ restoring previous system Mac OS X } - Google Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=restoringprevious+system+Mac+OS+X&btnG=GoogleSearch
There are times where it is preventative to have a backup clone on
some external bootable hard disk drive; and test it before proceeding
in an upgrade or update, then you could revert back by bringing the
clone back into the computer's hard disk drive, if needed. Without a
cloned system, or ideally a complete hard drive clone, this is harder.
Good luck & happy computing!

Missing System Folder in Classic

I really need some help here
Purchased an I BOOK G4 notebook .. mostly as a back up for some graphic programs.
It is running a clean copy of OS X version 10.4.11
Classic is missing the system folder and as a result i cant seem to install anything???
Do not have any OS disks with the machine
What are my options??

Hello, and welcome to Apple Discussions!
You will need a source for a valid and installable OS 9.2.2 system for use
as Classic before you can install and use any pre-OS X applications...
And you really need to have an OS X (tiger 10.4) retail or correct install
disc set to support and maintain the system, and its license in the iBook.
The computer model shipped with a machine specific series of install-restore
discs and the OS 9.2.2 Classic would have been on one of them; usually not
the main disc, that has OS X installers on it. Since that computer did not boot
OS 9.2.2, the installer would be specific to the computer; about the only way
to get an OS 9 from an optional OS X install disc, if you have software but no
computer, the OS X has to see and recognize an appropriate installer, though.
Since OS X is primary and OS 9 does not boot an iBook G4, you have to find
a way to install OS 9.2.2 by drag and drop; or get ahold of a correct original
install-restore disc set for that computer from some online source. There is a
small chance that someone may have the right one for your build model iBook
Used to be, you could call Apple sales support at 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask to
speak to a product specialist about replacement original discs for the iBook G4
and provide them with the product's serial number, and order a new replacement
set of install discs, for a reasonable fee. The correct Apple Hardware Test is on
those discs, so that was the best deal going. The original software could have
been a version of Panther 10.3.9, and if the computer CPU was faster than
800MHz it would not dual boot OS 9 and OS X. This is where details matter.
You may be able to identify your iBook by serial number by using the search
link in everymac.com, to help find which iBook G4 model it really is, and then
know more about upgrading it, getting replacement or upgrade software, and
other important facts. Such as what Apple Hardware Test was in original s/w.
Any other OS 9.1 or 9.2(.1) install disc would not work, since they either would
be for some other computer and made to install when booted (C key held on start)
or, would be too old for the direct install method to work, it won't under OS X if
not the correct disc set for the computer.
You may be able to find a way to install an OS 9.1 or OS 9.2 on an external HDD
or flash USB drive, and update it to OS 9.2.2 using download update files, and
then copy (drag/drop) it into an iBook G4, for use as non-boot Classic 9.
On a trial basis and to test some hardware, I was able to use a newer iBook G4
second install disc which contained an OS 9.2.2 install, and use it as Classic in
a different computer running OS X, by use of Pacifist utility. This takes a packet
of data out of the disc and then installs it from the desktop, directly. It can work.
But there are so many variables some of the things that Could Work, may Not.
Some suggest you may be able to make a copy of a working OS 9.2.2 system
folder and an Applications 9 folder from a working computer and use them as
Classic in some other OS X PPC model of Mac that does not boot OS 9.2.2.
You may be able to use a USB flash drive to copy an OS 9.2 system and its
applications (9) folder. You may even be able to test it as a working idea,
while it still is on the USB memory drive; by pointing the Classic preference
panel (in System Preferences) to look for a Classic system there. Or drag
and drop it into the computer. The good about old OS 9.2 & before, is the
simple way to move a system around; and OS X won't allow that method.
And of course, OS X 10.5 Leopard can't use an OS 9.2.2 Classic.
The original install disc set would be the best bet. Is there any chance the seller
may have misplaced the software set belonging to the computer you bought?
These are considered a part number of the computer, as such, part of the sale.
If bought from a company who fixes and resells computers, do they offer any
optional software for an additional fee? The discs should be included, but in
several instances, people buy a computer second-hand and have no software.
You may have to contact resellers and maybe even auction sites, once you can
identify the exact set of software you need; companies such as welovemacs or
others you can search for may have something; most are overpriced, to me.
The ebay auction tales are enough to scare me into keeping the original discs
and include them when I forward the computer to some other future user.
I have not bought any replacement software online, and OS 9.2.2 installers for
a specific OS X running computer, to be used as Classic, narrow the field; since
the OS 9 system installer on iBook disc media is often made for that model.
Well, I have ideas. And they seem to work better for me in person than when
I've told some persons about them online. Just as well, if there's some glitch
you can avoid by finding the correct discs (in the land of plenty) that's good.
To *search " OS 9.2.2 install CD " in google* may bring up some choices,
but I have no experience with retail resellers of old or used software.
In a few cases, if you get very good at identifying iBook G4s, you may
be able to find a broken one exactly like yours with the original software.
These should be relatively inexpensive; but have very limited use discs.
Hope this may help, somewhat...
Good luck & happy computing!
+PS: I think I need a little more coffee!+

Classic 9 doesn't work because it doesn't have a system folder

Ok Classic 9 doesn't work because it doesn't have a system folder. So why is it even there! it's messing me up! Can anyone help me with this?

So we know more about it...
At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac, then click on More Info, then click on Hardware> and report this upto but not including the Serial#...
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: eMac
Model Identifier: PowerMac6,4
Processor Name: PowerPC G4 (1.2)
Processor Speed: 1.42 GHz
Number Of CPUs: 1
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.9.2f1

Classic will not recognize system folder

I have installed Classic from the cd that came with my computer. The system folder for os9 shows up in root next to the osx folder, but there is no 9 on the folder. When I try to run classic in system preferences, it says os9 is not installed. I've seen other postings saying to "bless" it by dragging the finder from the os9 system folder to the desktop then back again, but this does nothing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hello berne04,
Did you try this (from the link that Texas Mac Man posted)? Try it instead of dragging and dropping the Finder.
No "blessed" Mac OS 9 System Folder
If Classic doesn't start, but Mac OS 9 is installed, the System Folder may not be "blessed".
Open System Preferences and choose Classic from the View menu. You may see an alert box with the message:
"No startup volume: There is no volume with a system folder that supports starting Classic. Please install Mac OS 9.1 or later."
It may not be necessary to reinstall Mac OS 9. Try these steps:
1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
2. From the View menu, choose Startup Disk. The Startup Disk pane appears.
3. Note the current Startup Disk selection, which is a Mac OS X volume.
4. Click the Mac OS 9 System Folder you want to bless.
5. From the View menu, choose Show All.
6. From the View menu, choose Startup Disk.
7. Reselect the volume you noted in Step 3.
8. From the View menu, choose Show All.
9. Quit System Preferences.
Hope This Helps,
Jeff
Mini 1.25, 12 Al PB 1.5, PTP 250, WS PB G3, 3xiMac 400 (OS 9.1) Mac OS X (10.3.9) Wireless KB/Mouse, AEBS, 80 GB OWC FW HD

Do I need System Folder to run Classic in 10.4.6?

I've just bought a new MacBook Pro last night, and in the process of transferring data from my old PowerBook via FireWire connection (the automatic way) it created a number of folders that said "[title of folder] (from old Mac)". In nearly every case, this was accompanied by another folder without the "(from old Mac)" text. One that was only from the old Mac was the OS9 System Folder. Do I even need it, or is all the code necessary to run Classic embedded in 10.4.6?
Thanks in advance!

Hi Steve;
Instead of Hypercard, you might want to check into Revolution. There was a discussion of that on this thread; http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2072745&#2072745
Allan
If you are interested in donating your spare CPU cycles to science, please try
http://teammacosx.homeunix.com/index.html

Classic System Folder Disappeared or Got Trashed By Mistake

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