New HDD question

Question

So I just bought a new HDD for my Powerbook and I am going to install it myself. I am pretty confident in my ability to physically install it, but I am unsure of the software end of things (being I am a switch over from Windows). I have the original disks that came with it. What do I do once the new hard drive is installed? If you could simplify that would be great cause I'm a complete Mac n00b. Thanks!

Answer 1

Zack75092:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
So I just bought a new HDD for my Powerbook and I am going to install it myself.
You don't say which PowerBook G4 15" you have, but you will find step by step directions for installation here. Select you PB in the list then navigate to the directions for Replacing HDD. In addition here are few tips you may find helpful:
• Print out the ifixit directions as well as the screw guide ahead of time.
• Be sure you have the right tools. You don't want to damage the screw heads or you may never get them out. And the Torx screw driver is critical.
• I use small medicine cups one for the screws in each step. I nest them so that the last ones out and the first to go back in are on top. You can use an ice cube tray, egg carton, dixie cups etc. (Some users report cutting up the screw guide and placing the applicable section in each container. One user reports printing a full page picture of upper case with all the different size screws, after keyboard, and poking the screws into the correct positions on the page as they were removed.)
• Be very careful pulling out leads. Hold the lead as close to the plug as possible and wiggle (the plug ) to loosen its grip. Don’t hold the wires and pull as that can damage the cable, or worse, in some instances pull the wires out of the plug. Indeed, some users have pulled the socket off the logic board! Use needle nose pliers or tweezers if you can access the plug, or nudge the plug with a small instrument to help loosen its grip.
• Use force gently in removing parts. Separating upper and lower case takes some doing. Use a plastic tool (spudge) so as not to leave marks.
• Refer to the screw guide when reassembling computer. Putting longer screws in the wrong place can perforate the circuit board.
Once you have the HDD installed you will need to format and erase the HDD prior to installing.
Formatting, Partitioning Erasing a Hard Disk Drive
• With computer shut down insert install disk in optical drive.
• Hit Power button and immediately after chime hold down the "C" key.
• Select language
• Go to the Utilities menu (Tiger) Installer menu (Panther & earlier) and launch Disk Utility.
• Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
• Select Partition tab in main panel. (You are about to create a single partition volume.)
• (where available) Click on Options button
• Select Apple Partition Map (PPC Macs) or GUID Partition Table (Intel Macs)
• Click OK
• Select number of partition in pull-down menu above Volume diagram.
(Note 1: One partition is normally preferable for an internal HDD.)
• Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
• Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
• Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
• Select Erase tab
• Select the sub-volume (indented) under Manufacturer ID (usually Macintosh HD).
• Check to be sure your Volume Name and Volume Format are correct.
• Click Erase button
• Quit Disk Utility.
Your HDD is now ready for either a fresh install of the OS and restoring from backup, or, if you have a previous installation that is sound, you can clone back to your new HDD. Post back for step by step directions.
cornelius