Original iMac locks up in open firmware

I have a Rev A. original Bondi Blue iMac. 1.2 firmware updater has been applied. New larger hard drive in place. My ultimate goal is to get 9.2.2, 10.4.6 and Linux installed and bootable on this. Why? Because I like a challenge, and I can learn. I downloaded and burned Open Suse 10.1 discs (they just resumed PPC support) and powered on the old iMac for the first time in a couple months. It boots to 9.2.2 fine, and works. I've confirmed the firmware update has been applied, as well as the CD firmware update. It currently has 160 MB of memory.
When booting, I can old down "C" and it will boot from CD. I get the yaboot prompt (or whatever the boot loader is), but it accepts no further keyboard input. I either have to pull the power cord or hit the reset button. Similarly, I can hold down alt-splat-O-F and boot to open firmware. But once I'm there the system does not recognize any keyboard input. At least in open firmware, I can use the front panel power button to restart.
I have a third-party USB keyboard (Macally iKey) and I also have a small Apple USB keyboard from my dual-G5. Same failure with either.
What to do?
Jim
Bondi Blue iMac Rev A., 233 MHz, tray loading Mac OS 9.2.x

I let it sit for a while (days) and it started working. I didn't do anything explicit to fix it, but had tried lots of tricks and nothing worked at the time. So now it boots on the OS9 disc, OSX disc or Yellow Dog disc. The Open Suse disc has problems booting, but the computer is usable and I can proceed in my experiments.
Jim

Similar Messages

Open Firmware Password Utility?

The Utilities folder on the Install DIsc 1 of my new iMac still includes an Open Firmware Password Utility. Of course, there is no Open Firmware on these new Macs, so I assume it does not do anything.
However, it is listed as an updated Universal application, and it did allow me to enter a password. So I thought maybe it was accessing EFI somehow.
On the other hand, entering the password did not prevent me from later booting from the Install DVD. So it appears to do nothing after all.
But if it does nothing, why is it there at all?
Cann anyone sort out this confusion? Thanks.
Power Mac G5

Bah Humbug! You solved it. Would still rather have the old utility from 10.3 days in my utilities folder.
Thanks and Merry Xmas/Chanukah/Kwanza...

HT201718 IMac is on white screen "Open Firmware" what shall I do now

well I have a genuine Mac Leopard OS X 10.6.7 installation disk and the iMac is stuck in grey screen and says in panic: We are hanging here.I have been able to get to white scree in Open Firmware but that's about it. Holding the C key down doesn't start the installation disk.

Is your signature correct?
The A1076 is not able to run 10.6 - that OS is for Intel Macs. That model is a PowerPC G5.
You need the original install disks or a copy of 10.5 to install or fix that hardware.

Old iMac & Open Firmware Troubles

Hi,
I have an old iMac (G3 I think?) that did run Mac OS 9.1; until one day I shut off the power via the power button instead of the GUI way, and the next time I turned it off it quit on me. It now (every time it turns on) mockingly shows a blinking folder with the Finder logo and questionmark blinking intermittenly.
So naturely, I brought it to the Apple store, hoping they would help me as they did my old Powerbook 1400c. They did, but not enough to get it functional.
Anyway, I've been able to get it to boot into Open Firmware (via Command+Alt+O+F); but that's it. I tried issuing common commands that people have said worked for them, but to no avail. For example, I used "mac-boot", "boot hd:,\\", "reset-nvram" (or whatever that command is to reset the NVRAM), "reset-all", and even used "boot cd:" (and "boot cd:,\\") while my Mac OS 8 install disk is in there (I don't have 9), but it does not work.
Whenever I issue the "boot hd:,\\" and "boot cd:"; it comes up with the following message:
         load-size=0 adler32=1
         LOAD-SIZE is too small
So my question is this: how/what can possibly be done to get this old computer up and running again? Some people have suggested it could be the logic board, but I am deeply hoping not (I dont' have the skill or money required to get & install one). Any ideas?
        Thanks!
P.S.- Does anyone know the boot command to make it boot from CD? I think the apple guys tried it already (and did not work), but I might as well try again. Also, if it's any help, the Open Firmware version is 3.0.f2 .

Hello,
Would it be correct to assume that the PRAM has been successfully reset?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
It is possible that the internal 3.6 V battery is bad. This may or may not affect the ability to locate a valid system.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iMacG3_originalInstallGuide.PDF
>Mac OS 8 install disk is in there
Is it a Mac OS 8.1 or 8.5 CD that came with the computer, not a plain Mac OS 8 disc?
>Does anyone know the boot command to make it boot from CD?
Normally, one would press the C key. However, if this does not work, you could try holding down the four keys Command(Apple) + Option(Alt) + Shift + Delete(Backspace).
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iMacG3_originalEmergencyHndbk.PDF
Jan

Open Firmware Locked

I upgraded from Panther to Tiger. Now, when I go to open the "Open Firmware" application it is locked and when I click on it nothing happens. It is version 1.0.2. How can I open it to lock or unlock it?

Use the Open Firmware application from the Mac OS X 10.4 DVD if you aren't already.
(30672)

Mac Pro auto locked . When I try with original password system didn't open .and it did bring forgot password or password hint also ? What could be the reason ?

Mac Pro auto locked . When I try with original password system didn't open .and it did bring forgot password or password hint also ? What could be the reason ?

Try to reset password.
OS X 10.7 Lion, 10.8 MountainLion & 10.9 Mavericks
Reset Password using Recovery HD
Boot into Recovery Partition.
Start the computer,then press and hold down command and R keys to start into recovery partition.
When you see the Apple logo, release the keys.
Wait until OS X Utilities window shows up.
Move the mouse to the menubar at the top and click "Utilities", then select "Terminal"
from the drop down.
Terminal window will appear.
Type in resetpassword and press enter on the keyboard.
Leave the Terminal window open.
Reset Password Utility window will open with Macintosh HD selected.
Select the user account from the popup menu box.
Enter a new password.
Reenter the new password for the user.
Enter a hint.
Click the "Save" button.
Click  in the menubar and select Restart.

Since installing Maverick on my 21in. 3.2ghz iMac, cannot upload to any application without it locking up, Aperature opens automatically, my printers don't work and Apple has failed to reschedule a appointment with a Tech on Case *******in 3wks

Since installing Maverick on my 21in. 3.2ghz iMac, cannot upload to any application without it locking up, Aperature opens automatically, my printers don't work and Apple has failed to reschedule a appointment with a Tech on Case ********* in 3wks
<Edited by Host>

Sorry you've decided this is a rant but the objective observer would know that all I want is a solution to at least the 3 issues mentioned. I spent the better part of 2 nights with techs that had me doing all the standard refresh items, i.e. setting the PRAM... and as time goes on my frustration grows. Last week spent days trying to find the driver software Maverick now needs and Apple is supposed to have it and doesn't. So at what point does this become a rant? I've done things the right way had mucho patience thus far and as a kicker, Apple won't let me download Mountain Lion to reinstall and rid my self of Maverick. Tell me, would you complain?

Intel iMac, Open Firmware Password Protection and booting from CD

I have an Intel iMac I'm setting up for use in a public library. I want to prevent single user login with the Open Firmware Password Protection utility, but if I do, how do I boot from the OS disc, zap PRAM, etc? The OFPP page has instructions on removing the OF password, but it does not work on Intel Mac's. Also, is there an alternative way to prevent single user login?

No, you were right, I just misunderstood. Technically it's called single-user mode. But, you were right.
Anyway,
Since it seems that there might not be an answer directly related to your topic you could maybe give this a try.
In Simple Finder the user can not restart or shutdown. They can only sleep and log out.
The other problem, however, is if they log out then there are those Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down buttons on the login screen. Luckily, though they can be turned off.
So as of now, if some is logged in in a Simple Finder account they can not restart or shut down the computer in order to get into single-user mode. They can also not get into the Administer account since it is password protected.
The only problem I can see with this is that a person could do a hard shut down, hold the power button down until it turns off, and then boot up and enter single-user mode.
If you want to go ahead and do this, in order to get the computer up and running in the mean time, just post back and I'll be glad to help you set up a Simple Finder account.

IMac G3 won't boot - starts in Open Firmware

Hi there, I tried to install Debian PPC Linux on my iMac G3, it didn't install properly and now the machine only boots to Open Firmware. I would like to re-install Mac OS 9, I have the system software disc. Please could someone advise on how best to do? Thank you!!

Is this a tray or slot loading iMac?
I'll assume slot.
I forget what booting into open firmware signifies. :-(
It does seem like a reset situation.
Sometimes if volumes don't appear in Startup Manager (what you get when you hold down the Option key at startup), you need to reset the Mac's PRAM, NVRAM, and Open Firmware. Shut down the Mac, then power it up, and before the screen lights up, quickly hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys, until the Mac has chimed twice more after the powerup chime. Then, before the screen lights up, hold down Command-Option-O-F until the Open Firmware screen appears. Then enter these lines, pressing Return after each one:
reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all
"The reset-all command should restart your Mac. If so, you have successfully reset the Open Firmware settings."
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1812?viewlocale=en_US
How to eject a cd from the internal cd drive:
eject cd
List of devices:
devalias
List of variables:
printenv
( nvram is the equivalent Mac OS X terminal command. )
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
reset the PMU
http://mrjcd.com/junk/PMU.jpg
for slot loaders.
Try holding down the option key then power on. This brings up the startup manager. Click on your cd. Click on right arrow key.
I have ubuntu 6 .6 lts running on my iMac G3 600. there are some video setting to change.
Robert

Everytime I open an app on my Imac the colored wheel spins and computer locks up without opening what I want.

Everytime I open an app on my Imac the colored wheel spins and computer locks up without opening what I want. I can't get past my initial screen saver screen. Can't even go to Apple/AboutThis Mac... color wheel just starts and doesn't stop.

Care to share which OS you are using?
Check out: Troubleshoot the spinning beach ball/freezing & crashing and Troubleshoot the spinning beach ball

Open Firmware Password..oops

Today I decided to see if the startup disc on my external HD was working properly. I went to System Preferences and clicked over to the Maxtor as my prefered choice. I did not click the lock at the bottom. I then clicked Restart, everything on the desktop dismounted and the screen went dark and then came back up with the gray screen with the spinning wheel....and stayed there.
I noticed that there was a circle with a line through it and then I noticed that my iPod was still connected, it was dismounted and charging.
I shut off the power, to the iMac, disconnected the iPod and turned the power back on, and the gray screen with flashing folder with a question mark appeared.
I went to the MacBook and did a search in the discussions and the only thing I could find out was that I needed to boot from the install discs, hence the oops.
I have Undercover installed, and part of their setup is to enable the Open Firmware Password.
How can I get my iMac up and running if I can't use the install discs or target disc mode?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ddougYo, I have the Orbicule software on 5 MAcs (it nearly got one that was stolen back for me too) and also had its predecessor, Lapcop which also used the Open Firmware Password utility.
You are not going to be able to boot up until you can get through the Firmware Password Utility and there are only two ways: the password itself, or the method that Baltwo has suggested. If the password is not working then you have possibly not entered it correctly.
If, for some strange (unidentified) reason that is not the case, then Baltwo's solution is all you have left. Have a look at the manual: getting the iMac's RAM out should not be hard. Do you have one or two modules? If one, try putting it in the other slot.

I have an original iMac running on 10.4.11. I am kicked off the internet because it is asking for a Keychain password - I do not have a keychain password.

I have an original iMac running on 10.4.11. Suddenly I could not sign on to my browser, although I was connected to the internet - with 4 bars. I would get signed on and then get kicked off because Safari was requesting a Keychain password. I never used keychain so did not have a password.
Eventually i tried to reload the original software, but am niow unable to get the computer restarted and startup disk is in the machine. I have tried to start by holding down the "C" key, but after the apple comes on it reverts to a "Darwin message"

Try holding down the option key then power on. This brings up the startup manager. Click on your hd. Click on right arrow key.
What does the darwin mesage say?
Run hardware test.
The orginal iMac had a 15inch crt screen.
To eject the dvd.
power off your machine. hold down your left mouse button. power on your machine. This should eject the cd.
Eject cd
Here is a web page on twelve ways to eject the cd.
http://www.osxfaq.com/dailytips/01-2003/01-16.ws
On a PowerPC-based Macintosh (but not an Intel-based Macintosh), you may use Open Firmware to eject a CD or DVD disc when normal methods for ejecting it have not succeeded.
Immediately after the startup sound, press and hold the key combination Command-Option-o-f. Enter commands:
eject cd
mac-boot
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106752

PowerBook G4 boots to Open Firmware without keyboard access

Summary:
Let me provide a little backstory.
According to the [DARPA Visitor Guidelines|http://www.darpa.mil/body/visitor_guidelines.html] wireless network technology is prohibited from DARPA facilities. Laptops with a wireless card are required to be "disabled at the BIOS level".
Before an upcoming visit to DARPA I was told that I would need to make sure my laptop wireless card was disabled. I mentioned that Macs don't have BIOS but I'd look into doing it in Open Firmware. The response from DARPA was that no one has ever successfully brought an Apple laptop into the facility, and that I should procure a PC laptop for my visit. Ah, a challenge!
I booted into Open Firmware (⌘⌥OF), located the wireless card in the device tree, and removed two properties I figured the driver would be searching for: the vendor ID, and the product ID. I exited Open Firmware and continued to boot into Mac OS X v10.5.2.
Sure enough the System Profiler showed that no wireless card was installed. Success! Now I just need to make the device tree modifications persist between reboots.
It seemed the solution was to place the Open Firmware commands I issued to disable the card into nvramrc. So I set nvramrc to contain the same commands, and set use-nvramrc? to be true. I rebooted the machine but the card was still detected.
A bit [more research|http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/doc/805-4436/6j4719c8v?a=view] revealed that the device tree is not created by Open Firmware until after the nvramrc is executed. The solution is to build the device tree in the nvramrc and tell Open Firmware not to rebuild it. The documentation states that this is accomplished with the probe-all, install-console, and banner Forth commands. I added those commands to my nvramrc and rebooted. The contents of nvramrc:
probe-all install-console banner
dev wireless
" device-id" delete-property
" vendor-id" delete-property
The outcome... well technically the laptop has wireless disabled. Almost everything is disabled. The machine now boots directly into Open Firmware with a few ominous bits of output and no response from the keyboard.
no active package
Apple PowerBook5,6 6.4.9.1f1 BootROM built on 01/21/05 at 10:51:16
Copyright 1994-2005 Apple Computer, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Welcome to Open Firmware, the system time and date is 05/06/2008 10:00:00
Command security mode
To continue booting, type "mac-boot" and press return.
To shut down, type "shut-down" and press return.
ok
0 > _
The first sign that something has gone wrong is no active package. The second message just throws another wrench into the works: Command security mode. Yes, the Open Firmware password was enabled. In retrospect this was a bad thing to have set when mucking about in OF. I knew of the RAM change trick (see below) so this was not an issue at the time.
Question:
So the question is: What actions do I need to take to return the laptop to a useable state. That is, booting into Mac OS X.
*Attempted solutions:*
+1. Reset nvram+
The first and most obvious solution is to reset nvram using the snag key combination ⌘⌥PR. Unfortunately do to the firmware password being set, [all snag keys have been disabled|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352]. This means no target disk mode (⌘T), boot from CD (⌘C), boot from network (⌘N), etc... In any case an attempt at resetting nvram yields an additional message being appended to the Open Firmware screen:
Release keys to continue!_
+2. Reset nvram after changing amount RAM in system+
Luckily there is a work-around to firmware password protection. Changing the amount of RAM installed in the machine should allow the nvram zap snag to function. I removed one of the two 512MB DIMMS in the laptop and started up while holding down ⌘⌥PR. This results in the same message as above:
Release keys to continue!_
Not so lucky.
+3. Reset the Power Management Unit+
[Resetting the Power Management (PMU)|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449] is accomplished by removing the battery and disconnecting the power cord, and then holding down the power button for about 5 seconds. This had no effect besides resetting the system clock to 01/01/1904 00:00:41.
Getting more desperate...
+4. Search logic board for CUDA+
I [opened the machine|http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/PowerBook-G4-Al-15-Inch-1-5-1-67-BT-2-0 -LR/64] to search for a hidden [CUDA button|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86760]. As expected, a CUDA button does not exist on this model and the PMU reset is accomplished as noted in attempted solution 3.
+5. Remove internal battery+
Well the laptop is open now, so I tried removing the internal memory backup battery and revisited each of the above solutions. No success.
+6. Remove hard drive+
Again, since the laptop was open, why not remove the hard drive and see what happens. The machine wasn't even making it to the boot-loader hand-off so I didn't expect this to produce any results. No results produced.
Thinking crazy thoughts...
+7. Attempt a firmware update+
Firmware updates have a side effect of resetting the nvram. Also firmware updates are initiated very early in the startup process by holding down the power button until a tone is heard and the power light flashes. My thought was that I would grab a previous firmware update for this laptop and force it to be reapplied. Unfortunately there have been no updates to this model's firmware.
+8. Write my own firmware update script+
While investigating solution #7 I realized that the file BootROMFirmware installed by the firmware updaters for G5s and G4s machines are just Forth programs with a binary payload attached to the end. I learned [Forth|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forth(programminglanguage)]. The BootROMFirmware files are really cool, since they do everything from drawing the progress bar during the update, uncompressing and check-summing the binary payload, and generally making sure you don't brick your machine. In any case it seem entirely doable to write my own program in Forth and undo the evil I did before. I really only need to flip one bit. I needed the use-nvramrc? variable set to false. So I created this very simple Forth program:
\ debrickifier
setenv use-nvramrc? false
reset-all
The original firmware file had additional attributes set, a creator and file type of fw99. So I set those two attributes on my file as well. I ran strings on the firmware installer program and guessed that it was copying the file to /System/Library/CoreServices. So this is where I placed my Forth file. Reinstalled the drive and rebooted the laptop while holding down the power key to initiate a firmware install. No dice.
Its hard to tell why this is failing. The file may in the wrong place, have the wrong permissions. From what I've reviewed in the original files, the setenv and reset-all words should be available. Maybe the Firmware Update utilities are setting some other magic in nvram before the reboot.
I think I've covered all the different major solutions that I've attempted. Their might be a few more that I've forgotten to mention (like using an external USB keyboard). I still think that getting some Forth to execute via the firmware update mechanism could use some more exploration. My current worst case is that I'll replace the logic board, although I'd hate to do that when I know there are only a few bad bits flipped in a CMOS somewhere.
I'm hoping to snag the attention of the resident hardware/firmware guru that can shed some light upon the firmware update process, but any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mark

For your next DARPA visit, another option might be to buy the cheapest possible third-party wireless card — it doesn't even need to work. Insert it into your Powerbook's CardBus slot before visiting DARPA, and turn Airport off in System Prefs. On arrival at DARPA, remove the card from the Powerbook and hand it to the security guard. Retrieve it from the guard as you leave, and turn Airport back on again when you get home or back to your office. Unable to comply with the letter of the dunderheaded regulation because you have no BIOS, you will be complying with the spirit of it instead, and no one will be the wiser.

Open firmware startup disk by default

I have an iMac which by default always goes to the open firmware startup disk screen. How do I get rid of this? I have tried zapping the PRAM, reinstalling the OS and a different hard drive. There are no problems w/ the functionality of the computer or the software and there are no symptoms to say that there is anything wrong w/ the computer. Just want to get rid of having to hit enter at the firmware startup disk screen every time I turn it on. Any suggestions please.

Mark, it appears that the defauly startup mode has been changed on your Mac.
Probably the easiest way to get back to normal is using a utility. I use the free utility OnyX. In OnyX go to Parameters>Login and at the bottom of the pane you can change your Mac's default startup mode.

Transferring files from original imac AND external CD for old imac

I have an original iMac that has tons of files on it I would like to save. I created a LOT of materials when I was teaching and they are all on the old iMac. It also has two games I bought on floppy discs that I would really like to keep. I tried to load files on a Passport, but the iMac won't recognize it. I have two other old iMacs (not quite originals) as well, but they won't take the Passport either. They will both take a flash drive. I can take word processing files (I can't even remember the application at the moment) off the older one and convert them to Apple Works on the other one, then take the converted files to our iMac 9.1 and convert them to Pages. Then I put them on the Passport. It is a pain, but at least it works. I can also save the documents as pdfs and put them directly on the newer iMac and copy and paste in a Pages document.
The original iMac does not lend itself to any of this. What is the best way to transfer files? It seems like a very long time ago I tried to connect it to my newer iMac with an Ethernet cable but it wouldn't accept the cable. If I am remembering correctly I called Apple Support and they said it lacked something that would allow it to connect. I do not remember if I have tried a flash drive on it or not. I believe I did and it would not recognize it.
Also, does anyone know how I can manage to save a copy of the games? Since I bought them on floppies I can't reinstall them if something happens, but I believe it is within the law to make a backup copy. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I do have an external floppy reader for the original iMac, but it only works on user created floppies, not commercial ones. If I can manage to hook up to a flash drive or another computer and I simply save the game application, will that be enough? Or is it not possible to know until I try? Will saving the application get all the necessary files?
My second question concerns the newer (but still really old) iMacs. My daughter would love to play some of the games she used to play on them, but the CD drives do not work. Does anyone know where I can get an external CD drive that we can attach to these old iMacs so she can enjoy her games? The computers work fine; she just can't insert the CDs, because it's next to impossible to get them out again.
I believe on the "newer" two we are running OS 9, at least on one of them. I do not recall the OS on the original, but it is whatever it came with. OS 8, perhaps? It has been probably half a year since we fired it up.
I appreciate any advice and help anyone can give me. We really like these old iMacs, which is why we still have three of them. If we can save the files off the original iMac, we would still keep it so we could play our two old games from time to time. :-) I would part with one of the other old iMacs, but I really need to get the files first, and since it won't take a Passport I'm wondering if I'm stuck putting files a few at a time on a flash drive. Do you think it would take an ethernet cable? It seems like I tried to connect to my newer iMac but I couldn't get the computers to recognize each other. I followed all the steps for sharing, but I still couldn't get it to work.
Thank you so much.

Have you formatted the Western Digital Passport drive as a Mac OS Extended (HFS+) volume, or is it factory-formatted for PCs? If the oldest iMac is only running OS 8, it can't recognize HFS+ volumes. It was OS 8.1 that introduced that feature. Additionally, the version of the USB support files (which is somewhat OS-dependent) on the iMacs hard drives affects what will or will not be recognized by those older computers. With each successive release of the USB Adapter Support, the database of supported devices was broadened. The easiest way to transfer the contents of the iMac's hard drive is to physically remove it from the computer and connect a USB-to-IDE adapter directly to it. These adapters come with an external power supply to provide the 12 & 5 volts needed to power the drive. The data connection block is designed to fit either a 3.5" hard drive or the smaller 2.5" laptop drive, as well as newer drives that connect via SATA. It has an included USB cable that connects to a standard USB port, enabling direct reading/writing/file transfers from the hard drive to the computer to which it's connected. These adapters are not Mac-specific in terms of design, so you can buy one at a PC store and use it. For the purpose of identifying such an adapter, here's one that's often recommended in these Forums, carried by Other World Computing. As I mentioned, this adapter is not platform-specific, so you can buy/use a less expensive one sold by PCs stores. I bought one for $15 from Micro Center (PC store), and it has worked with Macs and PCs. As for removing the hard drive from the old iMac - and I assume that it's one of the original models with a tray-loading optical drive (as opposed to the slightly newer ones that have a slot-loading optical drive), you can find directions for accomplishing that if you do a web search. The link that I had for one site (that was good for years) is no longer valid. The iMacs that have a problem ejecting disks are undoubtedly slot-loading models. There are two wide rubber rollers inside those optical drives that grip the disk to pull it in or feed it out. Over time, the rubber dries out, causing the rollers to lose their natural gripping capabilities. If those iMacs have a FireWire port on the side, I'd suggest an external FireWire optical drive. Today, the only type you'll find is a DVD±RW drive, which is more than you need for your intended purpose. A basic CD-ROM drive isn't manufactured/sold anymore. Other World Computing has a few FireWire optical drives, but their least expensive model sells for about $100. Obviously, that costs more than the value of the entire iMac at this point, but the drive will also have USB connectivity as well. You may find other uses for it with your other computers (Macs & PCs), especially if they don't have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD±RW drive. As for transferring a program itself, there could be other associated files. You'd want to check the Extensions and Control Panels folders for any that are named to likely indicate being a part of the program's installed files. The Preferences folder will probably have a file that has saved game settings, but a new one would be created when you run the program in another supported computer. Depending on the age of the program - and you indicated that it was on floppy disks - its compatibility with newer, pre-OS X releases might be limited. The external USB floppy drive that you use with the older iMac should read commercial floppy disks, but it will not recognize the older 800K (Double-Density) Mac-formatted floppy disks. They're disks that typically format as 720K floppies in a PC, but the variable-speed FDD in older Power Macs was able to fit an extra 80K of data onto those disks. A standard 720K "PC" floppy disk should be read by that drive, but it can't recognize an 800K "Mac" disk. A 720K/800K Double-Density floppy disk only has the slide-lock hole at one corner, while a High-Density (1.44 MB) floppy disk has an additional hole at the opposite corner to differentiate it from the older type.

Original iMac locks up in open firmware

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for