Reinstall OS X without install disk?

When I bought my G5, I swear that Tiger came pre-installed, and I did not receive a physical copy of it. Is this possible, and if not, if I DO need to reinstall, do I have to buy a new copy? I'm taking it to the genius bar tomorrow, and I'm afraid the issues I'm having may result in needing to start from scratch at some point. Thanks!

Some iMacs G5s came with Tiger originally, others with Panther. It's hard to tell without specific information about your model. Check on http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index-imac.html
All Macs are supplied with discs originally if purchased new. In theory anybody selling a computer subsequently should pass on the discs since they will only work on that model, but this doesn't always happen. Also some people will upgrade an OS in order to make a computer more attractive but will not include the upgrade discs which strictly speaking is against the license terms.
Call Apple Customer Support 1-800-767-2775 (http://www.apple.com/contact/phone_contacts.html). Provide the serial number and specifications of the Mac. They may be able to provide a replacement set of discs for a fee. These discs will be for whatever OS was installed on the computer originally, so if you have an upgraded version you will need to obtain the discs some other way.
The only way to get an OS is on discs. There aren't any downloads.

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Reinstall os x without install disk or recovery

Hi guys! So I just got this imac g4 from my neighbor and thought I'd have some fun. os x was doing fine, but there isn't a computer in our house without linux on it. only installed linux on one other imac, but that was a differen't version with no desire to keep that demented os x. This however, I wanted to dual boot. I started by booting to lubuntu ppc, but when I went to install, I did something wrong and it wiped all partitions and marked them as Lubuntu LVM, including. Now I want to get os x back. Since this is a hobby though, I cannot buy any disks or such. If not the first, is there a way I could maybe use a partition recovery program on it? If I must use parted or testdisk, I wil, but I'd much rather not, concidering the time it consumes and that it would bring me back to making a new linux partition, which I don't know how to do since tomsrtbt is x86. If I have to, I'll find a good linux command line or something to use parted, but I really don't want too. Got no other idea of what to do here! Thanks!

Restore Tiger 10.4 & Leopard 10.5 DVDs are available from Apple by calling 1(800) 275-2273. Have your serial number ready. Have your credit card ready too. There may be a small fee. One person reported getting the cds free. You may have to call more than once not all reps know how to find the dvds.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4720126?tstart=0 -- January 20,2013
https://discussions.apple.com/message/24588313#24588313 -- January 22,2014
I kind of think your data is lost. In the furture, back things up. I use dd on my mac.
"TestDisk is a free data recovery utility. It was primarily designed to help recover lost data storage partitions and/or make non-booting disks bootable again when these symptoms are caused by faulty software, certain types of viruses or human error (such as accidentally erasing a partition table)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TestDisk

How to reinstall photoshop CS4 without instal disk

I lost all my Adobe CS4 apps when my hard drive was formatted after a crash. I do not have the install discs any longer. How can I get back my apps?

Downloadable CS4 installers for Windows or Mac are here Download CS4 products
Gene

Trying to reinstall tiger but no install disk

i think my parents threw out my install disk when i moved. no one can find it now. is there any way to reinstall the os without a disk?

Yes, it may be the best method, it is quick and simple. (EDIT: Of course you'll have to re-install all third party software) But I would back up your entire /Users folder. There may be other information there you'll need. Make your backup before you do another thing.
i want to do this because my machine has been acting up ever since i installed about a billion fonts on it last year.
Have you tried dragging ~(yourHome)/Library/Fonts folder to the desktop and restarting? (Assuming that is the folder that you installed your Fonts to)
If you re-install (after getting your new disks) don't forget to apply the 10.4.9 PPC Combo Update. And remember to Verify Disk before update and repair permissions after update from /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.
Good luck
-mj
[email protected]
Message was edited by: macjack

I had osx version 10.6.8 i reinstalled osx with the install disk now i have 10.6.3

i had osx 10.6.8 i reinstalled with the osx install disk and now i have 10.6.3 and some of my apps are not compatible any suggestions please and thank you

It is possible you had used the Combo or software update to move from 10.6.3 to 10.6.8 prior to the reinstall. Then when you reinstalled, the install disk took you to 10.6.3 and as MichelPM says, you will need to update again.
The appropriate combo updater is Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 It's a big update and can take 40 minutes or more.
But you will still have to software update to pick up the latest security and iTunes updates.
Don't forget to back up your files first.

Reinstalling mail without install disks

I just got a new hard drive installed--and accidently deleted my mail program.
They updated my system, so my install disks are old. How can I reinstall "mail" without the install discs?
Can I restore my mac to original settings??
Aaaaaahhh!!! Thanks

Click here and follow the instructions.
(35261)

How to reinstall snow leopard without install disc

Hi guys,
I recently took my computer in to an authorised repairer (MyMac Flinders St., Melbourne Australia) to get my LCD screen replaced under warranty, as it had developed a yellow line running down the right hand side of the screen. Whilst it was in the shop I decided to have a new 1TB hard drive put in, and get the OS updated to Snow Leopard (they loaded it up, I did not get install disc). Since then, I have had massive problems with my computer. The computer sometimes would not turn on, turn off, or simply freeze. I took the computer back in and was told it was a software issue, so they did a format reinstall, and told me the problem was fixed. Within hours of getting the computer home, the same problem occurred. I took it back, was told the same thing, and with the same end result (computer not working). I then took it into the Apple store in Chadstone Melbourne, and was told it was the hard drive that was at fault, and not the software at all. I then tried to get the hard drive replaced through MyMac Flinders St., as I now thought it might be the hard drive that was the problem, and with great reluctance and many minutes on the phone they finally agreed. I had big problems getting this agreed to, because my computer was now out of warranty. So, I guess this is a two part question:
1. I've got the computer back now, with the new hard drive, and it seemed to be working fine, but i've since discovered my phone was not syncing up correctly, and was told by Apple support to check my iSync.. to which I was greeted with the error message "iSync can't be launched iSync Manager not available" to which Apple support gave me a step by step instruction download to fix:
In the Finder, choose Utilities from the Go menu.
Open Terminal.
In the Terminal window that opens, type or paste the following command on a single line:
/System/Library/Frameworks/SyncServices.framework/Versions/A/Resources/resetsync .pl full
Press Return.
When the operation is complete quit Terminal
The only problem being.. the Apple Terminal was missing. The program logo was there, but unable to launch. I figure my best bet will be to do a reinstall of Snow Leopard, but I am unsure of how to do this without the physical install disc. I have a backup on an external hard drive.
2. With my computer being now out of AppleCare warranty, I would like to know my options if this problem is unfixable, as my computer was fine before I took it into the authorised repairer, and also in warranty. I don't think I should wear the financial costs of replacing this computer.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Steve

I assumed it was normal to load up an OS without giving the disk..
Absolutely not.
Are you 100% sure they have acted outside the law here?
If you are absolutely sure that they didn't give you a disk, then yes, what they have done is essentially software piracy. Of course, it could simply be construed as a mistake. It is not unusual, however careless it might be, for repair folks to assume you were running SL when they reinstall your system.
However, if you specifically asked them to upgrade you to SL, as it sounds like you did, and they charged you a fee for that upgrade but didn't give you a disk, then that's theft pure and simple.
Oh, and that link you sent for AHT.. It's telling me I'd have to have the install disk to run the hardware test. Is there a way to do it without the disk?
It requires one of the gray disks that shipped with your machine, not the retail SL disk that you don't have. If you have misplaced those disks, then you're a bit hosed... Apple will replace the gray disks for a small fee, and that's the only way you're going to get AHT.
Newer machines apparently have a small hidden partition with the AHT boot system on it, but if your machine didn't ship with SL, I don't think it'll be one of those.

Removing 10.6.7 without install disk

Trying to help a friend who bought a used MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard installed. Problem is she doesn't have the 10.6.7 install disk only 10.5.2. How can I remove Snow Leopard and reinstall the original 10.5.2?

If she hasn't yet created any data on the Mac, just boot from the installation disc, and choose Erase and Install. Reboot and run Software Update until all available updates are installed. You can then install the applications on the other disc.
I disagree with those who suggest leaving the installed OS in place. A used machine is in a completely unknown state and can't be trusted, nor can it be maintained without an installation disc. If your friend wants to stay with Snow Leopard, she should pay the $29 or less for a retail DVD, and buy the iLife apps she wants from the App Store.

Mouse not working when reinstalling OS X with install disk

I am trying to reinstall OS X 10.3 on iMAC G5 after a hard drive crash with the help of the original install disks, but my wireless mouse does not work anymore. Any ideas how I can solve this or go through the installation process with the keyboard alone? I couldn't find a keyboard shortcut to tab from a list in a window to the select button...

How is your mouse not working? Is it dead?
Is the wireless mouse a Mighty Mouse or a 3rd party mouse?
Does you mouse need batteries?
*Just in case it's dirty:*
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302417 How to clean your Mighty Mouse
Take a piece of bright white paper, turn the mouse upside down on it, press down on the ball, and run the mouse quickly in circles over the paper. This will remove all the gunk that's building up on the ball
TIP: To get to the gook inside the scroll nipple use a plastic toothpick.
"Other Options:" Wear latex disposable gloves. A box of same can be purchased from your local Dollar Store or Pharmacy.
Some cell phone leather cases actually fit right over the Mighty Mouse.
Clean/wipe the Mighty Mouse off with a damp cloth/rag prior to going to bed each evening.
Some users have found using the small alcohol pads quite successful. These can be obtained from any drug/pharmacy or Dollar Store.
Only do the following if your warranty has run out:
Cleaning inside and dismantling the Apple Mighty Mouse
If so, then I suggest (if your 1 year warranty is not up and/or you have Apple Care Protecton Plan) you call Apple Tech Support & ask for a replacement.
=========================
Mighty Mouse Take Apart Photos

How to wipe MacBook Pro without install disk

I bought a new MacBook Pro that did not come with an installation disk. It came fully loaded brand new. I then was involved with an Internet Microsoft scam and need to delete all files and "start over" - I can not find a way to wipe my hard drive without the install disk. Can I delete my files and start over?

They don't come with install disks (DVD). Boot to the Mountain Lion Recovery Disk. Hold down the command-r keys. It helps when your profile shows the operating system you are running on the MacBook Pro. iOS 6.1.3 is an OS for iPhone, iPad not MBP.

HT1544 Can I install leopard without install disks?

I need to re-install Leopard on a friends mac. He has leopard installed atm but he doesnt have the installation disks. Is there someway to create a bootable usb maybe using the current installation? What other options I got?

How did you intend to do this without a clone or install disks? You can get reasonably clean OSs via a clone and updaters but if you now wish to explore newer OSs my general advice is below.
Many people are happy with OS X 10.5.8 but if you want to update here is my general advice:
To get information about your Mac click the apple (screen top left) and select About this Mac. This will give you your OS number. Then click More Info to see which Processor you have. If it says PowerPC you cannot upgrade to Snow Leopard and above as these OSs are for Intel only. You can discover more about various Macs at: http://www.apple-history.com/
The OS numbers and names are:
OS X 10.4.x - Tiger
OS X 10.5.x - Leopard
OS X 10.6.x - Snow Leopard
OS X 10.7.x - Lion
OS X 10.8.x - Mountain Lion
If you have an Intel Mac it is well worth upgrading to Snow Leopard now and then considering other options after that.
You can buy Snow Leopard here:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A
For details about upgrading this to Lion or Mountain Lion see:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD256Z/A
In each case check that your Mac complies with the requirements.
If you are not in the US you should use the Change Country link at the bottom of the page.

Restore without install disk?

My hard drive is toast. I have an external drive I can boot from, a complete time machine backup, and a new hard drive that I want to restore my backup from....but my install disk is at the office.
I want to boot from the external drive and do a complete restore on the new disk from the backup, but how can I do this without the "Restore System From Backup" utility?

Yeah, I know that TM backups aren't bootable. I did try one other option, though. I installed a system on my new drive and tried to use Migration Assistant to copy everything over, but that didn't work either.
I gave up and got the install disk from my office.

Installing new hard drive without install disk

I just recently purchased a 500gb 7200rpm 2.5" seagate momentus for my macbook and my install disk doesn't work. Is there anyway to get OS X off my old hard drive onto my new one?

Why doesn't the install disc work?
Most drives are pre-formatted to work with windows.
Is your new drive formatted for Mac use? That's OSX Extended (Journaled).
Al

Wiping out the system without install disk?

I just recieved a iMac G4 from work and have none of the administrator settings. I am having difficulty installing 10.3 on it because it is not mounting or reading any install disks i put in it but does however read burned disks...? Please help!!! also currently running on 10.1.

Hold down command-option-o-f then poweron your machine. Continue holding until the Open Firmware screen appears.
#In case you have a cd you don't want. How to eject a cd from the internal cd drive:
eject cd
#insert the cd
mac-boot
#You will need to quickly press the and hold down the c key.
In case you act too late, shutdown your machine. Hold down the option key. This will bring up the startup manager. Power on your machine. Click on the dvd image. Click on the arrow icon.
Robert

When reinstalling OS X with install disk, wireless mouse doesn't work

I have an unusual problem: My iMAC G5 hard drive died and I installed a replacement disk. Now, I am trying to reinstall OS X 10.3 with the help of my original install CDs that came with the iMAC.
Unfortunately, my wireless mighty mouse doesn't react anymore and I cannot proceed with the installation through keyboard commands alone. I get stuck at the first install window where the system asks for the operating system language.
I am clueless how to proceed since I don't have access to any utilities to test or connect the mouse because OS X is not installed yet. I tested the mouse on another Mac and it works. Any clues? Thanks for your help.

I solved my problem by using the original mouse

Reinstall OS X without install disk?

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