Upgrade from Panther - pre-upgrade questions

Hello all! I want to upgrade my iBook OS 10.3.9 to either Tiger or Leopard (I have install disks for both) and have a few questions.
1-I have read of many install problems with Leopard, should I upgrade to Tiger instead for ease?
2-besides backing up my files like photos and music, etc, what else do I back up? I have a 500GB external hard drive so I have plenty of space. Do I make a new image of my disc? I read somewhere about making a "bootable" backup - and that would be what exactly?
3-I also read something about running Disk Utility before the upgrade - why and what am I running in Disk Utility?
Thank you all for any questions you can answer!
Karen

Karen Pierson wrote:
Hello all! I want to upgrade my iBook OS 10.3.9 to either Tiger or Leopard (I have install disks for both) and have a few questions.
1-I have read of many install problems with Leopard, should I upgrade to Tiger instead for ease?
But you have not read many of the successful installs with zero problems, have you? They are not here for obvious reasons.
I recommend Leopard. I have never had any problems on any of my three machines.
What you read here is like reading the casebook at the local hospital emergency room - but we don't think from that that everyone there is typical, do we?
2-besides backing up my files like photos and music, etc, what else do I back up? I have a 500GB external hard drive so I have plenty of space. Do I make a new image of my disc? I read somewhere about making a "bootable" backup - and that would be what exactly?
The best backup is the bootable clone. Both CCC and SuperDuper! provide this. Check to see if they support Panther.
http://www.shirt-pocket.com/
http://www.bombich.com/
3-I also read something about running Disk Utility before the upgrade - why and what am I running in Disk Utility?
I am no longer very familiar with Panther, but in diskutility there are two functions - repair permissions and repair hard drive. They are more important in Leopard than previous OSs. If there are there, run them before upgrading.
After upgrading, run them again.
Message was edited by: nerowolfe

Similar Messages

Upgrading from Panther to Leopard tips?

Hi, I'd like to upgrade from Panther 10.3.9 to Leopard, ideally the newest version. I have an I-book G4, 1.33GHZ, currently 512 MB RAM and 30.98 GB available disk space.
First question, is 512 RAM enough, or would it be important to get additional RAM for best performance? I think the most I could upgrade to with this computer would be 1.25 GB RAM. Or would it be better to get Tiger instead? What's the worst that could happen if I run Leopard with only 512 MB RAM? Computer slowing down? I would mostly use it for web surfing and writing with Word 2004, so nothing complicated. Thing is, I wouldn't want to spend too much money on this old computer, and more RAM would be another 30$ at least.
Also, is there any upgrade version that might be cheaper to buy than the full retail version? If so, what is it called? If I get the full retail, are they all the same and should I basically be safe with any disk that has the large "X" on it (as opposed to the gray disks that might only work for specific computers)? Not all sellers offer the whole box, which is fine, I really just need the disk, but I want to make sure I'm getting the right thing.
Do you know of a good place to get Leopard for a good price? Is it generally safe to buy a used disk? I would only need it for this one install, don't care if the disk is dirty, as long as it works.
I still have the Leopard disk from my I-mac, is there any way to install Leopard from that disk, or is full retail the only option?

Leo uses more resoueces, especially Video card relaed...
Tiger Requirements...
To use Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, your Macintosh needs:
    * A PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor
    * Built-in FireWire
    * At least 256 MB of RAM (I recommend 1GB minimum)
    * DVD drive (DVD-ROM), Combo (CD-RW/DVD-ROM) or SuperDrive (DVD-R) for installation
    * At least 3 GB of free disk space; 4 GB if you install the XCode 2 Developer Tools (I recommend 20GB minimum)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514
I still have the Leopard disk from my I-mac, is there any way to install Leopard from that disk, or is full retail the only option?
Sorry, no, it's Intel & machine specific.
main thing for her would be access to internet (being able to watch basic videos online, mail, search, see all photos on a website.
In the end, not much differences as far as that, both are outdated... but I use both daily on the Internet.
Do you know if the old AOL software would work with either Tiger or Leopard? My mother still uses that and is used to it, although I might be able to get her to just check her e-mail on Safari in exchange for better internet access.
No idea, but AOL became irrevelant decades ago, Apples Mail App can be setup in 10.4/110.5 to access most anything, & theres better/safer Browsers in eithere OSSX...
TenFourFox is the most up to date browser for our PPCs, they even have G4 & G5 optimized versions...
http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/
I'd avoid vesrion 24 though, as it no longer supports plug-ins like Flash.
SeaMonkey seems pretty fast also, with many options...
http://www.seamonkey-project.org/
http://www.seamonkey-project.org/releases/
Might also look into iCab & OmniWeb versions.

Upgrading from Panther 10.3.9 to Tiger 10.4.3

My brother has a 17" 1.8 IMac and wants to upgrade from Panther 10.3.9 to Tiger 10.4.3 so he can use Aperture, Apple's new software. Since I have always helped him in the past with his upadates, I prefer doing clean installs by reformatting the hard drive before doing a major upgrade like the aforementioned. Is this the preferred method or should I attempt to install over Panther without reformatting? I'm rather reluctant to go to 10.4.3 based upon the number of negative experiences reported by people who have done so, but if he wants to use Aperture, according to the system requirements needed to run it, he has to perform this update. What recommendations do any of you have for making a safe migration from 10.3.9 to 10.4.3? In other words, what is the best and safest method of updating?
G5 2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Tom,
Don't forget this forum is the hospital ward. Don't let the preponderance of bad reports make you think an update is bad. These are usually cases where people haven't taken the proper precautions while updating which should always be taken.
Mac OS X doesn't technically have a clean install option. For reasons why I say not, see this user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607614
The best method of upgrading depends on how well the machine is functioning in 10.3.9. If it has sufficient space, sufficient RAM, has not had any kernel panics, the following sequence of steps is recommended:
1. Backup your data.
2. Make sure all your hardware and software has compatible drivers for the operating system you are going to. Verify all the applications you are going to use are updated.
3. Dismount and disconnect all third party peripherals.
4. Upgrade and install to 10.4 with a retail 10.4 installer disk. Do not use a system specific disk on a different machine. Buy the box family or single user pack from an Apple software reseller.
5. Repair permissions with Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility
6. Run the 10.4.3 combo update:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosxupdate1043combo.html
7. repeat step 5.
Do steps 1 and 5 before and after any update as a general practice in anycase. Application installers often have a tendency to want to mess with permissions and sometimes don't put them back causing problems later on.
Now if you are having issues launching specific programs, or programs unexpectedly quitting now, or 4 language screens those need to be isolated before you update.

Why upgrade from Panther to Tiger on G4 iMac?

I have two iMacs. I use a G5 recently upgraded from Panther to Leopard 10.5.5. My wife has a G4 with Panther 10.3.9.
Now that I have Leopard I have a Tiger install license available.
Are there good reasons to upgrade my wife's G4 to Tiger?
She uses it heavily for e-mail, internet, and MS Word.
She's networked to my G5 through Airport and we use printer sharing and file sharing.
Her G4 works great, but I'm wondering about security issues.
Comments?
-Bob

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Apple is still releasing Security updates for Panther too, isn't it?
I think some of the Panther software is starting to show its age limitations for Internet capabilities, and things like iTunes for all the new iPods, etc. On one hand if you're not actually having problems then my feeling is an old computer best runs software designed for it. On the other hand I am not sure you would lose any functionality if you did upgrade. I think most Panther applications run on Tiger, the system requirements are pretty similar. It's not like when you upgrade to Leopard that you suddenly lose Classic support and it requires (demands?) a faster processor. From my personal perspective upgrading to Leopard really makes a big difference in capabilities both ways and may even be a negative upgrade if you run old software the way I do. Upgrading from Panther to Tiger didn't have any downsides and had several upsides in terms of software is still being brought out for Tiger.
[Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger system requirements|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301341]
[OS 10.3 Panther requirements|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106163]

Upgrading from Panther to Tiger. Is it worth it?

Hi there. I have been debating this in my head for quite some time. It is worth upgrading from Panther to Tiger? What are the benefits?
Thanks,
dave

Hi dave!
If you do decide to upgrade, Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (US).
Jaguar and Panther, are no longer available directly from the Apple Online Store, as Tiger 10.4.x is the most up to date OS.
A Full Retail Version of the Tiger Install DVD, can be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, AppleRescue, (as cornelius mentioned) etc.
Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
Once Tiger 10.4.x is installed, you can use the PPC 10.4.8 Combo Update, to upgrade to the most up-to-date version.
Tiger System Requirements
Mac Model Compatibility & Requirements For OS X
Additionally,
"Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95."
Download The Order Form Here. Media Exchange Program
Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And Good Luck!
ali b

Need to upgrade from Panther

I need to upgrade from Panther so that I can sync my ipod but I also use classic Mac os 9 for some programmes. If I upgrade will I loose the ability to use these programmes or can I still run classic. Help someone.......also I am not completely confident so be gentle....I need clear answers. Please help.

Hi.
If your machine meets the system requirements for Tiger, then you can install it.
Tiger supports the Classic environment (runs OS 9.2.2), so you'll be able to use your classic programs.
Good Luck.

Having problems upgrading from Panther to Tiger

Hi there!
I'm new to this place, but very desperate to find answers. I have been trying to upgrade from panther to tiger for the past week and have gotten a mess. I have to restore my old panther system after a panic kernal while trying to install tiger. I have tried to upgrade, install and archive and erase and install tiger and the same keeps happening: after 30-30% installation of essentials, I get a "try installing again" message and immediately goes to a blank blue screen. I have to reboot from my eDisk on the external hd and re-install my old system. I've done EVERYTHING I can find on the web and in the install suggestions. Everything has been updated (firmware, sofware, etc.), I tired disconnecting external devices except the keyboard and the external dvd I need to install and still the same thing...over and over and over!
So, now I'm down to the fact that I need to install CDs (internal) instead of DVD off the external drive. However, when I went and downloaded the form for the exchange the Tiger versions listed (MA453Z/A, MA454Z/A) do not coincide with the version I purchased (M96397/A). So I'm trying to figure out what this version is that I purchased and if it has anything to do with my big install mess!
So, any ideas out there? Glad to hear your input!

Call 1-800-MY-APPLE WRT media exchange program and the DVD version you have.

Leopard Upgrade from Panther Forgot Mail Messages

I just upgraded from Panther to Leopard. My iPhotos, Word documents, Bookmarks, everything except email messages made it thru the upgrade and are accessible. My problem is that although all of the Mail user settings are fine, and I can send and receive mail, my inbox, sent box, etc. are empty. Do I have any hope of seeing the contents of them again?

It seems Tiger lost my Mail files. I restored from backup, then started Mail again. It imported in less than 1 minute, then started up normally.
Beavis2084

Upgrade from Panther Server with Raid1

Trying to upgrade from Panther Server with software Raid1. Upgrade fails with "Could not prepare disk". I'm guessing it has to do with the RAID1? I need to upgrade and not do a clean install.
Could I upgrade to tiger server first?

Wow, Panther server. Ah the memories... Anyway, what you are running into is an issue with the actual Apple RAID software versions. If you run this command:
diskutil checkRaid
You should see in the result:
Apple RAID version: 1
That is your problem. Tiger and Leopard will only install on Apple RAID version 2 which was introduced in Tiger. But, all is not lost. Apple has provided a method to upgrade the RAID version without a break and a recreation. Again, using diskutil, run this command to see your options:
diskutil convertRaid
You will get:
Convert a 1.x RAID set (Mac OS 10.3 Panther or earlier) to a 2.x RAID set.
The filesystem must be mounted and resizeable (i.e. Journaled HFS+).
Ownership of the affected disk is required.
Example: diskutil convertRAID /Volumes/RAID
If the name of the volume is Data, then diskutil convertRaid /Volumes/Data should provide the fix you need.
Boot from your Leopard install media and then before attempting to install, open the Terminal and use the command above. Provided you formated as HFS+ journaled you will be fine.
*Make sure you have a backup!*
Oh, and if this fails, then run a diskutil list and hope that you did not install the OS 9 firewire drivers. If you did, then nuking and paving is likely your only option. In that case, I would suggest a clone, then a Raid break, then a creation of a new RAID set, then a restore, then an upgrade.
Again, make sure you back everything up. Be ready to revert back to your clone. Stop all services before upgrading. Export all users and groups. Just be safe. Panther to Leopard can be a tricky upgrade. If you are using MySQL, do a dump before attempting.
Hope this helps. Backup first. Backup many places.

Upgrade from Panther to Leopard on PowerBook G4

Hi-
I just bought Leopard (for $129 directly from apple) and am interested in knowing the steps I would need to take to upgrade from Panther (10.3.9) on a PowerBook G4 with the following specs:
Machine Model: PowerBook G4 17"
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.5 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 512 MB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.8.4f1
I have 11 GB of disk space available.
Do I have the correct system requirements to make this transition seamlessly? Anything else I need to get?
Thanks!

What's the difference between getting an external hard drive vs. the card? I'll definitely go with 160GB to be on the safe side.
See my reply in your other thread.
I keep reading that Archive&Install is giving people problems. Given my situation, would you recommend Upgrade or Archive&Install or Erase& Install?
I'm running Tiger and did not know that A&I was giving people problems on Leopard. If that's the case, I would definitely do the Upgrade (if that is an option like it has been on previous OSX installers).
My main thing is that I'm going to need to keep Office 2004 (which I learned should work on Leopard).
Given that, use the Upgrade method.
Unless... this may sound silly, but can I save it on disks or something? (I don't have the original install disks anymore).
That's not silly at all, and with some applications it will work. I do not know if that's the case with Office, but I would recommend against it. OSX often needs to "weave" parts of an app into itself via the installation, and copying the actual app will not do that. If you have a disk image of the installation disc, that's a different story, and it will copy/work fine.
Also, when I do the backup (via Super Duper?), where does all the stuff end up living? If it's on my hard drive, doesn't that get taken away when I replace it with the newer/bigger one?
I use SD and think it's the best cloning app out there. You need to save it on an external source, otherwise you're correct, it's still "living" on your PB's HD, and if you erase that HD or something happens to it, all that data is gone.
In your situation, I would consider either an external HD or an enclosure. With an external, you'll be able to use if for backups, which would be a very good idea if you value your data. 300GB and even larger can be found for under $100. I'd recommend a FireWire model, so you can then boot your PB from it if you want/need to.
If money is an issue and you choose not to backup (a bad idea, as all HDs eventually die), you may get an external enclosure. Install the new HD in it, SD/clone your PB's internal HD to it, install the new HD in your PB, and you're good to go. 2.5" enclosures can be purchased for under $10.

Be carefull when upgrading from Panther to Tiger

If you choose to upgrade from Panther to Tiger by using the Erase and install option on the Tiger DVD install disk, your XServe RAID won't mount. The problem seems to be that the driver for the RAID won't be updated in the process.
The solution for me was (by advice of Apple Support) to reinstall Panther. My RAID came up fine and I then did a upgrade to Tiger using the update and install.

Mattur:When I restart to install the OS, it goes into a Kernel Panic and tells me to restart.I take it to mean that you mean you put the install disk and open it and at the prompt you restart, and it goes into the kernel panic. I notice too that you sayI can reinstall Panther with the disk the computer came with , but I can't install Tiger..In other words there is a problem is with the Tiger disk.
Are you using a Full Retail Version of Tiger? Computer specific versions or update versions will not work.
If you are planning to install Tiger check out System Requirements to be sure your computer complies.
Good luck.
cornelius

Can I get Tiger cheaper by upgrading from Panther?

Hi, I was wondering if I could get Tiger cheaper by upgrading from Panther. Is there such an option? I would prefer it as I am going to buy new system soon but I need tiger for next few weeks but don't want to pay the full amount. Any suggestions?

No you can't.
The price for the Tiger retail install package is the same regardless which OS X version you are upgrading from.

Using Mailboxes on my computer when upgrading from Panther to Tiger

I'm getting ready to upgrade from 10.3.9 to 10.4 and want to avoid all the issues with Mail that I have been reading about. In the README on the installation disk it says:
"Using POP email accounts and On My Mac mailboxes in Tiger and Panther...
If you have a shared home folder and you access a POP email account using Mail in both Mac OS X Panther and Mac OS X Tiger, you will not see messages that you retrieve in one version when you switch to the other.
You will not see messages saved in a mailbox on your computer when you switch from one version to another. To avoid this problem, use separate home folders for each version of Mac OS X.
Your IMAP account will synchronize automatically when you switch between Mail in Tiger and Panther."
The question is – I am using an IMAP account and do not store my mesages on the server, but on my Mac. Obviously I want to be able to access all my old mail when I upgrade. How do I go about using separate Home Folders? And will doing this still enable me to access all my mail without switching back and forth between the 2 OS's?
Thanks
PB G4 Mac OS X (10.3.2)
PB G4 Mac OS X (10.3.2)

If you install Tiger over Panther on the same partition, you will not have separate Home folders/directories.
I've been using the Mail.app exclusively since Jaguar was introduced, thru Panther and now Tiger. I installed Tiger over Panther via an Archive & Install selecting preserve user and network settings without experiencing any problems with my Mail.app data or with anything else but I backed up my data beforehand just in case which is a good idea regardless. I used SuperDuper! to create a bootable clone of my hard drive with Panther installed saved to a Firewire drive before installing Tiger.
Most of the problems reported here with Mail.app data after upgrading to Tiger are from existing/underlying problems with Panther mbox files.
Before upgrading to Tiger, I didn't allow any mailbox to exceed 500MB or so in size and I used the Rebuild Mailbox function on the most active mailboxes on a regular basis. I used the Rebuild Mailbox function on all Panther Mail.app mailboxes before upgrading to Tiger. If you do this, you should be fine but a backup of the entire Mail folder at Home > Library > Mail is your insurance in case something goes wrong with the mbox conversion process to Tiger Mail with one or several mailboxes stored locally on the hard drive.
Be sure to check the hard drive for any directory problems with Disk First Aid repair via Disk Utility when booted from the Tiger retail install disc before proceeding with the installation. If any problems are reported and successfully repaired, run repair again until no problems are reported. Afterwards, it won't hurt to repair disk permissions from the same location.
Do this along with having a backup of all important data for insurance and you should be fine.

Upgrade from Panther to Leopard

After buying an iPhone 3GS, I think it's time to finally perform a software upgrade. The newest versions of Firefox and Safari browsers don't run on Panther either. I want to hang on to my 5 year old G4 iMac for at least a couple more years and now have a Leopard pack ready to install (also iLife 09 and iWork 09).
I have a 1GB PC2700 SODIMM on the way, which would raise my total RAM to 1.25 GB. Should I wait until the new RAM is installed before starting the install of Leopard, or would that make little difference?
I have some older software that gets regular use and want to be sure it will still work after Leopard is installed:
1. Quicken 2004 for basic checkbook balancing and account management (don't do any online stuff).
2. Apple Works 6
3. MS Office 2004 for Mac
Plenty of photos saved on iPhoto 4.0.3 and a full music library on iTunes 7.7.1.
Is it safe to go ahead and pop in the Leopard DVD and get this install going, or are there other steps I need to take to avoid losing data from the older programs above?
Thanks for your help!!

If you currently only have 256mb of RAM, you will have to wait. Leopard's minimum is 512mb.
Going from Panther to Leopard is a big jump. Hopefully, you have an external FireWire drive that is at least the size of the iMac's internal drive. What I would do is clone the current internal drive startup volume to the external drive using Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. Restart using the clone to make sure it works properly, as if you are starting up normally from the internal drive.
While started up from the external clone, run Disk Utility. Run +Repair Disk+ (on the +First Aid+ tab) on the internal drive.
Once you are satisfied that the clone is working properly, disconnect it. It will serve as your backup. You should always have a current backup (of at least your personal data) when doing a major system update. You can now install Leopard on your internal drive. If something goes wrong or if something critical does not work properly under Leopard, you can always restart from your external clone of the previous system, then clone it back to the internal drive. You'll be back to your pre-Leopard state, so you can try it again.
You can then trouble-shoot potential problems and try again. You can also use the +Archive and Install+ option to install Leopard, which retains your user settings and data but gives you a fresh system. The default installation method installs Leopard over the existing system, and that can somethings cause problems; for example, you may have third-party system extensions installed that are not compatible with Leopard.

Upgrading from Panther to Tiger on Mac Mini 1.42 G4

Hi Everyone,
Would it be a simple install to upgrade a Mac Mini 1.42 G4 that I bought used and haven't yet turned on from 10.3 Panther (pre-installed by previous owner; also have discs) to OS X Tiger 10.4.6 that I bought new from retail store?
I don't have anything on this mini to back up--no iTunes, no address book, plug-ins, 3rd party software, iPhoto--nothing. Can I just do a simple install?
1.5 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Mac Mini 1.42 G4 (10.3.9)

Although you certainly can do an upgrade install without erasing the hard drive, but if you do you should follow this procedure:
1. Boot from the Tiger DVD.
2. After selecting your language select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu of the installer.
3. Select your startup volume from the left side list, then click on the First Aid tab in the DU main window.
4. Click on the Repair Disk button. If any errors are reported as fixed re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. Then click on the Repair Permissions button and wait for permissions to be repaired.
5. Quit DU and return to the installer.
6. Proceed with the installation. When you get to the screen where you select the target disk select the disk and click on the Options button.
7. Select the Upgrade option and click on the OK button.
8. Continue with the installation.
Because you have nothing to preserve on the drive I would recommend that you do an Erase and Install instead of the Upgrade install. There are some benefits to be had by not upgrading because some components of Tiger will not be installed during an Upgrade that are installed during a Clean Install.

Upgrade from Panther - pre-upgrade questions

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