Bawx Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 I got a very old PowerBook G4 from my friend, but I want to wipe it clean, start fresh. No discs though. How can I do it? It's running Mac OSX 10.3.9 Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdmcmahon Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Without install DVDs/CDs, you are somewhat short of options. If you have another PowerPC Mac with FireWire, you can clone it via FireWire Target Disk Mode, create a new admin account and purge your account which was copied over. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592038726 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted December 29, 2009 Author Share Posted December 29, 2009 I have another PowerBook G4 right next to me. Can you explain how to do that, or link me to a place that explains it well? The other Mac is my bosses, so I don't want to **** it up at all. Any risk in that with this way you described? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592038738 Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdmcmahon Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661 Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592038754 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 So I see my HD on the host computers desktop, but how do I actually format my HD? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592044698 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightkrawler Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 http://macs.about.com/od/applications/ss/diskutilformat.htm But you also can select "erase and install" on the leopard installation - be sure that you select the right volume on deleting. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592046174 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted January 1, 2010 Author Share Posted January 1, 2010 Wow that seems easy. How come no one told me about this before? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592052284 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightkrawler Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 because those things are in the mac help already :p so just to be sure you got install discs now? if your g4 meets the requirements id install leopard on it not only for the features but also to supports most new-ish apps. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592052520 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted January 1, 2010 Author Share Posted January 1, 2010 no I don't have any disks. I need them for that? **** Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592052666 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightkrawler Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 erm if you just want to copy the hdd from another powerbook you don't need an install disc, but that wouldn't really be a fresh install (unless the install would be fresh that would be copied) - you are aware that when you format the powerbook you remove everything on it (including the installed OS)? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592052778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Oh. I just want to format like I would on Windows, make it fresh, brand new. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592053122 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightkrawler Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Im afraid that you need install discs for that. Also install discs that are from other Macs (included in the box) won't work because they are only for that specific mac model so you need a copy of generic install discs or a copy of the ones that came with your PowerBook model. Try to get a Leopard install disc from Friends/eBay or other bays if your PowerBook still support it. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592053192 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madoshi Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 make a new user, delete all old users delete any unwanted programs, for the most part there is no uninstall process for Mac OS besides dragging the program to the Trash take a quick look thru the hard drive to make sure nothing is hiding there that'll get you close to clean, but not quite just as on Windows, for a full format and completely clean install you need a Mac OS X install disc. 10.3 (Panther) can be had for pretty cheap on eBay. else you can look for a preowned Tiger or (if it is 867 or better GR4) Leopard DVD, on mailing lists such as the popular Low End Mac Swaplist on Google Groups. they pop up often. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592053208 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawx Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Can I delete an admin account? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/860270-how-to-format-powerbook-g4/#findComment-592053462 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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