On Apr 19, 2011, at 11:04 PM, Goody2 wrote:
2. I am looking to buy a retail version DVD of OS 10.4.3 or higher. However, I don't understand how I could install the OS to the G5 via another computer if it is not supposed to run on the G5.
I believe the installer has an artificial check prior to installation that includes the model identifier for all Mac models that Apple has decided are "supported" by the installer DVD. Since models produced after the disc was manufactured aren't included in the installer check program, the installer won't function when used upon any Mac newer than the disc irrespective of whether it works or not. In your case, the "other computer" must be an earlier Mac whose model identifier is included within the installer check, and if the G5's HD is mounted via a network or Firewire target disk mode the installer sees the G5 HD as any other attached drive to the "other Mac" and will install normally.
There are ways to circumvent this artificial installer check by slightly modifying the OSInstall.dist file (dist is short of for distribution) which is the file that controls the pre-installation check procedure. When you've made a new DVD or USB stick with a modified OSInstall.dist file you can install onto ANY hardware upon which the Install DVD System will boot. Here are instructions for making the modified file and DVD, but now days most people might opt for making a bootable USB stick instead of a DVD:
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