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Architecture: PPC
Mac OS 9.x, Mac OS 9.x for PM G4, iMac, iBook, PowerMac G4 MDD, Mac OS 9.x Updates
This is the page that merged all applications pages assosiated with Mac OS 9.x and cleaned up all discussions for the original application page. This page is just like a guide. Plus, it also resizing CD scans.
Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as iTools and improved Open Transport networking. While Mac OS 9 lacks protected memory and full pre-emptive multitasking, lasting improvements include the introduction of an automated Software Update engine and support for multiple users.
Apple discontinued development of Mac OS 9 in 2002, transitioning all future development to Mac OS X. Since that time, no updates have been released. The final updates to Mac OS 9 addressed compatibility issues with OS X while running in the Classic Environment and compatibility with Carbon applications. At the 2002 World Wide Developers Conference, Steve Jobs began his keynote address by staging a mock funeral for OS 9. However, there are still users of Mac OS 9 today. Specifically retro-gamers, people using old software that was discontinued before the introduction of OS X or users of old hardware incompatible with Mac OS X. (PowerPC Macs made before the introduction of the G3 processor.)
Apple billed Mac OS 9 as including "50 New Features" and heavily marketed its Sherlock 2 software, which introduced a 'channels' feature for searching different online resources and introduced a QuickTime-like metallic appearance. Mac OS 9 also featured integrated support for Apple’s suite of Internet services known as iTools (later re-branded as .Mac, then MobileMe, which is now known as iCloud) and included improved TCP/IP functionality with Open Transport 2.5.
Other features new to Mac OS 9 include:
Integrated support for multiple user accounts without using At Ease. Support for voice login through VoicePrint passwords. Keychain, a feature allowing users to save passwords and textual data encrypted in protected keychains. A Software Update control panel for automatic download and installation of Apple system software updates. A redesigned Sound control panel and support for USB audio. Speakable Items 2.0, also known as PlainTalk, featuring improved speech synthesis and recognition along with AppleScript integration. Improved font management through FontSync. Remote Access Personal Server 3.5, including support for TCP/IP clients over Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). An updated version of AppleScript with support for TCP/IP. Personal File Sharing over TCP/IP. USB Printer Sharing, a control panel allowing certain USB printers to be shared across a TCP/IP network. 128-bit file encryption in the Finder. Support for files larger than 2 GB. Unix volume support. CD Burning in the Finder (introduced in Mac OS 9.1). Addition of a 'Window' menu to the Finder (introduced in Mac OS 9.1) -Wikipedia
Table of Contents
Universal Retail version & Updates
Mac OS 9.2.1
Mac OS 9.2.1 is the update for Mac OS 9.1 or 9.2 users. This is the update that will not work for non-G3 Macintoshes. It updates the Classic Environment in Mac OS X and updates most enhancements.
CD-ROM Download?
(496 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.1 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
(496 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.1 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
Japanese CD-ROM Download?
(415 MB)
Includes the Mac OS J-9.2.1 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
(415 MB)
Includes the Mac OS J-9.2.1 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
There's also the Mac OS 9.2.1 Updater CD. It includes the Mac OS 9.2.1 update images in various languages and it was came from the Mac OS X Upgrade Kit. However, I have lost the CD image.
Mac OS 9.2.2
Mac OS 9.2.2 is the update for Mac OS 9.2.1 users. It updates the Classic Environment application compatibility in Mac OS X and updates most enhancements.
CD-ROM Download?
(373 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.1 installer, Mac OS 9.2.2 Update, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
(373 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.1 installer, Mac OS 9.2.2 Update, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
Machine-Specific Installers with Mac OS 9.2.x
iMac Summer 2001 500MHz CD-ROM
The Apple iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - Indigo/Snow) features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 20.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a slot loading 24X CD-ROM or 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, ATI Rage 128 Ultra (AGP 2X) graphics with 16 MB of VRAM, a Harmon-Kardon designed sound system, and Firewire "400" ports packed into a translucent "indigo" (pictured) or "snow" all-in-one case design with a 15-inch CRT display.
-Everymac
Install CD Scan
This is the install CD of iMac Summer 2001 500MHz from Protocol 7. While this model doesn't run Mac OS 9.1, it does run Mac OS 9.2 with some updates. This CD includes the base International English 9.2 installer plus other extras and Applications.
Install CD Download?
Includes the Mac OS 9.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Due for loss of Megaupload, someone who has the original file please mirror it.
Includes the Mac OS 9.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Due for loss of Megaupload, someone who has the original file please mirror it.
Power Mac G4 MDD CD-ROMs
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/867 DP (Mirrored Drive Doors) features dual 867 MHz PowerPC 7455 (G4) processors each with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 1 MB of DDR SRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 256 MB of RAM, a 60 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, an 8X DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive, and a 4X AGP NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics card with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/1.0 DP (Mirrored Drive Doors) features dual 1.0 GHz PowerPC 7455 (G4) processors each with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 1 MB of DDR SRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 256 MB of RAM, an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a 2X DVD-R/CD-RW "SuperDrive", and a 4X AGP ATI Radeon 9000 Pro graphics card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/1.25 DP (Mirrored Drive Doors) features dual 1.25 GHz PowerPC 7455 (G4) processors each with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 2 MB of DDR SRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 512 MB of RAM, a 120 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a 2X DVD-R/CD-RW "SuperDrive", and a 4X AGP ATI Radeon 9000 Pro graphics card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/1.25 (Mirrored Drive Doors 2003) features a 1.25 GHz PowerPC 7455 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 2 MB of DDR SRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 256 MB of RAM, an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a 12X DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive, and a 4X AGP ATI Radeon 9000 Pro graphics card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
-Everymac
Restore CD 1 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 2 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 3 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 4 of 4 Scan
Mac OS X Disc 1 Scan
Mac OS X Disc 2 Scan
Original disc images for restoring a Power Macintosh G4 Mirrored Drive Door (MDD). It includes Mac OS 9.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.2.1.
Restoring a MDD to Mac OS 9 requires these CDs to get the Mac OS ROM version required to boot a MDD in Mac OS 9.
Where are the download links?
Megaupload has been closed because of U.S. federation, so if you want MDD discs look for it in Max1zzz's server or other servers with the discs.
Restore Configuration contents: TBA
iBook Late 2001 CD-ROM
The iBook G3/500 (Late 2001 - Translucent White), features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, 128 MB of RAM, a 15.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a tray-loading 24X CD-ROM drive, 2X AGP ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics with 8 MB of VRAM, and optional AirPort (802.11b) packed into a compact translucent white case with a 12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display (1024x768 native resolution).
The iBook G3/600 (Late 2001 - Translucent White), features a 600 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, 128 MB of RAM, a 15.0 GB or 20.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a tray-loading DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive, 2X AGP ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics with 8 MB of VRAM, and optional AirPort (802.11b) packed into a compact translucent white case with a 12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display (1024x768 native resolution).
-Everymac
Install CD Scan
This is the install CD of iBook Late 2001 from 24bit, came with Mac OS 9.2.1 and other programs. It has the ROM version 8.9.1 and it will install 9.2.2 by default.
Install CD v1.3 Download?
(409 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
(409 MB)
Includes the Mac OS 9.2.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Looks like that sheepmyshaver123's MediaFire archive have got suspended. Somebody please make a mirror.
Power Mac G4 QuickSilver 2002 CD-ROMs
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/800 (Quicksilver 2002) features an 800 MHz PowerPC 7450 or PowerPC 7455 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit and 256k "on chip" level 2 cache. It shipped configured with 256 MB of RAM, a 40 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive, a 24X CD-RW drive, and a 4X AGP ATI Radeon 7500 graphics card with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/933 (Quicksilver 2002) features an 933 MHz PowerPC 7450 or PowerPC 7455 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 2 MB of DDR SDRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 256 MB of RAM, a 60 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive, a 2X DVD-R/CD-RW drive, and a 4X AGP NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
The Apple Power Macintosh G4/1.0 DP (Quicksilver 2002) features dual 1.0 GHz PowerPC 7450 or PowerPC 7455 (G4) processors each with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit, 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, and 2 MB of DDR SDRAM level 3 backside cache. It shipped configured with 512 MB of RAM, an 80 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive, a 2X DVD-R/CD-RW drive, and a 4X AGP NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM. AirPort (802.11b) was available by custom configuration.
-Everymac
Mac OS X Install CD scan
Mac OS 9 Install CD scan
Restore CD 1 of 5 Scan
Restore CD 2 of 5 Scan
Restore CD 3 of 5 Scan
Restore CD 4 of 5 Scan
Restore CD 5 of 5 Scan
Installation and restoration discs of Mac OS 9.2.2 for Power Mac G4 QuickSilver 2002, my own disc set, in International English.
Mac OS 9 CD v1.1 Download?
Includes the Mac OS Z-9.2.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Coming soon, for luck.
Includes the Mac OS Z-9.2.2 installer, Internet Access, Adobe Software, Disk Tools, Utilities, CD Extras, and more.
Coming soon, for luck.
Mac OS X CD v1.1 Download?
Includes the Mac OS X 10.1.3 installer.
Coming soon, for luck.
Includes the Mac OS X 10.1.3 installer.
Coming soon, for luck.
Restore CDs v1.0 Download?:
Includes the bootable Mac OS Z-9.2.2+Mac OS X 10.1.3, Apple Software Restore, Hard Disk configurations and utilities.
Disc 1 | Disc 2 | Disc 3 | Disc 4 | Disc 5
Coming soon, for luck.
Includes the bootable Mac OS Z-9.2.2+Mac OS X 10.1.3, Apple Software Restore, Hard Disk configurations and utilities.
Disc 1 | Disc 2 | Disc 3 | Disc 4 | Disc 5
Coming soon, for luck.
iMac G4 Flat Panel 15-inch CD-ROMs
The Apple iMac G4/700 (Flat Panel) features a 700 MHz PowerPC 7441 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit and a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 128 MB or 256 MB of RAM (PC133 SDRAM), a 40.0 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive (5400 RPM), either a tray-loading CD-RW drive or DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" Drive, and NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM (AGP 2X support).
The Apple iMac G4/800 (Flat Panel) features an 800 MHz PowerPC 7445 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit and a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 256 MB of RAM (PC133 SDRAM), a 60.0 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive (5400 RPM), a tray-loading "SuperDrive", and NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM (AGP 2X support).
The Apple iMac G4/800 17-Inch (Flat Panel) features an 800 MHz PowerPC 7445 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit and a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 256 MB of RAM (PC133 SDRAM), an 80.0 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive (5400 RPM), a tray-loading "SuperDrive", and NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM (AGP 2X support). The Mac OS X Install and Mac OS 9.2.2 Install discs are not compatible with this 17-inch iMac, due to firmware revisions, and lack of hardware support.
-Everymac
Hardware Test CD scan
Mac OS X Install CD scan
Mac OS 9 Install CD scan
Applications Reinstallation CD scan
Restore CD 1 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 2 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 3 of 4 Scan
Restore CD 4 of 4 Scan
World Book Mac OS X Edition CD scan
Installation and restoration discs of Mac OS 9.2.2 for iMac G4 15-inch Flat Panel, by Mulder.
Restore Configuration contents:
Mac OS Classic version: 9.2.2 with QuickTime 5.0.2, Mac OS ROM, QuickDraw 3D 1.6, FireWire 2.8.6, ColorSync 3.0.4, OpenGL 1.2.4, AirPort 2.0.2, basic and optional extensions, control panels, and pre-configured preferences.
Documents Folder: Communications Regulations folder, TCO 95-99, Welcome To Mac OS X, and Web Pages (Personal Web Sharing 1.5.5) folder.
Applications (Mac OS 9) Folder: Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0, Apple DVD Player 2.7, Apple File Security 2.2, Apple Verifier 2.2, AppleWorks 6.2.4, Deimos Rising 1.0.0, EarthLink TotalAccess 2.6.1, FAXstf 6.0.8, Graphing Calculator 1.3, iMovie 2.1.1, iMovie Tutorial, iTunes 2.0.4, Internet Access 1.5.4, Internet Explorer 5.0 SR-1, Netscape Communicator 4.77, Outlook Express 5.02, Browse the Internet 1.0.1, Mail 1.0.1, DropStuff 6.0, StuffIt Expander 6.0, Aladdin Product Updates & Special Offers, America Online 5.0 installer, Network Browser 2.0, Otto Matic 1.0.3, PCalc 2 2.2.3A, Quicken 2002 Deluxe, QuickTime 5.0.2 folder, Sherlock 2, SimpleText 1.4, Desktop Printer Utility 1.3, Disc Burner 1.0.2, Disk Copy 6.3.3, Disk First Aid 8.6.1, Drive Setup 2.0.7, Mac OS Setup Assistant, Internet Editor Assistant, Internet Setup Assistant, ISP Referral Assistant, and Setup Assistant 2.1.5.
Apple Extras Folder: Note Pad 7.5, SimpleSound 1.1, AirPort 2.0.2 folder, AirPort Setup Assistant, AppleScript 1.6, ColorSync 3.0.4 Extras, Font Extras, Internal Modem folder, Mac OS Runtime for Java 2.2.5 folder, Map control panel, and Monitor Extras folder.
Mac OS X version: 10.1.4 with QuickTime 5.0.2, AirPort 2.0.2, Software Update 1.4.2, basic and optional extensions, control panels, and pre-configured preferences.
Applications Folder: Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0, Address Book 1.1, America Online Installer, AppleScript 1.7, AppleWorks 6.2.4, Calculator, Chess 1.1, Clock 1.0, Deimos Rising 1.0.0, DVD Player 3.1.1, FAXstf X 10.0.2, Image Capture 1.5.3, iMovie 2.1.1, Internet Connect 1.1, Internet Explorer 5.1, iPhoto 1.0, iTunes 2.0.4, Mac OS X Developer Tools 1.0, Mail 1.1, Otto Matic 1.0.3, PCalc 2 2.2.3A, Preview 1.1, Quicken 2002 Deluxe, QuickTime Player 5.0.6, Sherlock 3.2, Stickies, System Preferences 2.0, TextEdit 1.1, and World Book 6.0.2.
Utilities Folder: AirPort Admin Utility 2.0.2, AirPort Setup Assistant 2.0, Apple System Profiler 2.7f1, Java Applet Launcher 1.2, ColorSync Utility 4.0, Console 1.1, CPU Monitor 1.0, DigitalColor Meter 3.0, Directory Setup 1.2, Disk Copy, Disk Utility, Display Calibrator 4.0, EarthLink Connect 2.6, EarthLink 2.6, Grab 1.0, Mac OS X Installer, Java Web Start, Key Caps 10.0, Keychain Access 2.6, NetInfo Manager 1.0, Network Utility 1.0, Print Center 1.0.3, ProcessViewer, StuffIt Expander 6.0.1, Terminal 1.1, Chinese Text Converter 1.4, IM Plugin Converter 1.3, TrueType Font Editor 1.7, and Asia Text Plugin Sample folder.
Users Folder: Shared folder.
Custom Variants of Mac OS 9.2.2
System Folder Only
A System Folder is essential for running Classic, although too often our Classic folders are corrupted, or simply never were backed up. Here is a functional 9.2.2 System Folder!
Instructions: Mount the image, go to your Utilities folder, open up Terminal, and run the following command:
mkdir /System\ Folder; cp -R /Volumes/System\ Folder/ /System\ Folder; exit
This will copy everything to a System Folder on your harddrive. Next step: Go to System Preferences, open the Classic Preference Pane, and select the System Folder that shows up on your main hard drive.
If you want the full Classic Support Installer, contact Aviator (no upload functions will take 3 GB Disk Images).
Bootable Image for eMac G4
This is MacOS 9.2.2, release in December 2001. MacOS 9.2.2 is the last version of MacOS based on the original Macintosh operating system. Please note: this isn't a install CD. This is custom bootable CD with fully working MacOS 9.2.2.
This disk contain two folders: 1) Applications (some original apps and Toast 5) 2) System Folder (system folder) To install, drag and drop System Folder to hard disk. There should be Apple OS9 driver installed while partitioning the hard disk. This disk is made specially for eMac G4 800 Mhz (Ati Graphics version) and 100% compatible. This model of eMac won't boot this CD if you change internal CD-ROM to custom DVD-ROM.
Bootable Image for PowerBook Titanium
This image is a customized version of Mac OS 9.2.2 built for the last generation of Titanium PowerBook G4s, originally hosted here. It will most likely work with any Mac made between 2001 and 2003 that is compatible with OS 9, but may be missing hardware-specific drivers for other systems. To make a bootable copy, you need either Toast under Mac OS 9 (included on disk) or the Mac OS X bless command.
Bootable Image for PowerMac MDD
This is a copy of Mac OS 9.2.2 for the PowerMac G4 MDD, by oakbog. It will only boots for PowerMac G4 MDD (FireWire 400 models only); should also work for other Mac OS 9 compatible G3 or G4 Mac models. Usable as Classic Mode for all PowerPC Macs running Mac OS X. The linked file is an OS X disk image named "OS9General.dmg", which was contained on the Software Restore CDs bundled with these systems. It includes "Applications (Mac OS 9)" and "System Folder". Unlike retail Mac OS 9 installers, this software is able to boot the PowerMac G4 MDD (FireWire 400 models) into OS 9 or can be used as Classic Mode on any PowerMac running Mac OS X v10.1-10.4. This System includes the "Mac OS ROM" file v9.6.1.
Download via Macintosh Garden: Mac OS 9.2.2 for PowerMac G4 MDD
To use this software to boot an MDD in OS 9, use Disk Utility in Mac OS X (10.1-10.4) to format a hard drive in Mac OS Extended format, and be sure to choose the option to include "Mac OS 9 Drivers". Once formatted mount the .dmg file and copy the System and Applications folders from the disk image to the hard drive. Restart your MDD via the Startup System Pref Pane or with the Option key held down, and select your Mac OS 9 drive as the Startup Disk.
For more info see The Vintage Mac Museum Blog: Reinstalling Mac OS 9 on a PowerMac G4 MDD
CompatibilityArchitecture: PPC
9.0 runs fine on Sheepshaver (and can be updated to 9.0.4) but 9.1, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2 won't. For G4 AGP install, it has the special build of Mac OS specifically designed for the G4 AGP Graphics and will not boot in other G4 models.
Comments
I bought an Emac 9.2.2 on ebay, it will boot my 1250 DP MDD (FW 400 of course), but it refuses to install, giving a 'cannot install on this model' message.
These aren't my original uploads (which were OSX 10.2.0 for the MDD and the associated restore CDs). Perhaps someone else can confirm.
I can't expand the following files with StuffIt Expander 7.0.3:
MDD Restore CD 1.toast.sit
MDD Restore CD 3.toast.sit
MDD Restore CD 4.toast.sit
The CRC's that I calculated are:
MDD Restore CD 1.toast.sit 6fcce795
MDD Restore CD 3.toast.sit e30c8c07
MDD Restore CD 4.toast.sit 3197bc6a
Are they corrupt or do I need a higher version of StuffIt Expander?
Thanks a lot for the uploaded PowerMac CDs, they saved me from a lot of trouble, greetings from Lithuania!
Typo, you mean "2002 models".
Two types of MDD FW400
Note that there are two types of MDD FW 400 models. I have both the 2002 unit (two of them) and the later 2003 unit, all dual processor 1.25 GHz units. I bought the latest on Ebay for $58, so they are bargains.
The supplied Install images above only work with the 2003 models, but don't let that bother you. For the 2002 model, you can install 10.3, 10.4 or 10.5 (using the generic Black Install disks) into the MDD and then use the supplied Restore images above. The restore images above work with both types, no problem.
If you do a complete Restore and can't later select OS 9 as the boot, just redo the Restore and *only* select OS 9, not the complete restore. That fixes the problem.
Great website & great article!
Will these work on a Quicksilver?
Yeah, it should be a FW400 model - the FW800 models only came in a single 1.0GHz, or dual 1.25GHz or dual 1.42GHz - but as suspected it is one of the "re-released" models from summer 2003 with the release of the PowerMac G5. Just complicate identifying which Mac it may be, the re-released 1.25GHz was also available as a dual 1.25GHz BTO.
So you're going to need the OS9 System Folder from a set of restore discs for a G4 of that era. You could try the sets linked to on this site, I think there are two sets available. Or you could just hunt (on this site - use Search at the top - for the "OS9 General.dmg", which is all the OS9 OS and software, as used on an MDD. It's only 300MB or so, just mount it and drag the contents to the partition you want to use as an OS9 startup disk.
There shouldn't be any issues using the Startup Manager in OS9 and OSX 10.5 to switch between the OS's - I used to do this with a dual 1GHz MDD.
Of course, there may be two possible issues:
One with the size of the boot disk partition - OS9 doesn't like booting of a volume larger than 200GB (about 192GB formatted), allegedly. I've seen it mentioned many times but I've never tried to disprove it. Creating a small 4GB - 190GB partition could get round this.
The second possible issue is that you need to have OS9 Drivers installed on the disk, you nay not have done this if you've clean installed OSX 10.5. You can check with OSX Disk Utility in Leopard. Open Disk Utility and select the DISK - not the formatted volume - and click the blue Info button at the top. "OS9 Drivers Installed" is somewhere in the info that pops up. Alas, I don't know of any way to install the OS9 drivers (which creates another partition I believe) without completely reformatting the drive. But someone else may know, and the Apple Discussions may be a good place to search for help on achieving this. Most of the time I read posts that repeat what I have said, but I remember reading some that made me think "Nah, that'll never work".
As for "blessing" an OS9 System Folder (if it needs it at all) while in OSX, you can do this with a few Terminal commands. GIYF, if you even need to use that, the biggest clue is in the word "bless" - Oh look, there's an OSX Terminal command called "bless" too.
If it´s a MDD 1.25GHz Single Processor w FireWire 400 it will boot OS 9.2.2 If it´s FW 800 it will not. Copying a System Folder for a OS X.x is probably not a very good idea as the target disk for your copying needs to be prepared. About the booting; it's 'known that some of the later PPC:s could (be tricked into) booting from USB. Also a minimal system configuration; ie a very thin System Folder has been used in bootable units for a very long time. Examine the floppy image of the 'Tool Disk' for OS7 for example.
I have a quick question. Is it possible to dual boot a MDD PowerMac G4 (single processor 1.25 GHz) with OS 9.2.2 and Leopard? I'm not interested in running Classic, just dual booting. I tried to copy over a system folder to no avail. In fact, it was a pain to get Leopard to re-bless the OS X system folder. It wasn't loading up to either OS X or 9. I had to use a Tiger disc to access 'Startup Disc'. Interestingly, though...and this is very interesting...I had OS 9 on a USB stick, which is how I got the System Folder onto the Leopard G4 in the first place. If I left the stick installed, the Mac booted into OS 9 from the USB stick! I thought PPC Macs couldn't boot from USB let alone from a System Folder alone. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. For reference, the Mac already has OS X Leopard pre-loaded and I would like to avoid reinstalling that OS. Thanks!
Glad the thread helped.
Just have one question - why bother ?
Hi Fellas:
really informative thread, learned a lot from your comments so far. Let me ask you this: Say I had a MDD and say I really wanted it to run OS9.x only. I'd followed your instructions and successfully got an install using the restore disks and am booting beautifully into OS9 now. However, what I'd really like is to not have OSX on the drive at all (went the route of installing X first then using the 9 installer on the restore disks). Now I'm sure it wouldn't just be a matter of deleting the X-side system folders etc - but I'm damned if I can find anything on the web regarding this situation and you seem like you might know. Appreciate any feedback.
Actually that's not entirely the case. Somewhere on the garden here there was a copy of 9.2.2 that I used to install normally on the 2003 MDD. I think it was the 800Mhz eMac disc. It has a newer version of the rom than the one that is in the MDD restore discs. 10.1.1 I believe.
Lance,
the discussion involves 4 of us who oen MDDs (FW400).
The ONLY way to "install" OS9 on such an MDD is to use the restore CDs that came with it.
No retail version of OS9 will work, although it was reported on Apple Discussions that some can boot from a retail OS9.2.1 install CD, and even install the OS from that, but then you can't boot the MDD from the OS it just installed.
From OSX 10.2.0 onwards (for all Macs that came with it), OS9 (and other key packages - iMovie, iDVD, etc) could be installed by performing a partial restore, that is you would perform a Restore, and you would be presented with a page to choose the software you wanted to restore, it deaulted to "All" but you could select to just restore OS9. The point is that you had to boot into OSX from the Macs hard disk to run the Restore. Same for the MDD. There was no OS9 Install CD, imaged or physical.
If you selected to restore OS9, it would copy (ie. drag and drop) the contents of that "OS9 General.dmg" to the hard disk. That's why it is provided.
The Mac OS ROM (part of the OS9 System Folder) is also an important issue in deciding of the OS9 System Folder can boot the Mac. I provided an "OS9 General.dmg" here earlier, and as my MDD was one of the very first produced (I bought it first Saturday after it was announced in Aug 2002), it comes with Mac OS ROM v9.5.1 and minimum Mac OS 10.2.0. This was insufficient to boot MDD produced much later, which may have come with OSX 10.2.1 and Mac OS ROM 10.5.2, ie. The Mac OS ROM v9.5.1 in my OS9 System Folder was insufficent to boot a later MDD.
Should be no issue with copying Finder and most other parts of the OS9 System Folder to Macs that can run that OS. The only issue would be with the "Users & Groups Data File" in the OS9 System Folder Preferences. It should be trashed if you copy to another Mac. It contains the cache that holds the Mac's MAC address of it's network interface cards and computer name and the like. Causes untold issues on an OS9 AppleTalk network if you forget to trash it.
Not sure about the statement "to get the Mac OS ROM version required to boot a MDD in Mac OS 9", since all MDDs will boot in OS 9. All you have to do is install. The only exception is the MDD FW800, and nothing can enable the FW800 to boot in OS 9.
Not sure which of these files, if any, makes an install CD, but "Mac OS 9 MDD DMG" doesn't. It's just a collection of drag and drop files, so it won't make a proper installation (copied Finders lead to troubles). Maybe one needs "CD 1" through "CD-4", since it seems the "Install 1" and 2 are only for OS 10.2. I suppose the CD-1 thru 4 have a lot of additional software, because OS 9.2.2 will fit on one CD.
Enjoy! The MDD is quite an awesome Mac OS 9 machine (if at times loud)
Its cool, OS9 is installed now. Took a split second lol.
Cheers.
If you know where you're going you can also use the "Go to folder" option in the Finder. Just type the path like /Volumes/Restore CD/.images/
Wow great stuff, very helpful! Found it right off the bat haha.
More classic gaming here I come
My apologies if it is corrupt. From now on I will make sure to run a CRC and post it.
If you have a tool like Tinkertool, you need to enable hidden files/folders in the Finder to find the .images folder where the DMG is hiding.
Ta very much, will try now! Hmm where the .images folder? I have downloaded all of the above CDs.
Thanks again.
If it is corrupt you can always pull it from the first restore CD. It's in the hidden ".images" folder. I know that copy is definitely good because I just used it recently.
Could someone please re-upload the Mac OS 9 MDD DMG? Its corrupt for some reason :/
Thanks in advance!
These CDs are from a Dual 867, and I was able to get my Dual 1.25 to work from them.
Since it was a Dual 867, that means its from the original batch I believe. I have the Apple Hardware Test CD as well, will image that/check its version to see if it also goes with the earlier release.
got 10.2 installed on my Sawtooth, runs great!!!!
All we need is 10.3
I just want to clarify. Even though I think that the eMac 9.2.2 Install CD is the best choice for a OS9 G4 user since it appears to be installable on most G4s, I still think that you should also download the machine specific install discs/OS9General.dmg so that you can set up the G4 as it came from the factory if desired.
Also, Bob Kiwi, what MDD model did this install set go with? Was it the original MDD model or the later MDD 2003 series?
That's a really neat link. I recently signed up for 68kMLA as well, about the same time I started uploading things here (clearly I decided to stop lurking and be more of a contributor).
The eMac 9.2.2 was listed on that page I mentioned but was stored in one of sheepmyshaver123's mediafire accounts so that might be the one you got. And yep it really is the best option as it's bootable and installable!
Protocol7, thanks for the additional upload. I agree that the dmg format can be a problem for OS9 users. I actually tried to convert Bob Kiwi's OS9General.dmg to OS9 img format using dropdmg but I kept getting an error message. It was then that I noticed that the mounted dmg was over 1gig in size so I figured that must have been the cause of the problem. I didn't try converting Protocol7's upload figuring I would have the same problem. In the end, I followed Protocol7's advice and downloaded the eMac 9.2.2 CD. This would be the best bet for a OS9 user. First, it is a true bootable 9.2.2 install CD (not a restore cd). Second, it is in iso format which means an OS9 user should be able to use Toast under OS9 to burn it. Also, according to a MDD owner on the lowendmac OS9 forum, it not only works on the MDD but all prior G4s as well. Protocol7 says you can find it at the Old Mac Archive, but I could not find it there. I did find it at the sheepmyshaver123 archive. I think there is another upload link to the same file in the emac 9.2.2 discussion in this forum.
I've collected the later ROMs as it's always handy to have them around. After 9.6.1 there was 9.7.1, 9.8.1, 10.1.1 and 10.2.1. There was a discussion about them on 68kmla (and now that I see it, ccmac was in on that too!)
http://68kmla.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11366
The restore CDs are not the easiest and fastest way to get up and running, especially if you don't have a Mac OS X install to use, but they are the official way you could say. If someone wanted to rip out the essentials to make a Mac OS 9 booting System Folder for a machine and upload it and edit it in, that's fine by me. I'm just happy to image whatever official media I have and share, and hopefully help out some retro enthusiasts
Great discussion by the way, I never knew the ROM went above 9.6.1
Yep it's the same idea as the MDD one. It just contains the Applications and System Folder. You could burn it to a DVD in OS X (it's 1GB so won't fit on a CD) and copy the folders off.
A better method if you have a spare Mac with OS X installed is to attach the Mac you want to put OS9 onto in firewire target disk mode. Then mount the dmg and copy the files to the target drive.
The only way to make is Classic-friendly would be to make a DiskCopy image of it but I gathered that ccmac would manage fine with the dmg. The reason I didn't upload the whole restore cd is it doesn't give you an option of what gets restored so it would nag for disc 2 so it could install all the other (OS X) bundled software.
An important point, but I have a feeling, like the OS9.2.2 for the MDD, the iBook OS9.dmg is in the format it actually comes on the Restore CD. ie. it's not suitable for burnng to a physical CD, and even if you did burn it, you couldn't boot from it (while on the CD). Importantly, it requires you to boot into OSX from the hard disk and install the contents by drag and drop. Assuming it's like the MDD "OS9 General.dmg" ....
Yes, if possible, upload the entire iBook OS9 dmg.
I can upload the OS9 dmg tomorrow if you need it. If it's just for the ROM I could upload that seperate. It can be added to any 9.2.2.
The eMac 800Mhz install CD has a 10.1.1 ROM in it's System Folder and installs a 10.2.1 one. As far as I know that's the highest Mac OS ROM version. You can find it here: http://macintoshgarden.org/forum/old-mac-archive
Protocol 7,
It would be great if you would also upload the restore set for the iBook or at least the iBook's OS9 dmg with the Mac OS ROM 9.7.1 version.
Thanks
Great upload.
I bought my MDD as soon as they were announced (as the last OS9 booting desktop Mac), so mine came with OSX 10.2.0 and Mac OS ROM 9.5.1. Both had already been linked to on this site, but these may be of more use for you, j_damage•69.
Sounds like you bought it - woohoo !! In OS9 it's seriously fast. And I mean poo-your-pants fast. You'll question why you use OSX.
Bob Kiwi is essentially right about the MDD not being able to boot from retail OS9.2.1 CDs, and although it's not strictly true, it doesn't help you even if you do. I'll explain - it's come up on Apple Discussions many times since the MDD was released. What we all discvered was that the early MDDs - like mine that boot of Ma OS ROM 9.5.1 in OS9 - CAN boot of the retail OS9.2.1 CD. It can even run the installer and install OS9.2.1 onto the hard disk. BUT then you can't boot off that system you've just installed.
Not strange, similar perculiar things like that exist for other Macs, ie. the AirPort Extreme card in the 1GHz eMac, works in OSX, but if you boot into OS9 (which it does), you lose wireless altogether. Don't ask about the original iMac 233MHz and OS9.0.4, it's even stranger.
I guess there would be little if any difference between the OS X install discs. And the iBook only had 3 restore discs so there's more software in the MDD set.
BTW the Mac OS ROM version in the iBook's OS9 dmg is 9.7.1 so it might also boot a MDD if that's the only requirement.
Great work Bob. Thanks so much!
I have a similar set (9.2.2 / 10.2.1) that came with my G3 iBook. Would there be any point uploading it? I'm not sure yet how different they would be.
bob, you rock and you know it!