When I try to upgrade to OS X on my computer, which is a IBook G3, blue and white laptop, I get this message:

"An error has occurred. Startup disk was unable to select the install cd as startup disk. (-2)"

So this is a Clamshell that you're trying to upgrade? What are you trying to upgrade to, OS-wise? Does the clamshell meet the specs? Is the installer disk that you're using the generic one, or one that is meant for another type of Mac?

Yeah, it's the clamshell, and as far as I know, it does meet the specs. I'm trying to upgrade to OS X Panther Version 10.3. It's the generic one I suppose. I mean, it doesn't say on the box that it's for a specific type of Mac.

OK, looks like the clamshells are supported for Panther.

Got enough RAM (min 128MB)?

Zapped the PRAM?

Tried rebooting and holding down C to choose CD as boot device?

What do you mean by zapped the PRAM?

Google is your friend..

http://www.techsurvivors.net/faqs/pram_how.html

What exatly does that do?

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86194

Hello,

ZAPPING the PRAM is akin to zapping the BIOS on the Wintel machines. Remember to go through your control panels (or system prefs) after a successful bootup to re-personalize items that may have been defaulted with the zap. Also check the time too!

Christian

Hi,

I just found this forum and I'm hoping for the best.

I have an ibook, pc G3 and I can't install OS X. I keep getting the prohibited error. I have zapped my stuff, gotten firmware, upgraded to 9.2.2 and done everything that is listed on the apple website with one possible exception. I have 320 ram that may be after market. Should I install the old one again and try to install OS X for the 50+ time?

Any ideas? I have two versions I'm trying to use and it just doens't get far enough to know if it will even work, it just wont' start up.

Also, my internal cd drive is fried and I'm using a Que! usb2 external drive. This worked to reinstall my os 9.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

daniel