Member Avatar for jwd32

I would like to know how to reformat my main ATA Drive so that it removes OS9 and allows me to reinstall OSX only. Besides just wanting to clean up my Mac, I would like to know how to reformat just in case I decide to sell the computer. If anyone can provide some direction, I would be very thankful. Thank you for your time.

I have a G4 PowerMac with a 933MHz processor. It originally came with OS9 and OSX. I currently have OSX Panther version 10.3.9

  • 2 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 97 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by jwd32

Dani AI

Generated

Brief addition: is pointing in the right direction, but a clean, safe wipe/reinstall needs a bit more prep. The checklist below fills in the gaps so data is preserved, the install will succeed on a PowerPC machine, and the OS9 footprint is removed completely before sale.

  • Back up everything first. Use an external FireWire drive or put the Mac into Target Disk Mode and copy the drive to another Mac so you have a full copy before you touch the internal disk. Target Disk Mode explains the simplest FireWire workflow.
  • Confirm install media. PowerPC Macs frequently need either the original model restore DVDs or a retail Panther installer that supports your model. Make sure the discs you plan to use will boot and install on this PowerMac.
  • Reformat correctly. From the installer’s Disk Utility, create a single Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume and use the Apple Partition Map scheme (required on PowerPC). Erasing and re-creating the partition will remove any OS9 partition or system folder. Follow the Disk Utility erase guidance when doing this. Erase a disk with Disk Utility
  • If selling, do a secure wipe. Check Disk Utility for multi-pass/secure-erase options on your installer; if not present, use a reputable disk-wiping utility before reinstalling. Finally, reinstall Mac OS X from your verified installer and restore only the files you need from backup.

Cautions: back up license keys and personal files separately, verify the installer boots before erasing, and confirm PowerPC compatibility of the disc you’ll use. This approach removes OS9 entirely and leaves a single, clean OS X-only system.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for yellow

Boot from the installation DVD and choose Erased & Install.

Member Avatar for jwd32

Thanks for the advice. I will give that a try.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.