How to Format a Mac G4 Hard Drive
Upgrading your Mac will keep it running quickly and smoothly. If you have just installed a new hard drive on your Mac G4, you'll need to format it and then install an operating system (Mac's current operating system is known as OS X).
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Instructions
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Format and Install on Your Mac
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Use Apple's Disk Utility (OS X) or Drive Setup (OS 9), which should be included in your OS CD.
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Insert your OS X CD and run the Apple Drive Setup. If your computer doesn't boot automatically when you turn it on, hold down the "C" key at the same time you switch it on. This will allow you to boot to your new drive.
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Select the drive you want to format from the list of drives on your G4 (if this is your only hard drive, it will be the only one that shows up).
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Initialize the G4 hard drive by clicking the "Initialize" button. This will bring up the "Initialize Options" panel.
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Click the "Custom Install" button if you are an advanced user. In the next box, choose "Mac OS Extended" in the partition volumes section. Then click the "OK" button. Your drive will then format. It will be mounted on the desktop for you to use.
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Troubleshoot any problems you have installing OS X by checking the Apple support website (see Resources below). It contains hundreds of articles related to support issues.
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Tips & Warnings
Some Mac OS software now comes in DVD format. Before you purchase a new copy of Mac OS, be sure it is the right medium for your computer. If you don't have a DVD player on your Mac, for example, you won't be able to install the software!
While Macs are not prone to crashing like Windows PCs are, it is always a good idea to back up your files. Many users do this with external hard drives connected to their computers.
If you are reformatting a hard drive you already have, the best way to install the OS is to do a "clean install." This will wipe out the data on your hard drive, however. Be sure to back up before you reformat.
Resources
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Comments
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Mac System is really affordable for one who likes powerfull jobs.
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Sayedaziz
Apr 13, 2008
I formatted my G4 with OS X. Installation completed successfully. But when I tried to boot from hard disk the screen becomes unreadable and computer hangs. I left for hours to allow OS to synchronize with my sony monitor(CRT). Any remedial suggestion will be highly appreciated. Aziz -
Sayedaziz
Apr 13, 2008
I formatted my G4 with OS X. Installation completed successfully. But when I tried to boot from hard disk the screen becomes unreadable and computer hangs. I left for hours to allow OS to synchronize with my sony monitor(CRT). Any remedial suggestion will be highly appreciated. Aziz
