Archived - Macintosh: Some Computers Only Start Up in Mac OS X

Summary

In September 2002, Apple announced that starting in January 2003, new Macintosh computers would only start up into Mac OS X, while retaining the ability to use most Mac OS 9 applications in Mac OS X's "Classic" environment.

Products Affected

Mac mini, Power Mac G4 (FW 800), Power Mac G5, Power Mac G5 (Early 2005), Power Mac G5 (June 2004), Power Mac G5 (Late 2004), Power Mac G5 (Late 2005), PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33GHZ), PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.5GHZ), PowerBook G4 (12-inch), PowerBook G4 (15-Inch Double-Layer SD), PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.5/1.33GHZ), PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHZ), PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW800), PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.33GHZ), PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.5GHZ), PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.67GHZ), PowerBook G4 (17-inch Double-Layer SD), PowerBook G4 (17-inch), PowerBook G4 (1GHZ/867MHZ), PowerBook G4 (DVI), PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet), eMac (2005), eMac (ATI Graphics), eMac (USB 2.0), iBook G4, iBook G4 (12-inch Late 2004), iBook G4 (12-inch Mid 2005), iBook G4 (14-inch Early 2004), iBook G4 (14-inch Late 2004), iBook G4 (14-inch), iBook G4 (Early 2004), iMac

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

These Macintosh computers only start up in Mac OS X:

  • PowerBook G4 (12-inch) and later models of 12-inch PowerBook G4
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW 800) and later models of 15-inch PowerBook G4
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch) and later models of 17-inch PowerBook G4
  • Power Mac G4 (FW 800)
  • Power Mac G5 and later models of Power Mac G5
  • iBook G4 and iBook G4 (14-inch) and later models of iBook
  • iMac (Flat Panel) with serial numbers of xx303xxxxxx or later
  • iMac (17-inch 1 GHz) and later models of iMac
  • eMac (ATI Graphics) most models (see Note)
  • eMac (USB 2.0) and later models of eMac
  • Mac mini

Note: eMac (ATI Graphics) models with CD-ROM or Combo drives can boot into Mac OS 9. Also, be sure to check system requirements before installing versions of Mac OS X on your computer.

Tip: These computers include a Mac OS 9 System Folder on the Mac OS X volume. This System Folder contains the necessary files to run the Classic environment. If the System Folder is deleted or otherwise unavailable, it can be restored using the Restore discs that came with the computer. For more information, see "Mac OS X: How to Reinstall Mac OS 9 or Recover From a Software Restore".

 

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