Slow running g4

Andy83 · Andy83 #1 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 03:30 PM

Hi there, i hope anyone out there can help me!!
I have a Imac g4 800 17" and its running really slow.
I have just purchased it from an auction and they can't remember the Admin user name so am unable to update or make changes to the system. also after about 5 mins after logging on the coloured sphere appears and will stay on for ages. i have also reset the memory from the underside panel.

Please help, oh and whats the OS limit that can be installed on the g4? many many thanks.

vansmith · vansmith #2 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 03:51 PM

How slow is "really slow"? I only ask since that's an old machine and the specs are relatively limited compared to more modern machines.

I'll let someone who knows more about older Macs chip in but I believe the newest version of OS X you can run will be 10.4.11.

Andy83 · Andy83 #3 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 03:55 PM

i can login, but after that the sphere will stay on for, i counted 15 mins before i turned it off. all i know is its got a superdive and a 17" flatpanel monitor. i can open the settings menu and again freezes until its turned off. it didnt come with a apple keyboard so am using a third party one

vansmith · vansmith #4 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 04:03 PM

Did the machine come with install discs? If so, you should probably wipe it clean if it's a new machine (new to you at least). That way, you can get rid of all the junk that came with it and start fresh. If you didn't get the discs, contact the auction house and ask if they have them.

Andy83 · Andy83 #5 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 04:18 PM

sorry it didnt, plus i wouldnt know how to reinstall incase it asks for the admin password and user name whick i dont have.

RavingMac · RavingMac #6 (**permalink**)

01-08-2012, 04:46 PM

MacTracker says that OS X 10.4 (Tiger) is indeed the latest version you can run. The last time I looked retail packages (Black Disks) were running about $80 USD.

Install of the OS is easy and does not require the Admin password. Boot from the OS disk, go to Disk Utility and format the drive then install the OS.

Andy83 · Andy83 #7 (**permalink**)

01-10-2012, 03:10 PM

thats great cheers, one more thing. how do i reset the memory as i am a third party keyboard and not a mac keyboard? cheers

vansmith #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,326 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	01-08-2012, 03:51 PM How slow is "really slow"? I only ask since that's an old machine and the specs are relatively limited compared to more modern machines. I'll let someone who knows more about older Macs chip in but I believe the newest version of OS X you can run will be 10.4.11. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

vansmith #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,326 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	01-08-2012, 04:03 PM Did the machine come with install discs? If so, you should probably wipe it clean if it's a new machine (new to you at least). That way, you can get rid of all the junk that came with it and start fresh. If you didn't get the discs, contact the auction house and ask if they have them. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

RavingMac #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 07, 2008 Location: In Denial Posts: 6,796 Mac Specs: 4GB Mac Mini 2012, 13" MBA, 15" MacBook Pro OSX 10.7, 32 GB iPhone 3GS, iPad2 64gb 3G	01-08-2012, 04:46 PM MacTracker says that OS X 10.4 (Tiger) is indeed the latest version you can run. The last time I looked retail packages (Black Disks) were running about $80 USD. Install of the OS is easy and does not require the Admin password. Boot from the OS disk, go to Disk Utility and format the drive then install the OS. Of course, I know everything . . . I just can't remember it all at once.
	QUOTE Thanks

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Andy83 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 08, 2012 Posts: 6	01-08-2012, 03:30 PM Hi there, i hope anyone out there can help me!! I have a Imac g4 800 17" and its running really slow. I have just purchased it from an auction and they can't remember the Admin user name so am unable to update or make changes to the system. also after about 5 mins after logging on the coloured sphere appears and will stay on for ages. i have also reset the memory from the underside panel. Please help, oh and whats the OS limit that can be installed on the g4? many many thanks.
	QUOTE Thanks

Andy83 #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 08, 2012 Posts: 6	01-08-2012, 04:18 PM sorry it didnt, plus i wouldnt know how to reinstall incase it asks for the admin password and user name whick i dont have.
	QUOTE Thanks

Andy83 #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 08, 2012 Posts: 6	01-10-2012, 03:10 PM thats great cheers, one more thing. how do i reset the memory as i am a third party keyboard and not a mac keyboard? cheers
	QUOTE Thanks

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