Reformating an eMac.

Hey, ... this is just the place I was looking for!!!

I have an eMac with Macintosh Management Server on it and I do not have any of the administrator passwords. The computer is from school, my broadcasting teacher was going to trash it and I asked her if I could keep it. We have two more eMac just like this one that are running a newer OS probably Leopard. And I want to install it on the eMac I have too but the problem is I have to log in as "guest" ... I wanted to erase everything off of it and reinstall the operating system. I'm new to macs and I have little clue on how to fix my problem. I tried putting a DVD with a newer operating system on the disc but it kept popping it out. I don't think it has a DVD player, just a CD player. If anyone can help me get it back alive and working it would be greatly appreciated.

Here are the specs:
eMac
Server: 10.0.1.2
Version: 2.2.2, Mac OS 9.2.2
Built-in Memory: 1 GB | 1 Gigabyte of RAM
Virtual Memory: Off
Largest Unused Block: 954.6 MB
Mac OS ROM 10.1.1

Thanks to all in advance.

(I'm buying a MacBook Pro for college soon ... I'm so excited!)

I'm unclear. You want to reinstall the operating system? You are using OS X 10.0?

G'day chuckles and welcome to the forums!

You have given us everything except the processor speed, 1.42, 1.25GHz etc. The Leopard OS will install only on machines with an 867MHz processor or higher on a normal install. The Leopard disc will be rejected if the eMac is say a 700MHz. Here is a link to the various model eMacs when you find out the processor speed.

Apple eMac Links @ EveryMac.com

So he's talking about the OS when he says he wants to reinstall it?

Yes, ... I want to reinstall the OS on my eMac.

Is there a way to find the processor speed from the mac help menu? I went to the apple in the top left and then to "About this Computer" and processor was not on there.

Do you see System Profiler in the list when you click on the apple?

I do not have access to any of the accounts and I have to use the Guest account and that does not let you view the System Profiler. Any suggestions?

What about the serial number, which is found inside the drop-down cd/dvd door (you can open it with your finger nail). If you post that here, or look on Apple's website, it'll tell you which model of eMac you have.

This might be useful information from the CD/DVD drop down cover.

EMAC 800/CD/NO MODEM CTO

Okay, now to Mactracker which will tell you everything you need to know about that model of eMac.

Leopard will not work on that, so you're limited to Panther or Tiger. Unfortunately you've inherited the 800 model without a modem, so you're going to be limited to broadband (not such a problem really).

Your next step is to purchase a full install version of Panther or Tiger. The disks - either CD or DVD - have a black label face. You may find one here Buy/Sell/Trade - Mac-Forums.com, or try Amazon or eBay. Once you have the OS install disks, you can go ahead and reinstall either of those OS on the HD of the eMac using Erase & Install.

Is tiger better than panther, ... (not the animals) the operating systems of course.

Thanks for the info man!

I think one has to say Tiger, although I use both - the 'horses for courses' principle.

Tiger has more features, but don't expect miracles from an 800 MHz processor. That by itself might point you more toward Panther, which I find operates smoothly on both a G3/350 and a G3/600, so it'll work even better on a G4/800. That eMac was issued originally with Jaguar (10.2).

You also get the benefit (I think) of OS 9.2.2 as part of either Panther or Tiger.

Now we know it is an 800MHz machine, Tiger for sure chuckles. If you are to purchase a copy make sure it is the full retail install version. CD versions are extremely hard to find but Apple did make them for your eMac. Mactracker advises your model machine came with either a CD, DVD/CDRW or Superdrive fitted according to order. You may well have to settle for Panther.

Bad luck you got the CD version.

Isn't this machine a G4. G5, or Intel? If the answer is yes, you can run Leopard. If the answer to all of these is no, you are restricted to earlier versions.

iPod Nano said:

Isn't this machine a G4. G5, or Intel? If the answer is yes, you can run Leopard. If the answer to all of these is no, you are restricted to earlier versions.

Click to expand...

No you can not install 10.5 Leopard on All G4's. Power PC G4 867 Mhz and up.

On the Panther/Tiger question, Safari in Panther which can NOT be upgraded has many issues with a growing number of sites. Install Firefox? The latest Firefox versions want Tiger. Go with Tiger as more and more software is 10.4 Tiger and above only.

We have an identical emac at school, ... everything is the same, ... and i think its running leopard, ... but I am having problems getting my emac to recognize any cd/dvd.

OSX Leopard 10.5 will not install on under an 867 Mhz G4. There are ways to TRICK the OS but that rating is there for a reason.

If your optical drive will not read any media, it sounds like a worn out CD/DVD ROM drive.