root user works, added admin doesn't

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I bought my first mac on ebay, g5 20 imac running 10.5.8. The original owner account had no password, neither did root. I enabled root login and created a new admin account with my name and deleted the original account. When I login as root, everything works. When I login with the new admin account, I cannot change desktop settings, get "not enough disk space" errors when downloading programs (firefox, skype). I ran repair permissions, no change. I do not have the original install disks but am not oppossed to buying them if necessary. If that is the case, how do I know what will install on my mac and where to I buy them? I do have a set of imac install disks (10.5.6) so can run utilities from them if needed.
 

chscag

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You really need a set of install disks. Unless your Leopard 10.5.6 is a retail set, black color, it won't work on the G5. And a retail set of Leopard disks is expensive - around $129 or more.
 
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thanks, for your reply, my install disks are gray. So I assume a clean install is the fix? Since I don't have the correct install disks, when I purchase a retail 10.5, will it install on my G5? I understand that 10.6 requires and intel processor. Is there an option to purchase the correct install disks (from Apple)? Lots of questions, I know...
 

chscag

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You can always contact Apple about getting a set of original install disks, however, your G5 probably did not come with Leopard pre-installed. It possibly may have had Tiger installed?

And yes, Leopard 10.5.8 will install on your G5. Leopard is a good stable release of OS X and will work well on your machine. The only drawback is trying to find a retail Leopard set at a decent price. You might want to keep your eyes on eBay or Craig's list as you never know - you may get lucky.
 
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thanks a ton, chscag! I'll shop for the retail 10.5.8 and then won't need the install disk set. I would still like to figure out why I can't add an admin user though... once I have install disks, I'll experiment more. If I break it, I'll install then. I don't have any data to worry about since I just got started with the mac.
 

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