Boot the Macbook in target disk mode (Firewire disk mode) by pressing some key during startup (I don't know everything, but it's available on google) Insert the installer disk into your iMac, and reboot, installing the OS to the firewire one (which is actually the MacBook) Problem solved.
On Sun, Dec 27, 2009 at 1:39 PM, Malcolm O'Brien <malcolmo2...@hotmail.com> wrote: > The machine without the DVD drive (it doesn't read consistently) is > actually a MacBook, but the helper machine is the iMac under my .sig and > the principles will be the same regardless of model. > > The MacBook owner deleted a bunch of stuff based on its dates and times > and thereafter booted to a flashing folder with a "?". When I got it > from her and turned it on, the optical drive made a terrible screechy > noise. I took a loose scrap of plastic out of its innards and the next > time I booted, no ugly noise. Good! > > Thinking an OS reinstall was called for, I put in the Install disc and > away we went. During the "checking your disc" phase (around 13%), > something happened and a "can't check your disc" error appeared. I > clicked "Ignore and continue" and it began to install but failed along > the way. Now when it tries to start, it begins to boot but then panics > and says to restart. > > So I started my iMac in Firewire mode with the install disc in the > SuperDrive, started the MacBook holding down Option, and found that I > was offered the option of the fratzed internal HD or the HD on my iMac. > I'd hoped that the iMac's SuperDrive would be included in the choices > but no such luck. (I guess it isn't booted enough to know that my Prefs > says to share the drive.) So I boot from my iMac HD. No problem. Things > are fine - wonderful! - EXCEPT no sign of my iMac's optical drive. GRRR! > > So I reboot the iMac normally. I make .dmg's of the 2 Install discs, > figuring I'll at least be able to access those on my HD. Back to > Firewire boot, start the MacBook via my iMac HD, navigate to the .dmg's, > run the Installer, and ... oh, yeah ... it makes me restart the MacBook. > This, of course, is worthless. DOH! > > So now I'm looking at the instructions at: > > http://www.maciverse.com/install-os-x-snow-leopard-from-usb-flash-drive.html > > even though I don't have a suitable USB drive! > > Can anyone tell me a better option? How do you install the OS without a > DVD drive? Will I have to go into the Apple Store and have them fix it? > > I _do_ have a Firewire-equipped enclosure into which I could put a HD. > > Thanks for reading and thanks for any assistance offered. > -- > Malcolm > 800MHz 17" flat panel iMac running Leopard (1GB RAM, 500GB HD) > > -- > You received this message because you are a member of the iMac Group, a group > for those using Apple iMacs and eMacs. > The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml and our netiquette > guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml > To post to this group, send email to imaclist@googlegroups.com > To leave this group, send email to imaclist+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com > For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/imaclist > -- You received this message because you are a member of the iMac Group, a group for those using Apple iMacs and eMacs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to imaclist@googlegroups.com To leave this group, send email to imaclist+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/imaclist
