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Zimwy · Jun 14, 2003, 05:41 PM

Hi,
I'm trying ot install os x onto a computer, but I only have a screen that can do 640x480. It' incredibly frustrating. I boot up from the OS X cd, and it shows me the Apple, gives me the spinning gear, and then switches to a high res that my screen can't do. Is there ANY way i can force 640x480, or possibly install OS X from the command line?

Thanks,
gabe

Scifience · Jun 14, 2003, 07:33 PM

I think the lowest OS X can go is 800x600.

thePurpleGiant · Jun 14, 2003, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by Scifience:
I think the lowest OS X can go is 800x600.

Actually, once it is installed you can get to 640x480. You just have to uncheck the box that says 'only use recommended resolutions'.

As for installation, could you get a better screen just to install it? Once it's installed then you can change to 640x480.

bradoesch · Jun 15, 2003, 12:13 AM

This is an indirect solution, but if you have a second Mac you could use Carbon Copy Cloner to move an OS X installation between Macs.

Angus_D · Jun 15, 2003, 04:13 AM

I'm not even sure if you'd be able to fit the installer window on the screen at 640x480. You really don't want to run OS X at 640x480, either, Aqua eats up screen real-estate.

Zimwy · Jun 15, 2003, 11:07 AM

Hey all,
Thanks for the replies. I can't get a better screen just for installation. I'll keep looking but nnobody will lend me one. How can I use Carbon Copy Cloner? That doesn't seem like it'd be possible unless I cloned onto a CD and then cloned from the CD to the HD. I have no firewire on this imac either.

Thanks for your help. Oh, and just on a side note, OS X runs perfectly fine at 640x480.

It just won't install at that res.

gabe

Art Vandelay · Jun 15, 2003, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by Angus_D:
I'm not even sure if you'd be able to fit the installer window on the screen at 640x480. You really don't want to run OS X at 640x480, either, Aqua eats up screen real-estate.

It will. The OS X CD will boot at 640x480 if it properly detects the capabilities of the monitor. Generally, this means that it needs to be an Apple monitor since most non-Apple monitors don't properly identify their capabilities. I've installed OS X on a G3 with an Apple 13" monitor which only supports 640x480.

bradoesch · Jun 15, 2003, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by Zimwy:
Hey all,
Thanks for the replies. I can't get a better screen just for installation. I'll keep looking but nnobody will lend me one. How can I use Carbon Copy Cloner? That doesn't seem like it'd be possible unless I cloned onto a CD and then cloned from the CD to the HD. I have no firewire on this imac either.

Thanks for your help. Oh, and just on a side note, OS X runs perfectly fine at 640x480. It just won't install at that res.

gabe

Well, here's a screenie of the program's preferences:

Looks like you can make a disc image, but there's also some other settings that might be useful. Maybe somebody who knows what they do can tell you.

Art Vandelay · Jun 15, 2003, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by Zimwy:
Hey all,
Thanks for the replies. I can't get a better screen just for installation. I'll keep looking but nnobody will lend me one. How can I use Carbon Copy Cloner? That doesn't seem like it'd be possible unless I cloned onto a CD and then cloned from the CD to the HD. I have no firewire on this imac either.

Thanks for your help. Oh, and just on a side note, OS X runs perfectly fine at 640x480. It just won't install at that res.

gabe

Why can't your iMac do more than 640x480? It supports greater resolutions.

Angus_D · Jun 15, 2003, 12:29 PM

I'm guessing his CRT died and he wants to turn it into a headless server.