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`mishimasan` · Aug 18, 2009, 11:02 AM

Hi all,

Wasn't sure where to post this but I need some help...

Basically, my Macbook Pro's HD just died, and whilst I'm going to buy a new one I need to figure out how I'm going to get my copy of Leopard onto it when I only have a copy in DMG format. The copy is on my PC, as my Mac has died.

It's not so simple though - the DMG is made for a dual layer DVD and I don't have a DL drive.

What I DO have is an ipod, and I'm aware that you can use these as an installation medium when installing OS X. However, since I'm on a PC, are there any issues that will not allow me to create this installation vehicle, and if so what are my other options?

How would I make the installation vehicle from my ipod using Windows or how would I get the Leopard DMG onto a single layer DVD?

Thanks in advance guys.

carterx · Aug 18, 2009, 11:27 AM

The .dmg, is this an install disc of Leopard? I take it your original discs that came with the computer are Tiger?

I guess it depends on your burning program. Some will convert to an .iso I did a quick search and found this MagicISO FAQ: How to convert DMG to ISO with MagicISO? where MagicISO will convert a .dmg file.

Cold Warrior · Aug 18, 2009, 11:30 AM

can you get your hands on another Mac and a couple 8 GB USB thumb drives?

Here's what I'd do if I didn't have a friend's Mac to borrow:
- copy DMG from Windows machine to USB thumb drive 1. That drive will need to be NTFS since FAT32 can't hold files over 2GB.
- go to an Apple store and find an available Mac with at least two USB ports.
- use Disk Utility to 'restore' the DMG. The DMG on USB drive 1 is the source; the destination is USB drive 2 (formatted HFS+, which you'll have to do from that Mac).

Now you have a bootable OS X thumb drive from which to install OS X once your new HD arrives.

If you have OS X-using friends, this same process works too.

`mishimasan` · Aug 18, 2009, 11:31 AM

Thanks for the quick reply!

I forgot to mention, I've already tried MagicISO and it doesn't want to open the DMG. Says something like "unrecognized format". Weird huh?

And not to forget, the ISO would be too big to fit onto a single layer DVD.

I'm screwed aren't I???

`mishimasan` · Aug 18, 2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

can you get your hands on another Mac and a couple 8 GB USB thumb drives?

Here's what I'd do if I didn't have a friend's Mac to borrow:
- copy DMG from Windows machine to USB thumb drive 1. That drive will need to be NTFS since FAT32 can't hold files over 2GB.
- go to an Apple store and find an available Mac with at least two USB ports.
- use Disk Utility to 'restore' the DMG. The DMG on USB drive 1 is the source; the destination is USB drive 2 (formatted HFS+, which you'll have to do from that Mac).

Now you have a bootable OS X thumb drive from which to install OS X once your new HD arrives.

If you have OS X-using friends, this same process works too.

That's ingenious. Thanks for that my friend.

So once I had the DMG on one flash disk, and another blank flash disk both at 8GB, and I was on the Mac terminal - would I use Disk Utility to "Restore" the DMG to the blank USB flash disk?

Art Vandelay · Aug 18, 2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

can you get your hands on another Mac and a couple 8 GB USB thumb drives?

Here's what I'd do if I didn't have a friend's Mac to borrow:
- copy DMG from Windows machine to USB thumb drive 1. That drive will need to be NTFS since FAT32 can't hold files over 2GB.
- go to an Apple store and find an available Mac with at least two USB ports.
- use Disk Utility to 'restore' the DMG. The DMG on USB drive 1 is the source; the destination is USB drive 2 (formatted HFS+, which you'll have to do from that Mac).

Now you have a bootable OS X thumb drive from which to install OS X once your new HD arrives.

If you have OS X-using friends, this same process works too.

You need admin rights to be able to do this.

carterx · Aug 18, 2009, 11:50 AM

Like "Art Vandelay" was saying just do a restore to another disc but it sounds like your .dmg file may have an issue if MagicISO is having an issue. I know it's a Windows program but it's made to read .dmg files.

Good luck.

CharlesS · Aug 18, 2009, 02:06 PM

Why can't you just use the install discs that came with your MacBook Pro?

Simon · Aug 18, 2009, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

Here's what I'd do if I didn't have a friend's Mac to borrow:
- copy DMG from Windows machine to USB thumb drive 1. That drive will need to be NTFS since FAT32 can't hold files over 2GB.
- go to an Apple store and find an available Mac with at least two USB ports.
- use Disk Utility to 'restore' the DMG. The DMG on USB drive 1 is the source; the destination is USB drive 2 (formatted HFS+, which you'll have to do from that Mac).

This is very good advice. Keep in mind to select "Erase Destination' in Disk Utility so your clone remains bootable.

Art Vandelay · Aug 18, 2009, 02:29 PM

Except for the fact you need admin access to do a Restore.

carterx · Aug 18, 2009, 02:34 PM

If you have any OS X install discs like the ones that would have came with the computer if it was Tiger when you received it, you can use it to boot the machine and use the Disk Utility on your current mac to do as Cold Warrior suggested. That is if you have any install discs at all.

From what I gather, you have the OS X Leopard install but do you have the original install discs that came with the computer even if they are Tiger?

Cold Warrior · Aug 18, 2009, 02:49 PM

If it takes admin rights then that's a bummer. An Apple Store may do it for you behind the counter if you give them all the materials, maybe, although my own personal track record with Apple Store repair help is sub-par.

A local Mac shop may also do it.

The best option is a friend with a Mac. You already have the Windows box. Here is how to make a thumb drive NTFS, as it doesn't show up under the regular right-click-Format option.

Simon · Aug 18, 2009, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

You need admin rights to be able to do this.

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

Except for the fact you need admin access to do a Restore.

It appears you have been infected by the echo virus. Format your Mac at once.

Simon · Aug 18, 2009, 03:19 PM

Even if it does require an admin password (I'm not sure about that) a friendly AASP should be able to help. Of course a friend with a Mac would be even better.

Art Vandelay · Aug 18, 2009, 03:25 PM

Yes, it does require an admin password. I do restores all the time. The only time it doesn't require a password is when you've booted from an install disc, since you're already running as root.

The reason there was an echo is because no one was acknowledging that you can't just go into an Apple Store and do this.

They may be willing to help or they may not. Hard to tell if you're legitimately doing it.

`mishimasan` · Aug 18, 2009, 05:54 PM

Wow, lots of activity here.

Yep, in response to the "why not use the install discs" question, like a regular ********* with extra fries - I've lost the original install discs. Don't ask, I think it's just inherent human nature to be doucheful at times.

So Art Vandelay, I think that you are correct - last time I tried a restore I was indeed asked for my admin pass...

I may have to either sleep with a Mac technician as they'll probably not let me do such a controversial thing in-store without some form of payment (I have no money, hell yeah I'd choose money over casual sex any day) OR,

I'll have to make friends with someone that has a Mac. Maybe I'll keep them as a friend after I coerce them to hand over control of their Mac to me. Who knows.

I'll come back and post here when I make the move

Be sure I'll include all the juicy details for my new forum clique.

Thanks for all the responses - speak soon!

`mishimasan` · Aug 25, 2009, 05:50 PM

Right, I bought a new HD from online, and followed this tutorial to the T: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...2119532,00.asp

Basically, I installed it correctly, and it works - it shows the broken folder icon when I start with no installation DVD in the drive.

HOWEVER, when I put the installation DVD in the drive and start, or start holding C, it shows the Apple logo, then I hear the drive spinning like it's loading up... then the loading graphic that shows the animating dots appears for about 1 min and then... the drive slows to a halt and the animation freezes.

It's completely silent and shows no sign of recovery. So I have to switch it off at this point.

Could anyone please shed some light on this? I really want to get this up and running again!!!!!

All advice is appreciated.

`mishimasan` · Aug 28, 2009, 07:08 AM

Bump!

Simon · Aug 28, 2009, 07:14 AM

Maybe your DVD drive is broken. Lots of slot-loaders die early. Lots. Do you have a USB DVD drive to try it out on?

If it's not the drive it could in principle also be the DVD itself. Do you have another DVD you could try?

`mishimasan` · Aug 28, 2009, 07:18 AM

Hi friend - thanks for the really quick reply.

The DVD drive seemed to be working fine just before the HD apparently died.

I don't have another USB drive I can try. I don't have another DVD I could try.

I've heard that there's a way of installing OS X from an iPod. Could you perhaps run me through that if you know how?

Please bear in mind I'm running Windows on my other terminal - I don't have access to another OS X installation. That probably just shows that I need more friends lol...

Simon · Aug 28, 2009, 07:32 AM

You can only install OS X from the iPod if it's already on there. But without a DVD and/or DVD drive you can't get it on there either.

You could try turning the iPod into an external disk and cloning the DVD to it on a Windows box. Then you could boot the Mac from the iPod. But I have no idea if you can do that on Windows.