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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Upgrading to OS X from OS 9.0.4

flaminhoon - Jul 27, 2006 - 10:03 am

Hello Everyone
I'm trying to upgrade an imac version M5521 running 0s9.0 to 0sx. for a girlfriend. Ive done an extensive search but to no avail. I have downloaded via my PC various firmware updates in .bin format but the Mac cant read them, So I thought Id get stuffit in .sit format but it cant read that either. What am I doing wrong. I transferred them over on a CD ROM from my PC as the mac isn't online.
Can anybody help me please, please, please is there a tutorial or something?
Thank you
Steve thompson

earthsaver - Jul 27, 2006 - 11:16 am

Is Stuffit Expander installed on the iMac? What version? When will it be online? You'll find Software Update particularly inconvenient without Internet access.

- Ben

flaminhoon - Jul 27, 2006 - 1:08 pm

Thanks for replying
No it's not installed, and I'm having trouble connecting to the net via my cable modem, I haven't got a clue when it comes to Macs. I think there is quite a lot wrong with the machines system, hence upgrading.
Cheers
Steve

earthsaver - Jul 27, 2006 - 1:36 pm

Well, naturally, you need Stuffit Expander to open .sit or .bin files. You can download version 7.0.3 and according to VersionTracker it should be compatible with 9.0.4, despite the listing on stuffit.com.
http://www.stuffit.com/mac/expander/exp-downloadv.html

(You should only need one firmware update to get the iMac current for installing Mac OS X 10.2 or later.)

flaminhoon - Jul 27, 2006 - 8:09 pm

Thanks for that, very reassuring that I'm not going mad. I have downloaded stuffit and the firmware updates via my PC and put them on a CD, then shuved the CD in the mac! Is there some reason mac's can't recognise the installer for stuffit? or is it because I used a Pc to download it?
Thanks
Steve

earthsaver - Jul 27, 2006 - 8:21 pm

Part of the problem I didn't realize before is that the download for Stuffit 7.0.3 is an .hqx file, which requires Stuffit (at least an earlier version) to open. So, instead you can download a self-expanding archive from my iDisk, open it on the Mac, and you'll get the installer good to go.
http://idisk.mac.com/earthsaver-Publ...sicInstall.sea

flaminhoon - Jul 28, 2006 - 9:05 am

No I couldnt open that either! The mac is online now, so I downloaded it directly. For some weird reason, this mac cant read any extention ie. sit , sea, smi, bin,dmg. It just shows a blank icon. Ive looked through the xtentions to see if there was anything weird in there and tried starting with them off. No Joy. Doh!
Any ideas?
Thanks for your time I really do appreciate your help.
Steve T

flaminhoon - Jul 28, 2006 - 9:44 am

I think I know whats going on! For some reason the file associations are messed up, so there is nothing to open an SMI file with on the system. I havent a clue how to remedy this though! Apart from chucking it out of the window !

earthsaver - Jul 28, 2006 - 9:53 am

Well, Mac OS 9 has no concern for file extensions; it uses a more specific association of Type and Creator codes. A couple things to try. One is to rebuild the desktop. Restart the computer and, as soon as extensions finish loading, hold Command (Apple) and Option. You'll be prompted about the rebuild process.

Another possibility, and this will be necessary anyway if you'll want to use the Classic Environment after installing OS X (booting OS 9 inside): update to 9.2.2. You can download the 9.1, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2 updates from Apple, but of course being able to open the .smi disk images will still be necessary. I can package them into self-expanding archives (as I did with Stuffit) if you need.

flaminhoon - Jul 28, 2006 - 10:36 am

Thanks Ben
I tried your sugestions, but I cant open anyything! not even self expanding archives. So I cant even update to 0s 9.1

earthsaver - Jul 28, 2006 - 11:29 am

Well, then, you might need to start fresh with a clean install of Mac OS 9, using the Install/Restore CD that came with the computer or any Mac OS 9 Instal Disc you can get your hands on. Or, if you want, I can reopen your question and see if any other techs have ideas.

flaminhoon - Jul 28, 2006 - 11:46 am

That would be great.
Thank you soooo mch for you time, your a star.
Steve

Natobasso - Jul 28, 2006 - 5:54 pm

If you want to install OS X on your computer, you need to first upgrade your OS 9 to 9.2.2:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75288

Do this on your mac because when you download files to a pc you disturb the directory block structure (pcs have 1 directory block while macs have 2) and you corrupt the files.

Then you need to buy OS X install disc and boot up with it to install it (Back up all data you want to save first in case you have to wipe and install).

This should solve your problem. Let me know.

flaminhoon - Jul 31, 2006 - 8:51 am

Fantastic, Thanks so much. Problem solved. What a lovely website and users. Thanks again. And again.
Steve Thompson

Natobasso - Jul 31, 2006 - 11:30 am

Yay! I'm glad it worked.

Closing thread now...