10.4: Use NetBoot to install 10.4 on non-DVD systems

May 10, '05 09:41:00AM

Contributed by: epeters8

Tiger only hintI pre-ordered Tiger without fully realizing that it only shipped in DVD format. It lists compatible systems as G3, G4, and G5, but does not list a DVD-ROM as a system requirement. Even on the side of the box. To get around this, I utilized Mac OS X Server 10.3 and NetBoot. (Yes, I have a server at my house because I am truly a geek).

I created a "New Install" image of the Tiger DVD and was able to boot my iMac from the network and install Tiger. Creating the NetBoot image is simple; the Image Utility practically walks you through the necessary steps. I connected a generic DVD-ROM through the USB port, and after a good amount of time, it read the full DVD and made an image. In order to serve the NetBoot image, the server must be running DHCP, AFP, and NetBoot. After the prevoius listed services are configured and running, the image must be activated and marked as default, so that a Mac booting up will latch on to it.

When booting up a network compatible Mac -- I'm not sure where there may be a full list of these, but my Flower Power iMac worked -- holding down the N key after the system startup tone will force the computer to attempt to boot from the server's default NetBoot image. Without DHCP and AFP working, this will fail and you will be left with the flashing "network" icon and a question mark. If it does latch on to that NetBoot image, you'll see the Tiger installer starting up as if you had a bootable DVD-ROM drive in your old computer.

There are lots of variables to this solution that are outside of my submission, such as how to properly configure DHCP, AFP, and the details of the NetBoot service. There are also physical obstructions to consider such as hub or switch connectivity, or simply using a crossover cable, or the simple fact that 99 out of 100 home users don't have direct access to Mac OS X Server! Not a perfect solution, but it worked for me.

Comments (20)


Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=2005050214484646