Thanks for your interest.
Machine boots up with the power mac hardware test CD.
Passed every test and works fine.
Problem is I can't use the gray "Power Mac G4 Software Install/Restore" CD to boot up.
I don't understand because the same CD boots up in other G4.
Thanks for your help
Where did you get the Software Restore cd? Did it come with a different computer? I've only seen them for laptops.
My friend gave me to install it.
Strange things is the hardware test CD that works for mine doesn't work for his computer. What the heck!!
I don't understand this...
I need clear answer. Looks like even though I buy OS I cannot install it to my G4.
G4 user help me please
Machine specific installers (the ones that shipped with a particular Mac and have machine names like "iBook," "PowerBook," or "Power Mac G4" printed on them) are designed to install on only a machine *identical* to the one they shipped with.
You may very well have a Power Mac G4, but if it's not the *exact same model* (for instance, a Quicksilver 2002), then you won't be able to install. What model G4 do you have (speed? case design?) and which model does your friend have? Were they built the same year?
The clue here that you *don't* have the same model is that the Hardware Test doesn't work on both machines. There are several different versions of the Hardware Test, and they support different groups of machines. But no one Hardware Test will run on all iBooks, all PowerBooks, all iMacs, or all Power Macs.
When you buy a copy of Mac OS (say, on eBay), your best bet is to purchase a retail copy, which is built for *all* supported machines, not just select models (maybe your model, maybe not).
Thanks, cwsmith. This was the information that I needed.
It was very clear to understand and actually it helped me to get out this situation. Thank you.