Macworld: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X? ...

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14 Replies Last post: Jan 18, 2003 10:27 AM by Nobody

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

Jul 11, 2002 7:55 AM

What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Got a new iBook last weekend and I'm thinking of partitioning the HD and reinstalling just OS X (if possible) this weekend.

I've been away from the Mac world for years and planning to pick up an older desktop to run OS 9 and any classic apps on. Therefore I'm thinking, I really don't need OS 9 on the new iBook. (In other words, I lived without it before the purchase and feel that I can still live without it until I get an older desktop to put it on.)

So I ask, can I install only X and partition with it using the X CD? Or, has Apple made it where OS 9 must be installed in order to then install OS X? If the latter is the case, does anyone know of a solid workaround?

TIA,

Techhoney

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

1. Jul 11, 2002 8:02 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Hi
You should be able just to install Mac OS X by itself without a hitch. Mac OS 9 is only used for Classic mode. That is as far as I know, can tell. That's good that you can move away from 9. Though, I guess I don't see why you don't just leave both on your iBook and forget the desktop. Just my little curiosity. Good Luck!

MacCheetah3

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

2. Jul 11, 2002 8:03 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Sure, you can install only OS X on your computer. It's just that you will not be able to run Classic on that system with out installing OS 9 as well. However, it sounds as if you don't care about that. so, no worries.

As for repartitioning your HD I am not sure if you can run Disk Utility from the OS X install CD or not. You may have to boot from the Mac OS 9 install CD and run Drive Setup to do this.

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

3. Jul 11, 2002 8:15 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Thanks for the immediate replies!

I'm thinking, if I don't need the extra overhead of OS 9 and again, since I haven't depended on it before, then I can perhaps just go all OS X.

Or, are you suggesting Cheetah that I keep OS 9 and just place it on a partition of its own?

I'm glad you brought out that point Glenn about Disk Util on the X CD. I'll have to find out if I can use it for partitioning.

If you have more feedback on this, please share.

saxophonemn

104 posts since
Jul 2, 2002

4. Jul 11, 2002 8:38 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

I wouldn't partition for OS9 I just leave it side by side X in the same HD on my iBook, all works well, however I am trying to stray away from as much classic as possible and only use just in case I have to. You are better off safe than sorry.

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

5. Jul 11, 2002 8:43 AM

in response to: saxophonemn

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

I'd recommend leaving OS 9 on a seperate partition... the reason is that some lame installers are still needing OS 9 to be installed.

Put it on a seperate partition and in about 6 months almost every apps will have native installers so you'll be able to clear OS just by dragging it to the trash...

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

6. Jul 11, 2002 9:08 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

No stinking OS 9 on my iBook. X all the way.
Works great.

Joe

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

7. Jul 11, 2002 10:34 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Hi
What I meant is I understand that you may not require OS 9 very much or at all. Though, like algritz stated some installers (even for an OS X app) still require OS 9 (odd but true). And for some little things yet. And if you don't use it that much why not just keep everything on the same machine? I don't use OS 9 that much. So far, just for Photoshop and some older games. That may change very soon. Though I don't think I will remove OS 9 completely for another year or so at least, if ever. It shouldn't be much of a bother just to have a basic install of OS 9 with your 10 install. Just in case that 1% or so of you needing it comes up. To be honest I am unaware of myself if the OS X disc allows you to initialize.

MacCheetah3

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

8. Jul 12, 2002 5:15 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Thanks again for your help everyone!

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

9. Jul 12, 2002 5:35 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

quote:<HR>Or, are you suggesting Cheetah that I keep OS 9 and just place it on a partition of its own? <HR>

I would. A minimal stripped-down system won't take up that much space. You never know when you may need it...

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

10. Jul 12, 2002 1:40 PM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

Go ahead and skip it...just be sure that when you format the drive you click the little checkbox that says Install OS 9 drivers. Otherwise if you ever need to install it and run it native (not Classic) you're hosed.

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

11. Jul 12, 2002 5:35 PM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

My TiBook is 100% OS X free, and I prefer it that way. However, I do recommend a separate partition for your OS, and one for your data. That way if somehow your OS takes a nose dive, you can do a clean reinstall without losing your data.

Also, I am almost positive the Disk Util in OS X allows you to partition, so no need for OS 9 there either.

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

12. Jan 18, 2003 1:17 AM

in response to: Nobody

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

I have a similiar question for the group... I have upgraded twice now.. from 9 - X to 10.2 however.. I still have OS 9.2 on my Powerbook. I don't want it there any more. I need the space... How do I uninstall OS 9.2 (which is side by side with 10.2 on the same HDD)? Preferably without having to install 10.2 again... b/c all i have are upgrade disks. Not full Disks. How can I go about this simply.... Keep in mind I am not a Mac expert. I have had a Mac for a couple of years and love it. I also use PCs (which i unfortunately have to work with and am somewhat of an expert on) so I really don't have a lot of expertise on Mac. Can someone please help?

pjskelti

2,451 posts since
Sep 21, 2002

13. Jan 18, 2003 8:06 AM

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

The easiest option is to boot into 9 and make a list of all the non greyed out icons - these are the OS 9 specific files/apps - but bear in mind some of those apps will be carbonised for usage in Classic mode. But, thos should let you find the OS 9 system related files, and once back in X, drag and dump, reboot, and empty.
Make sure to back up anything you're unsure about, and your user library folders, just incase the worst was to happen.

Nobody

58,347 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

14. Jan 18, 2003 10:27 AM

Re: What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

I figured as much... I was hoping that you would say that there was a nice little unintaller that i didn'k know about.. ha ha. oh well... Thank you for the info. I will give it my best. Also, will this eliminate Classic from my machine??? or will it still try to pop up if I was, by chance, to open a program that required it and just error out? What is the affect of removing OS 9.2? Also.. How do i hunt down programs that I installed that use it (aside from trying each one to see if they start up classic? Does anyone know of an uninstaller program that will list apps that i have installed and help me remove them??? I think i have heard of some or seen some.. but i can't remember what or where? Any help?

As a side note: I like to contribute to what contributes to me... I dont' have much advice for the Mac field but any Mac users that need PC advice or help of any kind ... Let me know. I know most every Windows OS and some Linux. Like I said I have a lot of expertise in the PC/Windows arena... You are all welcome to tap my knowledge.

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Jul 11, 2002 7:55 AM

What if I don't want OS 9, just OS X?

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