Symptom
While started from a Mac OS 9 volume:
- The Mac OS X 10.3.2 Panther Install disc is dimmed ("grayed out") in the Startup Disk control panel and cannot be selected as the startup volume.
- Trying to use the Mac OS X Installer doesn't work. This alert appears: "Startup disk was unable to select the install CD as the startup disk. -2"
Products affected
- Mac OS X 10.3.2 install CD
- Computers that can start from both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X 10.3.
Solution
Start up from the CD instead of trying to select it while started from Mac OS 9. Hold the C key during startup.
Tip: Make sure you're using a keyboard that's connected directly to the computer's USB port (or the built-in keyboard, for portables).
Alternatively, if the computer supports Startup Manager, use it to
set the CD as the startup volume.
Note: If an Open Firmware password is set, it can interfere with the startup process.
Disable it if necessary.