Installing Mac OS X Server 10.3 on a computer that won‘t start up from the Installation CD

Some computers that work with Mac OS X Server 10.3 may not be able to start up from the Server Installation CD—the computer may display just a blank, gray screen when you try. For this reason, Apple allows you to use a meta package (.mpkg) file on the CD to install Mac OS X Server over a running Mac OS X 10.3 (client) installation.

Note: Mac OS X Server 10.3 is supported on the Power Mac G5, Power Mac G4, Power Mac G3 (Blue and White), eMac, iMac, and Mac Mini.

To install Mac OS X Server 10.3 from the .mpkg file, do the following:

  1. Be sure that all software on the target computer is up to date.
    Note: If you decide to start with a fresh system by doing an erase install (this is not required), be sure to complete the Setup Assistant while the computer is connected to your network.
  2. Be sure that your computer is connected to your network.
  3. Restart the computer.
  4. Insert Disc 2 from the retail version of Mac OS X Server 10.3.
  5. Open the .mpkg Installer from the disc and follow the onscreen steps.
  6. When finished, restart the computer.
  7. The Server Assistant appears; use it to complete the set-up, making sure that you configure the computer as a standalone server.
  8. Use Software Update to install only the Mac OS X Server 10.3.4 Update (do not install the JBoss update for now).
  9. Restart the computer.
  10. Go back to Software Update and install all the remaining updates, restarting your computer as necessary.
  11. If desired, you can now use Server Admin to set up the server as an Open Directory Master.

This procedure also appears on page 85 of the Getting Started manual, found here.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012