Mac OS 8.5: Difficulty Reading Installation Tome From CD

When performing a clean installation of Mac OS 8.5, this error message may appear:

    "Problems were encountered reading the source file "Installation Tome". Installation cannot continue."

This article describes the options available for resolving the situation.

A tome error is usually related to difficulties reading the installation disc.

If the issue persists, it may be due to an incompatible hardware. Try one or more of the following:


Often the suspect software components can be bypassed by using alternative methods to install the software. Two alternative methods of installing the software that usually work are:


If difficulties persist, and you suspect the cache DIMM as a possible cause, see article 22186: "5500/6500 L2 Cache Disable Extension: What is it?" Then contact your local Apple Authorized Service Provider for further troubleshooting.

Note: If you are attempting to install Mac OS 8.5 or later on a computer with a PowerPC upgrade card installed, you may also get this error. Mac OS version 8.5 and higher do not support PowerPC upgrade cards.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012