Ask Jacob

If you must do this with the smaller screen iMacs, then you have to use a similar Vesa adapter but the stand will remain attached to the iMac. Pictures are available at the Vesa website with addition product information. They appear to have a pretty broad array of iMac mounts, so there is more than likely something that will fit your need.

Hope this helps
Jacob

Any SATA 3.5″ internal desktop hard drive will work fine. There is often a thermal sensor on the side of the old drive that will need to be pealed off and moved to the new drive.

You may also want to consider just getting an external FireWire base drive and use that to boot your Mac until you decide to upgrade. The Mac OS will run well off of an external drive, like this LaCie d2 Quadra.

If you’d like to replace that G5 iMac hard drive yourself, I’ve included Apple’s instructions below:

Hard Drive,17-inch Replacement Instructions

Tools Required
Use the screwdriver provided, or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, preferably with a magnetized tip Flat-blade screwdriver Screw tray or something equivalent to hold the screws.

Important Things to Know

1. All customer removable screws are brass colored. Do not remove screws unless they are brass colored, or you will void your warranty.
2. A magnetized “L”-shaped Phillips screwdriver is included with the replacement part.
3. Ground yourself when working on the computer. The procedure will show you how to ground yourself.
4. Do not pull on individual wires when disconnecting a part; pull on the connector.
5. Keep drinks and other liquids away from the area you are working on the iMac.
6. A screw chart is attached at the end of this document. Use the chart to identify screw type and screw locations.

Opening the Computer

1. Note: These instructions cover the iMac G5 (17-inch) models. The models may look slightly different from one shown in the illustration; however, the following procedure applies to both models.
2. Turn your computer off by choosing Shut down from the Apple (K) menu. Disconnect all cables, and unplug the power cord from your computer.
3. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or surface. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face down as shown.
4. Locate the three silver case screws circled below. You may have to lift the stand to locate the middle case screw. Note: These screws are captive; they are part of the display/bezel assembly and cannot be removed.
5. Using the tool provided, or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, loosen the three captive screws. Turn the screws to the left until they stop turning. Don’t force the screws once they stop turning.
6. Holding the back cover by the metal stand, tilt the cover up and lift it off the computer. Set the back cover aside.

Removing the Hard Drive

1. To access the hard drive you must first remove other service modules. This procedure will show you how to remove and replace these modules. Note: As you remove each module, set it aside, along with the screws for that module.
2. Ground yourself. Touch the metal surface (as shown below) on the inside of the computer to discharge any static electricity.

Warning: Always discharge static electricity before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid generating static electricity, do not walk around the room until you have finished installing the part and closed the computer.

3. Locate the fan cover near the top of the computer.
4. Using the tool provided, or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the two fan cover screws. Lift the fan cover off the computer and set the fan cover aside.
5. Move the black video cable (located to the left of the hard drive) out of the way to access a hard drive screw.
6. Remove the three hard drive screws. Set the screws aside.
7. Carefully lift the hard drive up, about one inch. Disconnect the three cables from the hard drive. Note: Leave the cables attached to the logic board.
8. Lift the hard drive out of the computer. Important: Return the hard drive to Apple in the packaging provided.

Installing the Replacement Hard Drive

1. Remove the replacement hard drive from its packaging. Connect the three cables (circled) to the hard drive.
2. Lower the hard drive into place and replace the three screws.
3. Tuck the black video cable into the area indicated by the arrows.
4. Press the video cable into the notch on the midplane chassis.
5. Replace the two fan cover screws. The larger screw attaches on the left. Note: Make sure the pull tab is sticking up as shown.

Closing the Computer

1. Replace the cover so that the slots on the top edge of the back cover mate with the tabs on the display housing.
2. Lower and press the cover into place until it fits snugly on the computer.
3. Tighten the three captive case screws by turning them to the right. Don’t overtighten the screws.
4. Reconnect the power cord while the computer is face down and then position the computer in the upright position. Proceed to the next topic, “Installing Software That Came With Your Computer.”

Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your Computer
Use the software install discs that came with your computer to install Mac OS X, the applications that came with your computer, and to install Mac OS 9.

Installing Mac OS X and Applications
To install Mac OS X and the applications that came with your computer, follow these steps:

1. Back up your essential files, if possible.
2. Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 that came with your computer.
3. Double-click “Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software.”
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
5. After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen instructions.Your computer may restart and ask you to insert the next Mac OS X Install disc 2.
   Note: If you want to restore Mac OS X on your computer to the original factory settings, click Options in the “Select a Destination” pane of the Installer, and then select “Erase and Install”.

Installing Applications
To install just the applications that came with your computer, follow the steps below. Your computer must have Mac OS X already installed.

1. Back up your essential files, if possible
2. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc 1 that came with your computer.
3. Double-click “Install Bundled Software Only.”
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
5. After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen instructions.Your computer may restart and ask you to insert the next Mac OS X Install disc 2.
   Note: To install iCal, iChat AV, iMovie, iPhoto, iSync, iTunes, and Safari, follow the “Installing Mac OS X and Applications” instructions above.

Installing Mac OS 9
If you want to use Mac OS 9 applications with your computer, use the “Additional Software & Apple Hardware Test” disc to install Mac OS 9.
Follow these steps to install Mac OS 9:

1. Back up your essential files, if possible.
2. Insert the “Additional Software & Apple Hardware Test” disc.
3. Double-click “Install Additional Software.”
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
5. After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen instructions.

Hope that helps!
- Jacob

What version of the Mac OS are you running on this system? Perhaps you need to run an update to support those drives. Also, If your System is a Mirrored Drive Door G4 tower, your optical drives have to be set with the Jumper pin to Cable Select. In the MDD G4 you also need to have the Super Drive on the topmost drive slot and Combo drives (or lesser optical drive) bellow the Super drive.

If that does not help, could you send me the serial number and OS version so I can dig deeper into the issue.

Also, if you want to replace that G4 optical drive, I’ve included Apple’s guidelines on how to do accomplish that:

Replacing G4 optical drive involves five simple steps:

- Turn off the G4 computer.
- Open the computer.
- Remove the installed CD/DVD drive.
- Install the replacement CD/DVD drive.
- Close the computer.

All you’ll need to replace the G4 optical drive is a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

A Note About Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Static electricity can build up on your body as you walk around – you’ve probably experienced the shocking sensation after dragging your feet along the carpet in your home. An electrostatic discharge occurs when you touch an object generate a small electrical spark. ESD can damage to the internal components of your computer, so avoid walking around while replacing the optical drive in your G4.

Opening the G4 Computer

Warning: Always turn off your computer before opening it to avoid damaging internal components.

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.
2. If your G4 has not shut down, but is in sleep mode, press the power button on the front of the computer to wake it.
3. Shut down your computer by opening the Special menu and choosing Shut Down. Then wait five minutes for the computer’s internal components to cool down.
4. Remove any security cables you may have installed in the G4’s lockable cover latch.
5. Except the power cord, remove all other cables from the computer.
6. On the back of the computer, touch the metal PCI access covers . Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer – always ground yourself by touching the port access covers. From this point forward – to avoid static electricity building back up in your body – do not walk around the room until you have completed your installation and closed the computer. No dragging your feet around the house!
7. Unplug the power cord.
8. Carefully lift the latch on the right side access panel (these can break off)
9. Gently lower the access panel onto a clean towel or cloth until it lies flat.

Warning: Close the side access panel and shut down the computer if you see any lights glowing on the main logic board. Lights indicate the computer has not been shut down.

Removing the Installed CD/DVD Drive

1. Press the clips behind the drive faceplate assembly, rotate the assembly forward until the clips are free of the front panel, and carefully continue rotating the assembly forward to remove the faceplate.
2. Remove the two screws that hold the drive carrier in place and push the carrier forward far enough that you can reach the cables behind it. Note: You will feel some resistance as you push on the carrier.
3. Disconnect the power and ribbon cables from the back of the CD/DVD drive.
4. If a Zip drive is installed, disconnect the ribbon and power cables from the back of the Zip drive.
5. Slide the drive carrier assembly the rest of the way out of the computer.
6. Remove the shield from the back of the CD/DVD drive.
7. Remove the four screws that mount the CD/DVD drive to the carrier and remove the drive from the carrier.

Installing the Replacement CD/DVD Drive

1. Position the drive in the upper bay of the drive carrier, lifting the back of the drive slightly so that it is flush against the carrier. Insert the screws from the old drive through the holes in the carrier and tighten to secure the drive to the carrier.
2. Replace the shield on the back of the replacement CD/DVD drive.
3. Partially insert the drive carrier into the computer. Leave room behind the assembly so you can reach the connectors.
4. Connect the cables to the Zip drive and CD/DVD drive:
1. Connect the middle connector on the power cord bundle to the Zip drive.
2. Connect the middle connector on the ribbon cable to the Zip drive.
3. Connect the end of the power cord bundle to the CD/DVD drive.
4. Connect the end of the ribbon cable to the CD/DVD drive.
5. Push the drive carrier the rest of the way into the computer.
6. Reinsert the two carrier mounting screws you removed earlier.
7. Replace the faceplate assembly by aligning its left edge on the computer case, reinserting the clips into their slots on the right side, and pressing the plate until it snaps into place.

Closing the Computer

1. Raise the side access panel, lift the latch, and press the panel against the case until it snaps securely into place.
2. Reconnect all cables and restart your computer. Warning: Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place and it is closed. Operating the computer when it is open or missing parts can damage your computer or cause injury.

Thanks,
- Jacob

I think if you look at the 15″ or 17″ MacBook Pro you can safely replace a desktop system with an Apple laptop. The dedicated video RAM and bigger GPU in those models makes it a viable desktop replacement. I personally use the 15″ MacBook Pro with an external display for my work machine and have never looked back.

- Jacob

I assume that you have removed the old key already per the regular instructions from Microsoft:

• In the Finder, select /Applications/Microsoft Office 2008/Office/OfficePID.plist, and then on the File menu, click Move to Trash.
• Select /Users/username/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Office 2008/Microsoft Office 2008 settings.plist, and then on the File menu, click Move to Trash.
• On the Apple menu, click Restart.
• After your computer restarts, open any Office 2008 application. The Office Setup Assistant opens.
• Accept the software license agreement, and then enter your valid product key.

If this does not resolve it you probably will need to contact Microsoft to resolve this Product Registration issue.

If email is your primary use of Office, you can use the Apple Mail application that came with the Mac OS to Receive and Send email. I use Mail instead of Entourage and have had better luck. You may also want to look at the free Google Doc Apps to do some of the Office work that you had done with the Microsoft Products, until you get them back to a working condition.

Good luck – hope that helps,
- Jacob

The easiest way to get your Mac Pro back to an older version of the OS is to do an Archive and Install of the Mac OS. Mac OS 10.6 introduced a simplified way of doing this. Now when you chose a basic install of 10.6 on a newer version of the same OS, it will simply downgrade you without asking to to chose Archive and Install.

Before you go that route, you may want to Zap your PRAM by holding down [command] + [option] + [P] and [R] keys on start up. Let the System chime three times before letting go of those keys. You may also want to shutdown the System and then hold in the Power Button until you hear a long tone sound. The computer will restart. If all that fails, Downgrade to 10.6 from your install DVD and then use the 10.6.2 combo updater.

- Jacob

There are a few things that may help.

Try going to your Mac mini Home folder and then to Library. In Library is a folder called Caches. Move the Folder called “com.apple.helpviewer” to the Trash. Now go to the Help viewer and see if that fixes your problem.

If the problem continues, and is only occurring on iPhoto help files, then you may need to access those file another way. Go into your Applications folder and find the iPhoto application. Right-click or [control]-click on the iPhoto and select “Show Package Contents.”

Then navigate to the help files via this path: /Contents/Resources/English.lproj/iPhoto Help/iPhoto Help.html

Or click/copy this link:

file:///Applications/iPhoto.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/iPhoto%20Help/iPhoto%20Help.html

Hope this helps,

Jacob

You can install from that disk by starting up holding down the [C] key with the disc in the drive.

That will get your Power Macs booted from the installer and allow you to install the OS. Choose the Option to do an Archive and Install, or Erase and Install if you don’t need the data on the drive, and that will insure that you have a clean OS install.

- Jacob