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OS X on Dell Optiplex SX270


Danbamford
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Hi everyone,

 

I am new to this concept of running OS X on non macs but am curious all the same.

 

I have a Dell Optiplex SX270, 2.4 Ghz P4, 512 mb RAM running the S06 bios. From what I have read this hardware should be compatable with 10.4. I have a copy of 10.4 over 4 cd's as the computer does not have a dvd drive. When I try to boot from the cd nothing happens. I have read up on this a bit but end up getting a bit confused with the terminology that I am not familiar with.

 

Has anyone out there installed OS X on a Dell Optiplex SX270? can anyone help out with easy to understand steps for an basic IT bloke?

 

I also have a 10.5 dvd that I have tried without success to clne to a USB flash disk to boot.

 

An help would be appreciated as I am sick of Microsoft and would loath to put windows back on the computer.

 

Thanks

Dan

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Well I would say we are workin on the same project! I've got an Optiplex GX240 that I'm installing OS X on and its only got the CD reader. I had to swap that out with a DVD drive, now the next battle is knowing which patches to apply, im trying out iAtkos v5, I have tried different patches and installed it 3 times already and it starts to boot but then restarts everytime after i install it. Ill be trying more today, ill let you know if i make any progress.

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Hi shavex,

 

It does sound like they are fairly similiar. The main difference will probably be prehiperals. The SX270 is one of the little compact machines. I cant find a DVD drive to suit it so I will have to persevere with the cdrom. I am planning to upgrade to 2gb RAM and 3GhZ P4 Processor which is the most the little machine will support.

 

I have tried removing the HDD, putting it in a USB caddy and installing the OS x 10.5 on it from another computer. The install worked but when I start up I just get a black screen with a flashing cursor. I was probably a bit optimistic to think that all I would need to do is the install and then google for bios settings to at least get it to load the OS!

 

When I try to boot with the 10.4 CD I get the same black screen with a flashing cursor. Do I need to "prepare" the HDD to alow it to read the OS X file system that is currently on both the install cd's and on the current install of OS X 10.5 on the HDD?

 

It would be great if we could help each other out on this but I will need to play a bit of catch up first! The biggest problem that I have had with getting information that is usable to me is that as most of the users posting tutorials and advice are fairly experienced with the OSX86 project they talk in terms that I do not yet understand and when I look up the terms I get more that I do not understand!

 

Cheers

Dan

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Hi shavex,

 

It does sound like they are fairly similiar. The main difference will probably be prehiperals. The SX270 is one of the little compact machines. I cant find a DVD drive to suit it so I will have to persevere with the cdrom. I am planning to upgrade to 2gb RAM and 3GhZ P4 Processor which is the most the little machine will support.

 

I have tried removing the HDD, putting it in a USB caddy and installing the OS x 10.5 on it from another computer. The install worked but when I start up I just get a black screen with a flashing cursor. I was probably a bit optimistic to think that all I would need to do is the install and then google for bios settings to at least get it to load the OS!

 

When I try to boot with the 10.4 CD I get the same black screen with a flashing cursor. Do I need to "prepare" the HDD to alow it to read the OS X file system that is currently on both the install cd's and on the current install of OS X 10.5 on the HDD?

 

It would be great if we could help each other out on this but I will need to play a bit of catch up first! The biggest problem that I have had with getting information that is usable to me is that as most of the users posting tutorials and advice are fairly experienced with the OSX86 project they talk in terms that I do not yet understand and when I look up the terms I get more that I do not understand!

 

Cheers

Dan

 

 

Hi,

I have installed Ideneb 10.5.5 on the sx270 with success (this was some time ago) and I dont have the machine anymore. I suggest you get a DVD for your system, they are very inexpensive on eBay, look for one that fits one of the following machines, uses the same drive/case and its ready just to insert into the machine:

Dell Latitude CP, CPi, CPiA, CPiD, CPiR, CPt, CPtc, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH, CPxJ,CSX, C400, C500, C510, C600, C610, C620, C640, C800, C810, C820, C840

Dell Inspiron 2100, 2500, 3700, 3800, 4000, 4100, 4150, 8000, 8100, 8150, 8200

 

As I remember, the only thing I had to fix is the video (kexts I attached), if needed fix device ID under the plist.info file. You wont get the QE because the video (at least it was not possible when I tried)

 

 

Btw, this machines are not capable of booting from an external (USB) CD/DVD unit, but it does boot from a external USB drive or flash drive. So basically you can install it to an external Hard drive and run it from there if you dont want to install it internally (in case you have another OS installed there).

AppleIntel_darwin_8_1_.0.1.zip

HowTo.txt.rtf

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I believe this is the kext I used for the Network card (if I remember correctly), the DVD loads (or has) a driver that makes Leopard to freeze if used (by opening a browser or trying to browse your network) , so make sure you DO NOT load any Network drivers just install this one after you have your OS installed.

 

I hope this helps you.

IONetworkingFamily.kext.zip

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Hi Alien2xx,

 

Thanks for the info and the files, but like all good information it has raised questions! You mentioned that the only thing you had to fix is the video and if needed I should fix device ID under the plist.info file.

 

1. how do you use the files to fix the video?

2. how do I know if I need to do anything with the device id?

3. what is QE

 

Cheers

Dan

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