PPC: 7.1: boot trouble with first generation iMacs

Support knowledgebase (olh_ppc_imac_firmwareupdate)
Applies to

SuSE Linux PowerPC: Version 7.1

Symptom:

You can start from CD1 and see the yaboot boot prompt. But the kernel can't be found:

Welcome to yaboot version 1.1.1 SuSE
boot: install
Please wait, loading kernel...
Image not found....try again
WARNING ! default_close called
boot:

Cause:

This happens when you have installed the newest Firmware Update. Therefore the bootloader can't access the CD-Rom to load kernel and ramdisk.
This applies to iMacs first generation with 233 and 266 Mhz.

Solution:

Copy the directory "suseboot" from the first CD to the LinuxBootvolume.
Remove the file "Mac OS Rom"
Start the programm "Mark yaboot bootable"
This changes the Type/Creator Information of yaboot, which is labeled as Systemfile.
If AppleScript isn't installed correctly, you need the tool which is able to change the Type/Creator Info, e.g. ResEdit.

Choose the Linux bootvolume as startvolume and restart the system. The kernel and the ramdisk should be loaded now.

If this all doesnt work for you: Please use the BootX App and the BootX Extension instead. This bootloader can be used with MacOS Versions earlier than MacOS 9.0.2.

There is currently no solution to use yaboot.


Keywords: PPC, POWERPC, APPLE, MACINTOSH, IMAC, BOOT

Categories: Power Macintosh

SDB-olh_ppc_imac_firmwareupdate, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 21. Mai 2001
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 23. Mai 2001 by olh (sdb_gen 1.40.0)