Specifications
92 Chapter 6
Restoring Your Computer’s Software
Apple Software Restore completely erases the contents of your hard disk or partition and
restores the original contents, including the original system software, factory settings, and
applications that came installed on your computer.
Should you need to restore your computer software, first back up essential software and
other files, if possible. This includes files you installed or created, such as personal
documents, access keys, preferences, Internet settings, fonts, system extensions, and
applications other than those that came installed on your computer.
Note: If you don’t want to erase the contents of your hard disk, you can reinstall just the
system software or certain applications using the Software Install CDs or application CDs that
came with your computer. For instructions on installing Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, see the
Welcome to Mac OS X book.
Before Restoring Your Software
Before you begin the restore process, do the following:
m Note customized settings and preferences: If possible, make a note of any preferences,
Web bookmarks, and settings in System Preferences (in Mac OS X) or in Control Panels
(in Mac OS 9) and applications so you can easily reset them after you restore your
software.
m Back up your data: This procedure completely erases the contents of your hard disk
before restoring the original factory settings and applications that came with your Power
Mac G4. Therefore, first back up your software and files.
Note: If you are working in Mac OS X and want to reinstall only your Mac OS 9 software,
restart your computer in Mac OS 9, then follow the directions for restoring your Mac OS 9
software. For information on changing your startup Mac OS, see “Switching Between
Operating Systems” on page 44.
Warning Restoring your software completely erases your hard disk before restoring the
original software. Be sure to back up all your software files before restoring.
Important It is highly recommended that you back up the data on your hard disk before
restoring software. Apple is not responsible for any lost data.