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LeopardAssist is here. Install Mac OS X Leopard on any system that doesn't quite match up with the 867mhz CPU requirements without hassle. No CPU upgrades, no DVD hacking, just a simple one-time-use tool.
Secondary public testing is being conducted now, and you can try out the brand new version 0.9, with Single and Dual processor support.
LeopardAssist originated from LowEndMac in Dylan McDermond's December 06' 2007 post "Faking Out the Leopard Installer with Open Firmware". The simple techniques he used in that article became the basis for the structure we were about to use.
LeopardAssist does just what was posted in his article. Using a temporary Open Firmware "trick", it changes the reported CPU speed to 867mhz and starts the installer from CD.
In technical terms, the application writes a file, "boot.txt" to the root directory of the hard disk, and configures the NVRAM (PRAM) to boot from it. On restart, Open Firmware reads the file which contains instructions to change the reported CPU speed, switches to CD or DVD and boots from it, where the Leopard installer takes over.
This simple trick means you don't have to modify your DVD to install Leopard. Finally, when installation is done or when installation is ready to reboot, you simply flash the PRAM back to restore the original CPU speed and restore booting from the hard disk.
What systems does LeopardAssist support?
Basically anything below 867mhz with a G4 processor. Only exception is the Yikes! G4 which unfortunately is disable in the DVD, and will require you to dive into the system files of your install disc.
So, take the Leopard install requirements and throw away the 867mhz part. Those are the systems LeopardAssist will successfully install on.
Are there any risks?
None. However we do suggest you have a decent knowledge of Macs and how to install Mac OS X. The most common problem we encountered during beta stages was the odd system would continue restarting from CD. We found the problem was easily fixed by resetting the PRAM. This may occur after Leopard has finished installing, so when the system restarts, just flash the PRAM and all will be well.
No other risks were found, and all effects of LeopardAssist are 100% reversible by simply, as always, flashing the PRAM to return to a previous state by holding down Command (Apple) + Option + P + R and restarting the machine until you hear the second chime.
We offer LeopardAssist to the public, free of charge in the hopes it will help get Leopard on to those older machines. Consider it a service to the community, and we hope you find it useful. If you have any questions or queries, contact us over in the discussion forums which can be reached via the link below.
New in version 1.2 DR3:
• Changes to Setup Sequence
• Attempts to Support 2nd Gen G4's
• Minor Bug Fixes
• Requirements Changed
New in version 1.1:
• Changes to NVRAM Script
• Typing Corrections
• Minor Bug Fixes
• Changes to 867mhz Flag
• System Optimization Tool bundled in Beta form
New in version 1.0:
• Now allows you to hold a key on startup to specify boot
• Select to boot from CD, DVD, Local HD or Network Boot
• Verbose Mode Option
• Option to restore PRAM defaults from within LeopardAssist
• New Simpler User Interface
• 9 Bug Fixes
• Less chance of requiring a PRAM reset to complete installation
• New Icon
System requirements:
Mac OS X 10.1 or later (can be run from within 10.5)
System Support:
PPC/Intel
Free
For more information, visit:
http://mac.profusehost.net/
Tags: Software Updates ď Utilities ď
