Erasing system drives + networking panther

[stevesound]

Ok,
this obviously isn't directly related to protools, but I can't find a straight answer on the apple site, hope you all don't mind!

1. How do I erase my system drive? In disk utility the option is greyed out because the internal is the boot volume. I tried starting up from my external drive but it still won't erase. (I'm trying to wipe my system and start over with a fresh install of Panther).

2. I have a small network in my studio - 2 pc's with win98 and 2 macs (G4s - one powerbook, one powermac). Since I upgraded to Panther the macs can't see the pcs. I disabled the firewall and still they aren't talking to each other.
I'm using a small Longshine handyhub.

Any ideas????

Thanks,
stevesound

[cleft]

1) Boot from the Install CD and erase the drive from there.
2) Can't be much help on this one.

[DJ Insomaniac]

2. I have a small network in my studio - 2 pc's with win98 and 2 macs (G4s - one powerbook, one powermac). Since I upgraded to Panther the macs can't see the pcs. I disabled the firewall and still they aren't talking to each other.
I'm using a small Longshine handyhub.

Have you tried accessing them by inputing their IPs into the "Network" window (in the "Go" menu or Shift-cmnd-k from the finder)?

[silverlode]

You're using Panther on the mac's, but a 7 year old operating system on the PC's??? That could be part of your networking problem. It's far easier to network Mac's and PC's if the PC's are running some WinNT variant (NT, 2000, XP).

I don't know much about Win98. Sorry.

Regarding the hard drive wipe, boot from the Panther install CD's and just choose "erase and install" from the options menu during the installation.

Good luck.

[MagicCamera]

Once you have re-installed on the desktop machine, plug your powerbook via firewire to the Desktop MAC and hold the T key as it starts up. This then mounts your powerbook as an external drive and you can erase and install a new system from your Desktop. Saves loads of time and is very convenient. This method is called Target Disk Mode.

Panther supports networking via Firewire too

You might want to look into creating an image of your system drives once you have installed all your software and re-registered them etc. Having a back up of a fresh system image is always a good idea just incase you need to re-install again.

I can't quite help you at this time concerning imaging, but I know for a fact that it can be done. We have over 20 G5s at work, and every one of them are identical builds. I will however, try to get the details and post it for you at a later date.

Contact me if you need further assistance, I'd be more than happy to help.

Cheers
MagicCamera

MAC Plus, 256k RAM 8 inch B&W monitor, Typewriter for keyboard, LocalTalk (hehe just kidding)

[stevesound]

deadly,
thanks for the advice guys. I'll try the target drive thing.....