need to re-install mac OS X on old G3 - but computer won't recognize install CD

[Kristal Y]

I have an old mac 3.1 that currently has OS X on it, but it won't let me download anything new to it, for instance the newest flash player. It doesn't recognize anything so from some trouble shooting, I tried using disk utility to repair the hard drive. While it repaired everything, there weren't any warnings of things that couldn't be fixed. However, when I put in the install mac os x cd and go to "install" where it restarts the computer, it leads me to a black screen of code saying it can't find the platform.

Unless you can direct me how to fix this problem, I'm thinking my hard drive might be done? I have a larger newer hard drive already installed in this computer, but I don't know how to make the computer run on this one instead of the old hard drive?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Cjenna7]

Hi Kristal Y, I've had some problems with installing OXS a few times it seems macs aren't as simple as windows platforms when it comes to re-installing the OS. first of all have you tried rebooting the mac with the os disk in and then holding down the "Option" key after the chime?? this should show your hard drive and your install cd?? select the cd if it does then take it from there. also are you using the original install disk and not the one that came with a brand new macbook? because this wont work in your machine!!

[Dormilich]

it might be superfluous to mention, but you can't install a Mac OS X that requires an Intel chipset (practically all new OS X versions and programmes) on a PowerPC Mac (like a G3)