nForce OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) RETAIL INSTALL GUIDE on a Series 6 or 7 nForce chipset / Intel CPU MOBO

[tnap1979]

ive tried the whole root thing, and it gave me some error

i dont recall it now, but i will take pic of it in a few,

ive also lost my original home folder that i had moved... :S

so am i screwed??

 

i am going to reboot and try these commands, and take a screeny of it,

will post back soon

 

ATLEAST osx leo still boots... i better not screw that one up...lol

i cant bare the pain of re-installing again from the usb stick, it takes like 2 hours...

and i need my pc or else i get very bored.... lol

 

here is the error i get when i get to step three of above posted tips...

 

and i am able to do do the 4th and 5th steps...

but when it comes down to rebooting and logging in, i still get the error of logging in

 

im thinkin that im royaly screwed here :S:S

but i hope there is a easy fix

[verdant]

ive tried the whole root thing, and it gave me some error

i dont recall it now, but i will take pic of it in a few,

ive also lost my original home folder that i had moved... :S

so am i screwed??

 

i am going to reboot and try these commands, and take a screeny of it,

will post back soon

 

ATLEAST osx leo still boots... i better not screw that one up...lol

i cant bare the pain of re-installing again from the usb stick, it takes like 2 hours...

and i need my pc or else i get very bored.... lol

 

That is why I keep both Leopard and Snow Leopard on my PC (2 bootable volumes of each at least......overkill or what?......LOL)

 

I have seen your screen shot.........try it again but wait long enough for any background processes to finish before you type anything in at the root prompt and likewise wait long enough for it to re-appear and again for any background processes to finish before you type anything in.......

 

If it does not work, then try using the Migration Assistant..........

 

I will be going offline now for around 4 to 5 hours but will check on my return to see if you have got everything sorted.........you could also try using Migration Assistant from Leopard to see if it can copy your user folder across from Leopard to Snow Leopard..........

 

Hope you can sort it out..........

[Krishna21]

Here's a method that has a 95% success rate for SATA and 630i:

 

Note: This uses a 630i Chipset (MCP73) and Intel Pentium Dual core Exxxx. It FOR SURE works for E5400. But, 99% it works for any Pentium Dual Core.

 

I haven't tried it because I yet have to get my hands on a retail SL DVD..in case anyone with a SL DVD and 630i PC want to try it:

 

-8GB USB Drive

-Retail Leopard DVD

-Another Mac or Mac Virtual Machine WITH USB SUPPORT.

-Extensions Folder, Mach kernel, and Kext Utility. (Links)

 

With the Mac you should have on you, head to disk Utility..

 

Select your flash drive One Partition - Mac OS Extended (Journaled) - GUID Partition Table. Name it. For ease in the tutorial, we will name it MAC OS SETUP

 

Now, after that, i don't know the command, but view hidden files and folders in Finder. Now, install Chameleon 2.0 RC4 to the USB Drive..

 

Head back into Disk Utility. Mount your Snow Leopard DVD by double clicking on it at the desktop. Now, it should show up under the DVD Drive in Disk Utility (It'll have a flash drive icon). Click on MAC OS SETUP, go to the RESTORE TAB, then drag and drop Snow Leopard DVD (the mounted one with the flash drive icon), then drag MAC OS SETUP into TARGET.

 

Head to finder, select your USB Drive, and go to /Extra.

 

delete the current extensions folder and replace it with the downloaded one provided in this guide. Now, edit .com.apple.boot.plist. Drag it into the desktop, open it, then edit it by adding "mach_kernel" (without the ") under Kernel Flags. Drag it back into /Extra and replace and authorize if needed..

 

After replacing the Extensions folder and editing .com.apple.boot.plist, drag and drop mach_kernel (the one provided by the download in the guide) onto THE ROOT OF MAC OS SETUP. By root, we mean just clicking on MAC OS SETUP from the Desktop and just dropping it in there...

 

 

By now you should have MAC OS SETUP with Chameleon 2.0 RC4 installed, the Extensions folder I provided located in /Extra, mach_kernel in the ROOT of MAC OS SETUP, and of course, the Snow Retail DVD restored..

 

Now. BOOT OFF OF IT..

 

In the installer, head to disk utility, format your drive 1 Partition - Mac OS Extended (Journaled) - GUID Parition Table. Name it. For ease in the tutorial, we'll name it Snow Leopard Partition

 

Install..go through post installation setup.

 

After installation, Install Chameleon RC4 and view hidden files in Finder.

 

With your installer drive still in, take the /Extensions folder out of /Extra and drag it into Snow Leopard Partition's /Extra Folder (And deleting the current extensions folder in Snow Leopard Parititon's /Extra folder)

 

Drag mach_kernel onto the root of Snow Leopard Partition.

 

Head back into /Extra and drag-n-drop .com.apple.boot.plist to your desktop, then open it from your desktop

 

Under "kernel flags" put "mach_kernel" (without the ")

 

Drag it back in there, replace and authorize.

 

Open up Kext Utility and repair permissions..

 

Reboot.

 

Now, you should have a fully functional 10.6 system. Run Apple Software Update and go to 10.6.2.

 

Reboot to a 10.6.2 System. FIRST THING IS FIRST. USE YOUR VIDEO CARD FIX TO SUCESSFULLY PUT YOUR VIDEO CARD INTO SNOW LEOPARD WITH WHATEVER INJECTION METHOD (NVENABLER, EFI STRING, ETC.)

 

If you're using a kext like NVEnabler you have to use kext utility to install it then repair permissions

 

Reboot.

 

NOW, you can go about installing other essential drivers such as Audio and Sound.

 

 

Remember - whenever you want to install a kext for a specific driver, Kext Utliity can easy it up, by simply installing it with it then having it repair permissions then rebooting..

 

 

 

YOU SHOULD NOW HAVE A FUNCTIONAL 10.6.2 SYSTEM ON 630i WITH SATA

 

 

 

 

 

Links:

 

Extensions folder to replace with Extensions folder in /Extra: http://uploading.com/files/dea76af9/Extensions.zip/

 

Mach_kernel: http://uploading.com/files/251m2c98/bootnmackernel.zip/

 

Kext Utility: http://www.kexts.com/view/129-kext_utility...8update%29.html

[verdant]

Here's a method that has a 95% success rate for SATA and 630i:

 

Note: This uses a 630i Chipset (MCP73) and Intel Pentium Dual core Exxxx. It FOR SURE works for E5400. But, 99% it works for any Pentium Dual Core.

 

I haven't tried it because I yet have to get my hands on a retail SL DVD..in case anyone with a SL DVD and 630i PC want to try it:

 

-8GB USB Drive

-Retail Leopard DVD

-Another Mac or Mac Virtual Machine WITH USB SUPPORT.

-Extensions Folder, Mach kernel, and Kext Utility. (Links)

 

With the Mac you should have on you, head to disk Utility..

 

Select your flash drive One Partition - Mac OS Extended (Journaled) - GUID Partition Table. Name it. For ease in the tutorial, we will name it MAC OS SETUP

 

Now, after that, i don't know the command, but view hidden files and folders in Finder. Now, install Chameleon 2.0 RC4 to the USB Drive..

 

Head back into Disk Utility. Mount your Snow Leopard DVD by double clicking on it at the desktop. Now, it should show up under the DVD Drive in Disk Utility (It'll have a flash drive icon). Click on MAC OS SETUP, go to the RESTORE TAB, then drag and drop Snow Leopard DVD (the mounted one with the flash drive icon), then drag MAC OS SETUP into TARGET.

 

Head to finder, select your USB Drive, and go to /Extra.

 

delete the current extensions folder and replace it with the downloaded one provided in this guide. Now, edit .com.apple.boot.plist. Drag it into the desktop, open it, then edit it by adding "mach_kernel" (without the ") under Kernel Flags. Drag it back into /Extra and replace and authorize if needed..

 

After replacing the Extensions folder and editing .com.apple.boot.plist, drag and drop mach_kernel (the one provided by the download in the guide) onto THE ROOT OF MAC OS SETUP. By root, we mean just clicking on MAC OS SETUP from the Desktop and just dropping it in there...

 

 

By now you should have MAC OS SETUP with Chameleon 2.0 RC4 installed, the Extensions folder I provided located in /Extra, mach_kernel in the ROOT of MAC OS SETUP, and of course, the Snow Retail DVD restored..

 

Now. BOOT OFF OF IT..

 

In the installer, head to disk utility, format your drive 1 Partition - Mac OS Extended (Journaled) - GUID Parition Table. Name it. For ease in the tutorial, we'll name it Snow Leopard Partition

 

Install..go through post installation setup.

 

After installation, Install Chameleon RC4 and view hidden files in Finder.

 

With your installer drive still in, take the /Extensions folder out of /Extra and drag it into Snow Leopard Partition's /Extra Folder (And deleting the current extensions folder in Snow Leopard Parititon's /Extra folder)

 

Drag mach_kernel onto the root of Snow Leopard Partition.

 

Head back into /Extra and drag-n-drop .com.apple.boot.plist to your desktop, then open it from your desktop

 

Under "kernel flags" put "mach_kernel" (without the ")

 

Drag it back in there, replace and authorize.

 

Open up Kext Utility and repair permissions..

 

Reboot.

 

Now, you should have a fully functional 10.6 system. Run Apple Software Update and go to 10.6.2.

 

Reboot to a 10.6.2 System. FIRST THING IS FIRST. USE YOUR VIDEO CARD FIX TO SUCESSFULLY PUT YOUR VIDEO CARD INTO SNOW LEOPARD WITH WHATEVER INJECTION METHOD (NVENABLER, EFI STRING, ETC.)

 

If you're using a kext like NVEnabler you have to use kext utility to install it then repair permissions

 

Reboot.

 

NOW, you can go about installing other essential drivers such as Audio and Sound.

 

 

Remember - whenever you want to install a kext for a specific driver, Kext Utliity can easy it up, by simply installing it with it then having it repair permissions then rebooting..

 

 

 

YOU SHOULD NOW HAVE A FUNCTIONAL 10.6.2 SYSTEM ON 630i WITH SATA

 

 

 

 

 

Links:

 

Extensions folder to replace with Extensions folder in /Extra: http://uploading.com/files/dea76af9/Extensions.zip/

 

Mach_kernel: http://uploading.com/files/251m2c98/bootnmackernel.zip/

 

Kext Utility: http://www.kexts.com/view/129-kext_utility...8update%29.html

 

NOTE: The above method is only for fully AHCI-compliant nForce chipset MOBOs e.g. MCP73.......see here.....which do not require/work with the AppleNForceATA.kext.....

 

BTW you can show hidden/system files using Terminal commands as follows (from post #1)

The Terminal commands to show/hide hidden and system files are:

 

To show hidden and system files:

 

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
  killall Finder

 

To hide hidden and system files

 

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE
  killall Finder

or download and use TinkerTool.......

[Krishna21]

You can show hidden/system files using Terminal commands as follows (from post #1)

 

or download and use TinkerTool.......

 

 

yep, what verdant said

[tnap1979]

im back into snow leo 10.6.3

i just said screw it and did a fresh re-install on the full 60gb partition,

and ill just force my downloads and stuff into another drive...

now im slowly getting all my hardware back installed, just wifi and sound left now

[verdant]

im back into snow leo 10.6.3

i just said screw it and did a fresh re-install on the full 60gb partition,

and ill just force my downloads and stuff into another drive...

now im slowly getting all my hardware back installed, just wifi and sound left now

 

At least you are almost there AGAIN......

[tnap1979]

yep, im back in now with sound but still no wifi, havent bothered with it yet,

once i do, im cloning this install, to a usb stick, for safe keeping,

 

as long as you follow guides and read and learn, and test thru failures and learn from it, you can have success,

albeit some stuff may still not work depending on the hardware, but reading does make a difference,

 

this 4th reinstall of snow leo, i had hardly to use any reading materials to get to boot

i had memorized most of it all from learning from mistakes....

 

this forum is lucky to have some awesome helpful people....

ill have another report as to my final hardware fix's and cloning, and how the stability is over the next few days

im going to research getting sleep and some other minor stuff working... as best as i can

any tips is awesome....

[verdant]

yep, im back in now with sound but still no wifi, havent bothered with it yet,

once i do, im cloning this install, to a usb stick, for safe keeping,

 

as long as you follow guides and read and learn, and test thru failures and learn from it, you can have success,

albeit some stuff may still not work depending on the hardware, but reading does make a difference,

 

this 4th reinstall of snow leo, i had hardly to use any reading materials to get to boot

i had memorized most of it all from learning from mistakes....

 

this forum is lucky to have some awesome helpful people....

ill have another report as to my final hardware fix's and cloning, and how the stability is over the next few days

im going to research getting sleep and some other minor stuff working... as best as i can

any tips is awesome....

 

I am sure almost everyone has had to re-install OS X at least once when they started on their OSx86 Hacintosh odyssey.......getting sleep/waking sorted will almost certainly involve DSDT patching.....I have to wait until I have some Summer vacation time to look into this for my own MOBO.....I have just not had enough continuous free time since starting this thread to research/learn/understand/apply etc......LOL

 

I will catch up on your progress later.........bye for now.......

[MasterTiiro]

Just in case people who face the same problem of USB devices not mounting, this is what I did, and it's really simple. I just added some simple codes to my com.apple.boot.plist:

 

<key>EHCIacquire</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>USBBusFix</key>
<string>Yes</string>

 

Now I can hot mount/dismount any USB flash/external drives! Thank You Internet, but especially Verdant!

[verdant]

Just in case people who face the same problem of USB devices not mounting, this is what I did, and it's really simple. I just added some simple codes to my com.apple.boot.plist:

 

<key>EHCIacquire</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>USBBusFix</key>
<string>Yes</string>

 

Now I can hot mount/dismount any USB flash/external drives! Thank You Internet, but especially Verdant!

 

That is good news.......

 

Do you need both......?

 

I ask since

 

USBBusFix=Yes Enables the EHCI and UHCI fixes (disabled by default)

EHCIacquire=Yes Enables the EHCI fix (disabled by default)

UHCIreset=Yes Enables the UHCI fix (disabled by default)

 

although these Chameleon 2.0 bootloader fix options for com.apple.Boot.plist do not always appear to work for everyone with USB issues......

[MasterTiiro]

First of all....thanks for repatching my DSDT.aml file, really appreciate it. I'm using it right now, although I don't see any changes.

 

As for whether or not I needed both, I'm not sure. If what you listed is correct, then all I needed was the "USBBusFix" line wasn't it?

 

And as far as this fix is not for everyone with USB issues, you may be correct because I don't see too many posts about USB mounting problems. I couldn't mount any USB drives from the getgo, so this method works for me. Hopefully the next person to start their osx86 adventures can find it helpful.

 

That is good news.......

 

Do you need both......?

 

I ask since

 

USBBusFix=Yes Enables the EHCI and UHCI fixes (disabled by default)

EHCIacquire=Yes Enables the EHCI fix (disabled by default)

UHCIreset=Yes Enables the UHCI fix (disabled by default)

 

although these Chameleon 2.0 bootloader fix options for com.apple.Boot.plist do not always appear to work for everyone with USB issues......

[verdant]

First of all....thanks for repatching my DSDT.aml file, really appreciate it. I'm using it right now, although I don't see any changes.

 

As for whether or not I needed both, I'm not sure. If what you listed is correct, then all I needed was the "USBBusFix" line wasn't it?

 

And as far as this fix is not for everyone with USB issues, you may be correct because I don't see too many posts about USB mounting problems. I couldn't mount any USB drives from the getgo, so this method works for me. Hopefully the next person to start their osx86 adventures can find it helpful.

 

Glad the "clean" patched DSDT.aml file is working for you.......if you have to do any further DSDT patching, at least you have a "clean" DSDT to work with.......

 

You will find out if you use only the "USBBusFix" line.......

 

Yes, every posted solution to a OSx86 problem will help someone........this forum only works because most people are willing to freely help others.......so thank you for posting......

 

BTW is everything now working for you apart from sleep/hibernation/waking.......?

[tnap1979]

so i am back into my windows install now, cuz ive had to recently do some windows related stuff,

but my osx snow leo is still running, but i notice random lockups, total lockups where i need to hard reset the system,

ive turned off all sleep and power related options in system pref's, and even turned off screen saver and hard drive power controls

but still locks up randomly,

 

i just today picked up a dell inspiron mini 10 netbook, intel atom, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd, what flavour of osx will run nice??

will snow, or leo be better, and if so, idea if i can use my already ready iPC dvd ?? i have external usb dvd

[verdant]

so i am back into my windows install now, cuz ive had to recently do some windows related stuff,

but my osx snow leo is still running, but i notice random lockups, total lockups where i need to hard reset the system,

ive turned off all sleep and power related options in system pref's, and even turned off screen saver and hard drive power controls

but still locks up randomly,

 

i just today picked up a dell inspiron mini 10 netbook, intel atom, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd, what flavour of osx will run nice??

will snow, or leo be better, and if so, idea if i can use my already ready iPC dvd ?? i have external usb dvd

 

Include debug=0x100 in com.apple.Boot.plist in Kernel Flags string and post the screen output from any lockups......

 

As of 10.6.2 and 10.6.3, the Snow Leopard vanilla kernel does not support the Intel Atom CPU......you need to use a hacked kernel by teateam........it works on a dell mini 10.......

 

I have PM'd you......as I do not want to go any further off nForce topics........

[Kilopopo]

hey Verdant great work for this tutorial.

 

I am about to follow this instruction as soon as i have free time.

 

I have some questions though that i hope you dont mind answering.

 

What kernel is compatible with nforce 650i mobo with snow leopard?

And can we run it in 64bit mode?

 

I have a 10.6.2 retail disk from my macbook.

can i use that disk to make a usb installer instead of a 10.6 retail disk

 

please reply asap

i would really appreciate it.

[verdant]

hey Verdant great work for this tutorial.

 

I am about to follow this instruction as soon as i have free time.

 

I have some questions though that i hope you dont mind answering.

 

What kernel is compatible with nforce 650i mobo with snow leopard? Vanilla kernel

 

And can we run it in 64bit mode? Not at present because we still rely on 32bit AppleNForceATA.kext

 

I have a 10.6.2 retail disk from my macbook.

can i use that disk to make a usb installer instead of a 10.6 retail disk Depends on whether it is a full retail DVD rather than just a recovery DVD for the macbook

 

please reply asap

i would really appreciate it.

 

BTW Are you still on 10.5.2.......? If you have not solved your "only working with cpus=1" problem mentioned in your signature, then once you have generated your DSDT.aml file, zip it up and PM a download link for it.......I will see if I can fix your cpus=1 issue........

[Kilopopo]

Oh I fixed that by changing the kernel and upgrading to ideneb.

 

so how can we use vanilla kernel on an nforce mobo? in your snowleopard essentials package i saw a couple of kernels there are those vanilla kernels?

 

what does dsdt patching achieve?

[MasterTiiro]

So far it's working, but I do get lockups whenever I leave screensaver on for more than 5minutes?.......<br /><br />Other than that, it's looking pretty good. It's about time too, because I didn't have time to explore OSX during the iPC stage. From what I have seen so far, it's a pretty good OS. Maybe i'll just buy a real Mac later on.....although it feels pretty close right now. But who knows....<br /><br />

Glad the "clean" patched DSDT.aml file is working for you.......if you have to do any further DSDT patching, at least you have a "clean" DSDT to work with....... <img src="style_emoticons/default/wink_anim.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="wink_anim.gif" /> <br /><br />You will find out if you use only the "USBBusFix" line....... <img src="style_emoticons/default/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" /> <br /><br />Yes, every posted solution to a OSx86 problem will help someone........this forum only works because most people are willing to freely help others.......so thank you for posting...... <img src="style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" /> <br /><br /><font color="#0000ff">BTW is everything now working for you apart from sleep/hibernation/waking.......? </font>

 

<br />Oh I fixed that by changing the kernel and upgrading to ideneb.<br /><br />so how can we use vanilla kernel on an nforce mobo? in your snowleopard essentials package i saw a couple of kernels there are those vanilla kernels?<br /><br />what does dsdt patching achieve?<br />

<br /><br /><br />

 

Yup, those are vanilla kernels, there is a "test" kernel though. I don't use it so I have no idea what it does.

 

I think patching the dsdt.aml file so you can run vanilla kernel on your nforce MB.

[verdant]

Oh I fixed that by changing the kernel and upgrading to ideneb.

 

so how can we use vanilla kernel on an nforce mobo? in your snowleopard essentials package i saw a couple of kernels there are those vanilla kernels?

 

what does dsdt patching achieve?

 

In the Snow_Support_Files_v2.2 folder, there is the Snow Leopard 10.0.0 vanilla mach_kernel and two non-vanilla kernels (mach_kernel.test7 and mach_kernel.432; AFAIK neither includes on-the-fly CPUID patching for AMD CPUs....) just in case any person realised they have a AMD CPU after erroneously assuming AMD CPUs can run the Snow Leopard vanilla kernel too......if you have a SSE2 Intel CPU then you need to use the SSE2/SSE3 - 32/64 Bit Kernel for Snow Leopard by qoopz! [intel/AMD] but it does NOT include on-the-fly CPUID patching for AMD CPUs....you would have to use Marvin's AMD Utility v.25......

 

My guess is that the Snow Leopard vanilla kernel has been re-written in line with Apple's use of nVidia GPU chipsets in their iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook range......making it more compatible with nForce chipset MOBOs.....

 

If your DSDT.aml file has the lines Alias (P002, CPU2) and Alias (P004, CPU4) in Scope (_PR) it will prevent booting with all 4 cores enabled.........

 

So far it's working, but I do get lockups whenever I leave screensaver on for more than 5minutes?.......Other than that, it's looking pretty good. It's about time too, because I didn't have time to explore OSX during the iPC stage. From what I have seen so far, it's a pretty good OS. Maybe i'll just buy a real Mac later on.....although it feels pretty close right now. But who knows....

 

Include debug=0x100 in com.apple.Boot.plist in Kernel Flags string and post the screen output from any lockups......

 

If you can afford to buy a "real" Mac, you will not regret it......

[MasterTiiro]

Do you mean like this:

 

<key>Kernel Flags</key>
<string>debug=0x100 arch=i386</string>

 

or like this:

 

<key>Kernel Flags debug=0x100</key>
<string> arch=i386</string>

 

I apologize if any of them look ridiculous, super new to codes and terminal.

[verdant]

Do you mean like this:

 

<key>Kernel Flags</key>
 <string>debug=0x100 arch=i386</string>

 

or like this:

 

<key>Kernel Flags debug=0x100</key>
 <string> arch=i386</string>

 

I apologize if any of them look ridiculous, super new to codes and terminal.

 

No problem..........we all continually have new stuff to learn........your initial understanding was correct.......in string means between <string></string> in the line below the <key></key> line.........but for maximum information while sorting out your system, use

 

<key>Kernel Flags</key>
<string>-v debug=0x100 arch=i386</string>

[MasterTiiro]

What does "debug=0x100" do exactly? If my computer lockups, that means I'd have to manually(as in pushing the reset button on the pc case) restart it. So then how would that line help?

[verdant]

What does "debug=0x100" do exactly? If my computer lockups, that means I'd have to manually (as in pushing the reset button on the pc case) restart it. So then how would that line help?

 

It outputs debug information to the screen when it freezes which you can then take a note of before you restart the PC.

[MasterTiiro]

See that's the thing. The screen saver is still moving, but I can't use my mouse or keyboard to get back to desktop, they just stop working. So I only choice is to manually restart it.

 

You're saying if i have that line in boot.plist, it would display debug info on screen, even though the screensaver is still running? I forgot to say that it only happens randomly.