How To Boot OS X to OS 9*

Description: You can not gain a network connection in OS X. If the Mac is capable of booting into OS 9 you can check connectivity there to see if it is an OS X issue or a hardware issue.

Symptoms: Mac will not load a page after all troubleshooting has been exhausted in OS X.

Goal: Goal is to boot the Mac into OS 9* to test connectivity from an alternative operating system.

  1. Open the System Preferences. System Preferences are located in either in the Apple Menu or using the System Preferences icon in the Dock which looks like a light switch with a grey apple on it.

    2. OR

  2. Locate and click on the Startup Disk icon.

  3. If you see a folder called Mac OS 9.2.x then the Mac is bootable into OS 9*. Click on the folder to highlight it.

  4. After selecting the Mac OS 9.2.x folder click the Restart button.

  5. After clicking the Restart button in the lower right corner you will be asked if you are sure you want to restart. Click the blue Restart button.

The Mac will now reboot into OS 9. Follow the directions in the kb for setting up OS 9 for CHSI.

*This only applies to a certain generation/types of Macintosh computers. They are not all equipped to be booted into OS 9.