Re: Install issues with HP DC7900CMT

[Darvinko]

I have reason to believe I may be getting this issue due to remnants of an earlier (failed) OS Installation attempt on the hard drive. I am in the long process of a 3 pass security wipe of the hard drive, at which time I will try re installation of the iHackintosh method. If not, I will attempt to install on an external drive. Will post results when I learn if this was accurate

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 1:07:17 PM UTC-4, Darvinko wrote:

 In attempting to install ML using the method described in your guide, I get the following after choosing my language-

                      

                       THERE WAS A PROBLEM INSTALLING "Mac OS X"   Try reinstalling

A review of the Installer log is as follows:

NSSoftLinking - The Librarian Framework's library couldn't be loaded from (null)

NSSoftLinking - The function"LBCurrentProcessHasUbiquityContainer' can't be found

LCA+BT2: systemhasBluetooth entry

LCA+BT2: [[NSProcessInfo processInfo] processName] LCA

LCA+BT2: systemHasBluetooth exit - controller =0x0

CVCGDisplayLink:setCurrentDisplay didn't find a valid display -falling back to 60Hz

NSSoftLinking - The Librarian framework's Library couldn't be loaded

NssoftLinking - The function 'LBCurrentProcessHasUbiquityContainer' can't be found

Couldn't find OS X (Server) data.

  

Attempts to reinstall result in this continuous install loop.

I have attempted to install several times with the same result and have recreated the install stick multiple times and using different manufacturers (SanDisk and Kingston)

I have attempted to install using My Hack, where I am able to get through the Install and setup processes, albeit without mouse usage (inputting using Tab and Space Bar), so I believe the flash drives, hard drive and BIOS settings are all acceptable. 

Although not as proficient with the hackintosh process as members of this group, I am not without a reasonable amount of experience, and this has me baffled. In setting up the USB, am I omitting something while running Chameleon, or is there something else I may be overlooking?

Any assistance would appreciated figuring this out.

I am using a HP DC7900CMT with 4GB of RAM, a WD 250GB 5400RPM HD with stock graphics.

Thank You, Kevin (Darvinko)

[mosslack]

On Oct 8, 2012, at 3:07 PM, Darvinko wrote:

I have reason to believe I may be getting this issue due to remnants of an earlier (failed) OS Installation attempt on the hard drive. I am in the long process of a 3 pass security wipe of the hard drive, at which time I will try re installation of the iHackintosh method. If not, I will attempt to install on an external drive. Will post results when I learn if this was accurate

You might also doube check to make sure you are using the correct partition scheme (GPT) as I have had those kinds of problems before after using a drive for another operating system. HTH

From the main system of mosslack...

______________________________

Alt-OS <+> GG <+> TBIE <+> Hack List

[Darvinko]

I have remade the installer, finished the security wipe, check as to GPT - same issue. I'll have another go at it later or tomorrow, but with a fresh drive, just in case that's the issue. Thanks for the input Doug.

[Darvinko]

I have remade the installer Multiple times Using several flash drives), checked my formatting to be GPT, tried a different drive - still the same result. My unfamiliarity with HP BIOS may be the issue. I have reset BIOS to default, what BIOS options need changing? Thank You again.

[Darvinko]

BIOS is at current 1.26 version

[pete...@cruzio.com]

> I have remade the installer Multiple times Using several flash drives),
> checked my formatting to be GPT, tried a different drive - still the same
> result. My unfamiliarity with HP BIOS may be the issue. I have reset BIOS
> to default, what BIOS options need changing? Thank You again.

For a (more) foolproof installation on a DC7800 or DC7900, you are advised
to:

1) set the BIOS options to default, THEN

2) go back and select boot device options and move around the devices so
that these are in THIS order:

3) first (highest priority device) USB Flash Drive (sometimes called a USB
hard drive, but it is really a flash drive),

4) second, SATA CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, and

5) third (lowest priority device) hard drive.

Now, if you have a two drive system with OS X on one drive and Windows on
the other drive, MAKE SURE the OS X drive is higher priority than the
Windows drive.

It is technically possible to install three hard drives on the CMT, in
which case these would be primary (OS X), secondary (probably Windows) and
tertiary (probably Linux).

You will not be able to install OS X using a flash drive unless and until
the USB flash drive is made the highest priority drive.

You probably won't be able to select between OS X, Windows and possibly
Linux unless and until the OS X drive is the highest priority drive AFTER
the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

> BIOS is at current 1.26 version

The original BIOS did not handle booting from a USB flash drive correctly.

1.26 is indeed the latest, and it definitely supports booting from a USB
flash drive.

My DSDTs are based upon the highest level for DC7900 (1.26) and DC7800
(1.42, I think).

[Darvinko]

I'll try re-making the installer after I download ML from the app store again (in case the issue is a corrupt download). After resetting the BIOS to default and using the boot order you indicated, I am having the same result as in my initial post. I have used the image to create installers for other machines with no difficulty and have follow the iHackintosh guide to the letter (leaving off at the installation). Initially, I was able to get to installation, where I wound up setting up the account only to have it continually re-loop back to installation. I have retried re-making the installer with both Kingston and SanDisk flash drives. Quite frustrating.

[Kris Tilford]

On Oct 13, 2012, at 9:03 PM, Darvinko wrote:

> I have retried re-making the installer with both Kingston and
> SanDisk flash drives. Quite frustrating.

I'm not really following this thread closely, so I may be completely
wrong, but I suspect the installer USB flash drive needs to be
partitioned as MBR to boot from USB? (And formatted HFS+). I believe
you said you partitioned the installer as GUID? I think they were
saying the HD you're installing to needs to be GUID. I know my own
installer flash drives formated as MBR/HFS+ will boot via USB and
install fine.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

A LOT of install guides recommend MBR, and I have successfully used that
method, but for BOTH the DC7800 and DC7900 projects, I formatted the flash
drives as GUID, and that worked just as well.

I suspect the reason why I had to update the BIOSes of both the DC7800 and
DC7900 to the latest was so that GUID flash drives would be bootable.

In any case, it is highly recommended to update the BIOS AND to use a GUID
flash drive. Much better stability.

The BIOS's loader is obviously capable of loading from an MBR drive
(default for Windows) or from a GUID drive (default for OS X).

On a single-drive system, which I occasionally use, I always specify GUID,
even though the partitions included OS X, Windows, DATA, OS X Backup and
OS X Data.

In such a case, the OS X boot loader is read first, then it determines
whether OS X or Windows is to be loaded.

[mosslack]

If you use UniBeast, the flash drive must be partitioned using MBR, not GPT. Like Kris, that is the only problem I can see with it if it was in fact formatted as GUID.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

> If you use UniBeast, the flash drive must be partitioned using MBR, not
> GPT. Like Kris, that is the only problem I can see with it if it was in
> fact formatted as GUID.

There are a number of Guides, and those which I have used, both for Lion
and for Mountain Lion, have been GUID.

What REALLY matters is what the mobo's BIOS is capable of booting as a
flash drive.

The early DC7800 and DC7900 appeared to have problems with GUID flash
drives, but simply updating the BIOSes to the highest level apparently
added the capability for GUID flash drives.

My DC7800 SFF (Lion) and my two DC7900 CMT (Mountain Lion) were all
created using GUID-partitioned flash drives.

[mosslack]

On Oct 14, 2012, at 2:25 PM, pete...@cruzio.com wrote:

If you use UniBeast, the flash drive must be partitioned using MBR, not

GPT. Like Kris, that is the only problem I can see with it if it was in

fact formatted as GUID.

There are a number of Guides, and those which I have used, both for Lion
and for Mountain Lion, have been GUID.

What REALLY matters is what the mobo's BIOS is capable of booting as a
flash drive.

Actually no, I've experienced similar problems when the installer flash drive was not created correctly as the guide states. This may not be true of other methods, but it is true for UniBeast.

The early DC7800 and DC7900 appeared to have problems with GUID flash
drives, but simply updating the BIOSes to the highest level apparently
added the capability for GUID flash drives.

My DC7800 SFF (Lion) and my two DC7900 CMT (Mountain Lion) were all
created using GUID-partitioned flash drives.

The OP stated:

 In attempting to install ML using the method described in your guide, I get the following after choosing my language-

                      

                       THERE WAS A PROBLEM INSTALLING "Mac OS X"   Try reinstalling

This is far beyond the BIOS control and after the OS X installer has started, so I don't believe the BIOS really has anything to do with it at this point. Besides, he already said the BIOS has been updated.

[faithie999]

have to agree with doug.

i have a few hacks that will ONLY boot from USB sticks if they are formatted MBR.  if the sticks are GUID, the boot stalls during the bios POST process.

i have other hacks that are more ecumenical, and they will boot with either MBR or GUID-formatted USB sticks.

[Darvinko]

As per the guide, I used the iHackintosh installation. Although the author didn't specify which partitioning to use, the screenshot showing the disk utility image for creation indicate he is using GUID in preparing the installer, so I chose to use that. I didn't give a thought to MBR partitioning until reading the input here. I will make an attempt at creating the installer using MBR partitioning and see if that works. Thanks to all of you for the input.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 1:07:17 PM UTC-4, Darvinko wrote:

 In attempting to install ML using the method described in your guide, I get the following after choosing my language-

                      

                       THERE WAS A PROBLEM INSTALLING "Mac OS X"   Try reinstalling

[mosslack]

On Oct 6, 2012, at 1:07 PM, Darvinko wrote:

I am using a HP DC7900CMT with 4GB of RAM, a WD 250GB 5400RPM HD with stock graphics.

In re-reading your original post, I noticed this line. Can you elaborate a bit more on the system specifics? Are you using a onboard gfx or a video card? If onboard, did you try a gfx card and vice versa?

What processor? I know the DC7800 came out of HP with some unsupported CPU's, not sure about the DC7900.

[Darvinko]

Currently using on board gfx (I have an 8400GS, not installed yet), with an E8400 (3.0GHz) Core2Duo. Was attempting OS install prior to gfx install. Thank You.

[Darvinko]

No luck with MBR partitioned installer, however, when I go into installer a click on install ML, it advises me image is damaged, to re-download, which may have been my issue all along.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

>> Currently using on board gfx (I have an 8400GS, not installed yet), with
>> an E8400 (3.0GHz) Core2Duo. Was attempting OS install prior to gfx
>> install.

There was an exceptionally broad list of proc options.

The DC7800 SFF usually got a C2D which, of course, is 64-bit compatible
... only an 800 MHz FSB, however. Alas, the supplied RAM is only 667 MHz

The DC7800 CMT usually got a C2D which was an E6850 ... 3.0 GHz with a
smaller cache than a DC7900 ... but a 1333 MHz FSB. Alas, the supplied RAM
is only 667 MHz

The DC7900 CMT usually got a C2D which was an E8400 ... 3.0 GHz with twice
the cache of an E6850 ... but the same 1333 MHz FSB. Alas, the supplied
RAM is only 667 MHz

With STANDARD procs, any of these can run Lion, and with a little luck
with the special kexts required on a DC7800, possibly Mountain Lion.

[Darvinko]

In retrospect, the image appears to be OK prior to using the iHackintosh guide, as I have used the image to create installers using MyHack with success, both prior to and during attempts at setting this one up. After my install attempts, I remove and go into the installer and when I click on the image, I am advised it is damaged. I'm not sure if this is because of the modifcation of the Base system. Since members of this forum appear to have successfully installed by this method, I can only conclude I am doing something wrong. I am going to start with Chameleon, as I run it without selecting additional options/enablers. At times I have selected MacPro 3,1, but with the same result. Any thoughts? Thank You.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 1:07:17 PM UTC-4, Darvinko wrote:

 In attempting to install ML using the method described in your guide, I get the following after choosing my language-

                      

                       THERE WAS A PROBLEM INSTALLING "Mac OS X"   Try reinstalling

A review of the Installer log is as follows:

NSSoftLinking - The Librarian Framework's library couldn't be loaded from (null)

NSSoftLinking - The function"LBCurrentProcessHasUbiquityContainer' can't be found

LCA+BT2: systemhasBluetooth entry

LCA+BT2: [[NSProcessInfo processInfo] processName] LCA

LCA+BT2: systemHasBluetooth exit - controller =0x0

CVCGDisplayLink:setCurrentDisplay didn't find a valid display -falling back to 60Hz

NSSoftLinking - The Librarian framework's Library couldn't be loaded

NssoftLinking - The function 'LBCurrentProcessHasUbiquityContainer' can't be found

Couldn't find OS X (Server) data.

  

Attempts to reinstall result in this continuous install loop.

I have attempted to install several times with the same result and have recreated the install stick multiple times and using different manufacturers (SanDisk and Kingston)

I have attempted to install using My Hack, where I am able to get through the Install and setup processes, albeit without mouse usage (inputting using Tab and Space Bar), so I believe the flash drives, hard drive and BIOS settings are all acceptable. 

Although not as proficient with the hackintosh process as members of this group, I am not without a reasonable amount of experience, and this has me baffled. In setting up the USB, am I omitting something while running Chameleon, or is there something else I may be overlooking?

Any assistance would appreciated figuring this out.

I am using a HP DC7900CMT with 4GB of RAM, a WD 250GB 5400RPM HD with stock graphics.

Thank You, Kevin (Darvinko)

[Darvinko]

Doug, added gfx card - same issue, different resolution. Thank You.

[mosslack]

Did you attempt this using UniBeast? Only reason I ask is b/c I tried the iHackintosh method and it did not work for me. Also for the record, I believe Peter's success was using the GM, not the retail version of ML. At this point I'm just trying to rule out possible reasons why this is not working and determine the differences between the successful installs and your unsuccessful attempt. There has to be a reason why this is not working on known supported hardware.

It would also be a good thing if you had another system to try out the installer with. That would eliminate or confirm it as the problem.

[faithie999]

and to tailgate on doug's suggestion:

if you don't have another system to try the installer out on , do you have an installer around that has Lion install on it?  i had no end of troubles getting a ML stick to work in a GA55HM, and before i tore ALL my hair out, i tried out a known-good Lion install stick (which worked), revealing that my problem was in fact a ML install stick that wasn't constructed properly.

ken

[mosslack]

I was gonna suggest that also, but hit send before I could add it. 8^)

[pete...@cruzio.com]

>> and to tailgate on doug's suggestion:
>>
>> if you don't have another system to try the installer out on , do you
>> have an installer around that has Lion install on it? i had no end of
>> troubles getting a ML stick to work in a GA55HM, and before i tore ALL
>> my hair out, i tried out a known-good Lion install stick (which worked),
>> revealing that my problem was in fact a ML install stick that wasn't
>> constructed properly.

What I generally do is this:

1) perfect a USB flash drive installer for, say, Lion or Mountain Lion,
and then

2) adapt that very stick for a particular mobo, usually by altering a few
of the kexts, as required, in the /Extra folder; this obviously includes
dsdt.aml, but it could also include the platform controller kext (say, for
the DC7800's emulation of ACHI).

When a particularly good deal on 16 GB USB flash drives appeared, I bought
three (it was a three-for-one deal) and partitioned these as 2 x 8 GB
partitions, with the second 8 GB being allocated to residence for
post-installation tools (MultiBeast, for example) and any utilities I
might want to add to the /Applications folder. Of course, the first 8 GB
partition was allocated to the Lion or Mountain Lion Installer.

[faithie999]

kevin--i may missed this in the thread, but have we established that the processor in your 7900 is capable of running mountain lion?  peter's message earlier in this thread laid out characteristics of compatible processors that were routinely shipped with the 7800/7900's.  however, the slot in the 7900 is compatible with older pentium's that are not ML-capable. somewhere along the line, perhaps a newer proc was replaced with an older one.   can you identify the model number of your processor?

ken

[Darvinko]

Yes, I had posted last evening - it's an E8400 (3.0 Ghz C2D)

[pete...@cruzio.com]

DC7800 family - Q35/ICH9-D0 includes support for procs which are NOT L or
ML compatible.

DC7900 family - Q45/ICH10-D0 includes support only for procs which are L
or ML compatible.

Essentially, the P35/Q35 Northbridge supported some pre-Core 2 Pentiums,
and it is those which are not L or ML compatible. Generally, the BIOS has
to support these, too, but as hp/Compaq wrote their own BIOS, it is
logical to assume that they added P4 support, as required.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

> Yes, I had posted last evening - it's an E8400 (3.0 Ghz C2D)

E8400 is one of the truly great C2D procs.

Very fast. Huge cache.

They made faster ones, but at an equally huge price penalty.

The smaller design rules in the E8400 (compared to the E6850) allowed for
the cache to be doubled without increasing the power requirement.

[Darvinko]

Peter, Thanks for your suggestions - I picked up a dozen 16GB SanDisk Cruisers a little while back when they were $8.99 at Staples. I wanted as Vanilla an install as possible and the guide seemed to suggest that, I went with the guide as written, knowing other installs were used. It became a challenge to accomplish as well as an opportunity to learn. I was able to install with MyHack, but it would have require a lot of "clean up", and I wanted to familiarize myself with a "new" (for me) installation method. I have borrowed an unused DC7900 SFF to try installation and find if it's a hardware issue. Thanks again for the input from everyone.

[Darvinko]

First, again I want to thank everyone for their support. I apologize for not responding sooner as I have been ill. I finally gave up on the iHackintosh installation and went with the Unibeast one that seems to be preferred. Using the guide and Peter's DSDT, I have booted ML and am quite impressed with the results on the DC7900CMT. I am still using the on-board gfx card (will get the NVidia 8400GS in there soon). One issue I've been having is no keyboard or mouse unless I use USB versions. I used Unibeast to install PS2 kext, which only allows my usual keyboard to work, still need the USB Mouse. After reboot, I lose my keyboard and also my USB mouse unless I boot with -f flag (which gives me back my usual (wired) keyboard and USB mouse only. Any thoughts. Thanks once again.

[Darvinko]

Obviously, I used MultiBeast to install the PS2 kext, not UniBeast as I indicated.

[mosslack]

On Oct 21, 2012, at 8:33 PM, Darvinko wrote:

Obviously, I used MultiBeast to install the PS2 kext, not UniBeast as I indicated.

PS2 keyboard and mouse support is not very good with OS X. I know I've always used USB and have no problems at all.

[Darvinko]

Additionally, my attempt to install on a DC7900SFF with the same processor (but only 2GB RAM), met with the same results. I used a new image from the App Store (version 10.8.2), created the installer again and the iHackintosh method produced the same results (as with my initial attempts with version 10.8.0) on both units. MyHack worked with both versions (but with many anomalies) and Unibeast worked with both versions, which would seem to eliminate the flash drive and image as possible

[Darvinko]

It would appear my lack of experience with desktops is showing. All of my previous experience has been with laptops where trackpad kexts are easy to come by.

[Darvinko]

I have installed eVGA 8400GS on the machine, very pleased with how everything is working. My Thanks to the group, particularly Doug for his Install Guide and Peter for his DSDT. The only issue now is I need to boot with -f to have USB keyboard and mouse working. Has anyone else experienced this? I read where when installing kexts and DSDT in Multibeast this can be a by-product of not running Repair Disk Permissions, but I had done so. I know the workaround, but was curious if anyone else experienced this. Thanks to all once again.

[pete...@cruzio.com]

> I have installed eVGA 8400GS on the machine, very pleased with how
> everything is working. My Thanks to the group, particularly Doug for his
> Install Guide and Peter for his DSDT. The only issue now is I need to boot
> with -f to have USB keyboard and mouse working. Has anyone else
> experienced
> this? I read where when installing kexts and DSDT in Multibeast this can
> be
> a by-product of not running Repair Disk Permissions, but I had done so. I
> know the workaround, but was curious if anyone else experienced this.

I am running my DC7900 through a USB KVA (keyboard/mouse, video, audio)
switch.

About the only anomaly I have noticed is I have to give the machine TWO
carriage returns in order to boot the default partition, not one.

Also, when using the cursor movement keys to select an alternate
partition, the first of the two keys is ignored.

It is in the DC7900, I am pretty sure.