The advantage of Erase and Install is that it allows you to start fresh, leaving behind any debris from previous versions. The Erase and Install option should, therefore, offer the cleanest, smallest, and best performing version of macOS 10.5. It can also be the quickest install when you are purposely creating a fresh install with no user data to restore. For example, if you’re handing your computer off to someone else, you might not want them to have access to your old information. Of course, there are downsides to using Erase and Install, particularly if you intend to restore your user data. Unless you make advance preparations, the erase process wipes out all your data. If you want to restore your user data, you need to first create a backup of your existing startup drive, so you can selectively reinstall the data you need after you install macOS 10.5.
What You Need
If you’re ready to perform an Erase and Install of macOS Leopard, then gather up the necessary items:
A Mac with a G4, G5, or Intel processor, 512 MB of RAM, a DVD drive, and at least 9 GB of free space.A macOS 10.5 Leopard Install DVD.A half-hour to two hours of time. The amount of time the installation takes depends on the type of Mac you’re installing macOS 10.5 on.
Booting From the Leopard Install DVD
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from a Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when you’re unable to access your Mac’s desktop.
Start the Process
Starting the Process: Alternative Method
The alternative way to start the install process is to boot directly from the DVD, without first mounting the installation DVD on your desktop. Use this method when you’re having problems and unable to boot to your desktop.
Verify and Repair Your Hard Drive
After it restarts, your Mac guides you through the installation process. Although the guided instructions are usually all you need for a successful installation, take a detour and use Apple’s Disk Utility to make sure that your hard drive is up to snuff before installing your new Leopard OS.
Choosing Leopard Installation Options
MacOS 10.5 Leopard has multiple installation options, including Upgrade Mac OS X, Archive and Install, and Erase and Install. They allow you to select the type of installation and hard drive volume to install the operating system on. You can also customize the software packages that are to be installed. While there are several options available, these instructions cover the basic steps for completing the Erase and Install of Leopard.
Customize the Leopard Software Packages
During the installation of macOS 10.5 Leopard, you can choose the software packages for installation.
Setup Assistant and Detecting Your Keyboard
With the installation completed, the Leopard Setup Assistant starts by displaying a “Welcome to Leopard” movie. When the short movie is finished, you are directed through the setup process, where you register your installation of macOS and are offered the option to transfer account and user data from another computer.
Third-Party Keyboard Setup
You don’t have to use an Apple-supplied keyboard; most Windows-based keyboards work just fine. The Setup Assistant walks you through the process of determining the type of keyboard you have.
Setting Up Your Mac
Create the Administrator Account
Your Mac needs at least one administrator account. At this point in the setup process, you are asked to create the first user account, which is also the administrator account.
Welcome to the Leopard Desktop
Your Mac has finished setting up macOS Leopard, but there’s one last button to click. Select Go. You are automatically logged in with the administrator account you created earlier, and the desktop displays. Take a good look at your desktop in its pristine state, because if you’re like many users, it will never look this clean and organized again.
