installing osx from external FireWire DVD-ROM or CD-RW optical drive

[GreenLantern]

is there a way to install osx not using the native cd/dvd reader that comes with the computer. my slot load on my imac g3 does not work properly, so i am thinking of getting a new reader, but could i use an external cd reader or install is using another computer? much thanks for any help given.

[Luca]

Yeah, I have installed OS X from a DVD-ROM drive in a Firewire case. It works fine.

[GreenLantern]

Hey Luca,

Much appreciated for your help on both problems. I'm try through an external first, but would probably go get a new slot loading to fix it. Thanks again.

[FFL]

certain brands of internal mechanisms in an external may not be Mac-bootable. I'd check the database at http://forums.xlr8yourmac.com/drivedb/search.drivedb.lasso for internal mech. brands that are bootable, and making sure that you get an external that is bootable.

Especially Beware Of LaCie. They use a different internal mech. every week and you never know what you are gonna get.

[FFL]

Also - you may need to hold down the Option key upon startup, and select the OS X Installer volume from the startup selector screen, unless you use the Startup system pref to select the Installer disc as startup before you shut down.

[FFL]

EDIT: added to thread title to clarify and to aid serches for this question

[Luca]

FFL, for your own reference, I posted some information on replacement optical drives in this thread (http://forums.applenova.com/showthread.php?t=2167). I don't know if any of them appear at the XLR8 drive database, but those are all available brand new from NewEgg for around $70.