ok, one last thing. How much space is needed to do this?

I'm not sure, but that information is probably in the Apple document that I linked to previously in this thread.

Why do you ask? Are you running short of hard drive space?

Trevor

yes i only have 5gb free at present. But i am currently backing up onto my external hdd.

Yeah, that's pretty full. Although Archive and Install will probably work with that little space, I think you'll be better off clearing some stuff off before doing it. It's always uncomfortable when you're that far down on available hard drive space, so probably try to give yourself more room.

Trevor

ok will do

hmm, problem. After finishing backing up everything i put in the install disc, clicked install Mac OS X and clicked the restart and install button. The computer restarted into the install mode and i chose English as my language and the next step is the problem. A message popped up saying "Mac OS X cannot be installed on this computer" and i was left with the option of restarting into the installer again or starting up normally. I tried again and the same problem happened. So while i was in the installer mode i opened disk utility and tried repairing the disk in case there was a problem, the repair ran and it said it said it fixed one volume. I try the install again, same problem. What is wrong?

Looking back over this thread, I don't see anywhere that you have mentioned which Mac model you have.
Please tell us which Mac model you have - be as precise as possible.
And tell us what Tiger DVD you are using - did this DVD come with this Mac? Or is it the retail DVD? Or where did you get it?

I am using a 1Ghz PPC G4 eMac. I am using the retail DVD that i bought when 10.4 was released

How much space do you currently have available on the hard drive? If you're still short of space, that might be why it won't let you install.

Also, I don't see where you're choosing "Archive and Install". Have you forgotten that? Apple's document (linked to above) tells you explicitly how to do an Archive and Install.

Trevor

I still only have 6.43gb. I'll try free up some more after work today.

I followed the document exactly. Before you can choose archive and install you have to choose a language, that's the only step i was able to do before the message came up.