Category: osx86

  • How to Install OS X on the HP TouchSmart

    Disclaimer: This was tested on an HP TouchSmart IQ507, but should work on the entire IQ500 series, though the IQ504 runs on a different video chipset.

    To get things started, you’ll need a copy of iDeneb v1.3 10.5.5 which can be found on any number of torrent sites. While you’re waiting for it to download, or for the disc image to burn to a DVD, take a few moments to create a new partition under Windows Vista. Name it OSX, and format it as NTFS for the time being.

    Step 1: Enter your BIOS and disable the on board audio, then exit saving changes. Next boot off the DVD, select your preferred language, then click Utilities on the menu bar. Open Disk Utility, on the left-hand side, select the partition you created under Windows, then on the right-hand side, click on the Erase tab. Click the drop down for Volume Format and select Mac OS Extended (Journaled), hit Erase. Confirm your choice to erase the volume. After it completes, close the Disk Utility.

    Step 2: Back on the Installers welcome screen, click Continue, then blindly agree to the license terms that will popup.

    Step 3: On the next screen, select the partition you just formatted as your install destination. Click Continue.

    Step 4: You should now see an Install Summery screen, click Customize. Scroll down and expand the options for Patches 10.5.5 Ready, and select the following patches:

    Fix -> ICHx Fix
    Fix -> AppleSMBIOS -> AppleSMBIOS 667

    Click Done, then Install.

    Step 5: After the install completes, reboot and complete the Setup Wizard that loads.

    These instructions only cover the basics at this point, since I haven’t had much time to mess around with drivers. I’ll be updating this post as soon as I get greater hardware support figured out.

    The biggest annoyance right now is that you have to disable the on board audio every time you boot into OS X or else it won’t recognize the keyboard and mouse. Needless to say, working audio drivers are high on my priorities list.

    Update: Here’s how to fix the video resolution.

    Edit the com.apple.Boot.plist file located in /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.Boot.plist and add the following:

    <key>Graphics Mode</key>
    <string>1680x1050x32</string>

    Open Disk Utility and Repair Permissions. Restart.

    Please note, fixing the resolution will not enable QE or fix the calibration issue.

    The following items work:

    • Ethernet
    • Memory Card Reader
    • FireWire
    • DVD Burner
    • Webcam (works, but doesn’t function with some apps since the graphics card isn’t supported)
    • Touch Screen (no way to calibrate, so it’s off by an inch or so)

    The following items don’t work:

    • Audio
    • Wireless Card
    • Bluetooth
    • Video Card
    • TV Tuner


  • Video: HP TouchSmart Running OS X

    Ahh, sweet success! I finally managed to get OS X loaded on my HP TouchSmart IQ507.

    Here’s some proof.

    I’ve also posted instructions if anyone’s interested in trying it out.

  • Closer to OS X on the HP TouchSmart

    I’ve managed to get OS X installed on the HP TouchSmart IQ507, however I’m still having serious issues getting it to boot fully. Seems to hang right before it gets to the IOACPI phase of the boot process.

    There is good news though! I was able to get the touchscreen working under the OS X installer with very little work at all. Which bodes well for the full install, if I can ever get it to boot that is.

    So if anyone has any thoughts on the IOACPI issue, let me know.