I used EmpireEFI (latest version - not legacy) to boot OSX. Put the retail disk in, and it goes thru lots of text, at the end of that when it's supposed to display the installation screen, it just goes black.

Is this because I'm using an Nvidia GTX280 and a Nvidia 8400GT both on PCIe? Is it getting confused, or is it something completely different?

This seems to be showing the same symptoms that I'm having... I just didn't do a great job at describing it... http://www.hackint0sh.org/f213/138962.htm

I'll let you know if I find any ideas!

Good idea. Well I found this on the EmpireEFI web site (regarding Nvidia 2xx chipsets"

"For those who are using NVIDIA GTX 2xx series , please make sure to type GraphicsEnabler=Y PciRoot=0 or GraphicsEnabler=Y PCiRoot=1 (its case-sensitive)"

I didn't do that - but I have NO idea where to put it. Any ideas??

Hmm no, I haven't a clue... I'm pretty new to this whole thing! I'm completely guessing here, but would you type that in at the bit just before you start the Snow Leopard DVD, where you sometimes type -v and that sort of stuff??

Does that make sense?? As I said, I'm just guessing, but it could be worth a go. I'll do it tomorrow, when I'm not half-asleep, like now!

Lol - I dunno where you can type stuff? I've tried pressing buttons and nothing happens! Anyone?

Right, at some point on the boot CD, you should have to press enter to tell it that you want to use the OS X DVD (I think). Try typing that stuff before you press enter.

I'm really not sure... someone help!

Originally Posted by Brynjaminjones

Right, at some point on the boot CD, you should have to press enter to tell it that you want to use the OS X DVD (I think). Try typing that stuff before you press enter.

I'm really not sure... someone help!

Hi,
Those NV kexts in there would certainly turn your screen black.
The boot options would be a shorter way than fixing kexts.

After disc swap and before installer starting, try to press F8 (or any key) for Darwin/chameleon boot option entering, then type those bootflags in, then press enter.

Let me know how it's going.

Originally Posted by ratvn

Hi,
Those NV kexts in there would certainly turn your screen black.
The boot options would be a shorter way than fixing kexts.

After disc swap and before installer starting, try to press F8 (or any key) for Darwin/chameleon boot option entering, then type those bootflags in, then press enter.

Let me know how it's going.

Hi, thanks.

That was what I was trying to explain, I just did an awful job at it!! I'm more used to the bootloader thingy that I use (Psystar DUBL), so I wasn't sure what exactly you had to do to enter that stuff on another one!

Originally Posted by Brynjaminjones

Hi, thanks.

That was what I was trying to explain, I just did an awful job at it!! I'm more used to the bootloader thingy that I use (Psystar DUBL), so I wasn't sure what exactly you had to do to enter that stuff on another one!

No problem. You did a good job.
It could be before disc swap if Darwin/Chameleon was injected first, depends on how startup disc was made. But should have boot screen where you can enter bootflag.
So does it get you going any further?

Well I've got that far now, with EmpireEFI. On the screen I can type arguments in after switching the disc for the retail SL. I tried the GraphicsEnabler=Y PciRoot=0 and it seems to identify both of the cards I use. Before loading the CD though it says acpi table not found :dsdt.aml. Not sure if that's important, but it always goes to a black screen after something about acpi after lots of text which loads from the disc.

Also, when I boot SL lots of stuff about NforceATA comes up, so I'm assuming the relevant kext is already present.

Would I be right in thinking the black screen is graphics card related?