G3 imac can't update past 10.4.6 "errors found during update"

Question

I'm issues with a slot-loading g3 imac updating past 10.4.6 (the version i installed from the dvd). the boot rom number is 4.9.f1. I tried to format after the first incident to no avail. It runs pretty good as is but I need to get Ilife 08 on it(which claims to need 10.4.10 i believe). The first go at this I ran software update, it updated everything but the 10.4.11 combined, which rendered my Itunes unusable because it needs 10.4.9 or later. I even went as far as just downloading the 10.4.7 combined update with the same outcome. Instalation on the os x update runs normal and the just stops, saying there were errors found try updating again.
Please help!!!
Thanks in advance,
Dan

Answer 1

A G3 won't see more than 128 GB of a drive. You can put in a larger drive but the computer won't see anything beyond the first 128GB, not even if you partition. I know with G4s you can put in ATA PCI cards which will allow you to use bigger drives, and there's a utility called [SpeedTools|http://www.speedtools2.com> which is a software solution (read carefully before using as there are drawbacks vs. hardware).
A hard drive is one place where I am hesitant about buying used, especially if it is one that is the same vintage as your computer with who knows how many hours on it. I am saying this because I don't think if you buy new that you will find anything less than 7200, 8MB, 160 GB, etc. I also see people asking $30 for used 120GB drives, and you can get a new 160GB drive for not much more if you hunt around and fill out your rebate coupons.
You can get a bigger drive, use the first 128 GB with this computer, then when you get a new computer move the drive into it and use the whole thing (assuming you get a computer that supports big drives as just about any computer made in the past 4 years will do).
Personally I like Seagate drives, but you'll get all kinds of responses on this.
Since this is moving more into the hardware realm you might consider reposting the issue in the imac and/or G3 forum.
Oh, one more thing, I wouldn't necessarily kiss the drive goodbye. If you have given up on directory repair why not try reformatting it with the erase option (to do a scan for bad blocks) and see if it still has some life left in it? I am still running two 120GB drives in this computer, at least one of which is 5 years old.