Another OS X issue - losing databases

Question

So, I've been working up a PHP/MYSQL site recently and
everything was going swimmingly, aided and abetted by DW CS3. Then
I updated OS X to 10.4.11 and all my carefully built pages come
back with 'No database selected' - I'm not doing anything that
complex, so don't think it's the code crashing things. It isn't
browser specific. It seems to be a basic thing between the DW/PHP
code and mysql. Everything is running, just doesn't seem to want to
play ball when it comes to connecting (either SELECT or INSERT
routines).
10.4.11 followed hot on the heels of Leopard, and I'm reading
about FTP being broken (randomly) in 10.5, so I'm wondering if
there's a patch somewhere in 10.4.11 retro-ed from Leopard that's
affecting Apache, ports, etc.
Unfortunately, I'm not nearly knowledgeable enough about any
of this to run sophisticated diagnostics - I've got a post out on
apple.com that hasn't had any response as yet.
Any ideas?
Vince

Answer 1

1. I turned on my on my iMac and it boots up with a grey screen and flashing folder with a question mark.  I read on the Apple support site (on another computer) to turn off and turn on the machine again and hold the option key at the chime.
2. When I hold option key and a box appears that says "Choose network" and gives me network choices.  I chose my home network.
3. Internet recovery world figure with arrow appears.  I clicked on the arrow and a progress bar appeared assuming it is putting me in recovery mode.
4. Language selection window appeared.  I clicked on English.
5. The OS X Utilities window appeared with choices between recovery from Time Machine backup; OS X Re-install, and Disk utility.
5. When I proceeded to "Rsstore from Time Machine Backup", my external drive with the bakcup file appeared.  When I clicked on it, an message appeared "There is a problem with this backup and it can't be restored".
6. I then tried "Reinstall OS X'  Proceeded through the steps until I got to the screen that said "Select disk where you want to install OS X".  No disk was listed.  Reading the support notes, the internal drive should have showed up.
7. I then proceeded to Disk Utility.  Two items were listed on the left side box:
       Internal Drive
       disk2
           OS X 10.8.2 Base System
8. Clicking on the internal drive, I was able to click on repair disk, thinking there was a problem with it.  A script scrolled down inclduing green text that noted that various volumes were ok.  No error was noted.
9. I then clicked on the OS X 10.8.2 Base System.  The only option was to verify.  Which I did and another script scrooled down with grren text on the end noting "OS X Base Systems Appear OK."
At this point I don;t know what to do next.
Thanks for any advice.
Pat