Can't do a complete clean install (defective hard drive?)

Question

Hello
I picked up a used G4 Quicksilver 733 mhz.
I knew that I would need a retail OS 9.2 bootable install disc, to do a fresh install, so I picked one up.
But it appeared as though the prior owner did not do a proper erase of the old hard drive, because before I tried a new install, upon boot up, I always recieved a stalled start up of OS 9.2
Anyway, I attempted a new install:
Pressing the C Prompt Starts OS 9.2 and you will see the Prompt "Starting Up"
I then opened Disk Utility, and choose the option for 'Drive Set Up'
I then choose 'Initialize', and received the option: "Initializing will destroy all data on the following volumes"
I also customized the initialization, and choose "Mac OS Extended" (but I believe this may have already been the defaulted option?)
I then selected the only HD, (the original existing 40 Gig HD), and initialized it successfully
Next there was the option for "Clean Install"
I choose this, and customized the install unchecking "Airport" (as this computer will run on a wired router)
The install appears to complete itself and I choose the option: 'Quit'
At this point when I try to eject the disc, I continually recieve the prompt "The start up disc cannot be removed from the desktop because it contains the active system software."
Then when I shut the system down, and reboot, the same original problem occurs whereby the system boot up STALLS about 1/4 of the way into the operating system.
This leads me to believe that either the old hard drive was not erased properly, or it is defective.
Any other thoughts would be appreciated?
Thanx
Mike

Answer 1

As eww stated, you can't eject an OS Installer disc while it's running the computer. One can also eject a disc at startup, after the chime by pressing the CD drive tray button. Or if you have it, the eject button on your keyboard. But the mouse trick is a very good one. The point is, all methods are at startup, right after the chime.
Did you run Disk First Aid? If not, do so.
Also, you might open the case and reset the CUDA. It's a button next to the PRAM battery. Touch the power supply case; don't move about after doing so; or wear a static wrist band. Be careful...press the CUDA button once...careful in that you need to position yourself so that you press it once and not let your finger slip off. Don't touch anything else while doing so. Hold it down for 8-10 seconds.
A bad PRAM battery could also be a culprit. "operator headgap" has very good prices on batteries. I would suspect other things before assuming the HD is bad. HDD's can last a very long time; 'most' of the time they'll make noises if they're bad, but not all the time.
After the clean install and after you press Quit, choose Restart from the drop-down menu. Then you may eject the Installer disc and hopefully OS 9 will start up. If not, please let us know.
HTH!