Can't Log In through log on screen!!

Hi, I've been having a problem with my iBOok G4, i restarted it the other day and when it came back on, it goes to the log on screen for maybe 10 seconds then goes to a Darwin screen. After maybe another 30 seconds it goes to a blue screen with the wheel spinning. What can I do to get back to my desktop, I have finals on Thursday and can't get my notes off. Help please!!!

Hi lszwik,
You have a couple of options.
1) Most preferable, if you have another Mac accessible with a firewire port, you can connect the two in target disk mode. This will allow you to pull data off of your iBook G4 even if you can't boot it to the Mac OS X desktop.
Here is a great article on using Target Disk mode via firewire:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583
2) If you have a Mac OS X 10.4 install disc, you can boot from that disc by holding down C right after powering up your computer. You can run Disk Utility from that 10.4 install disc to "Repair Permissions" and "Repair Disk"
CAUTION though - if at all possible, please back up using Firewire Target Disk Mode listed in Option #1. Your drive sounds like it is in a fragile state.
3) If #2 does not work, reinstall Mac OS X from the install disc and choose "Archive and Install" option. This will keep your files and user settings intact.
This article shows you how to select archive and install:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1103.html
4) If #3 does not work, you may need to do a full "Erase and Install", also covered in the article above. CAUTION: You must have a backup before selecting this option. You will erase everything on your computer.
Again, finding another Mac user or visiting your local Apple Store's genius bar will be invaluable because you can put the iBook in Target Disk mode and hopefully get your files off before attempting OS X repair.
Please let me know if I can be of any other assistance.
Best,
Eric Catania
Apple Consultants Network
MacBook Pro, iMac Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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