Can't start from Tiger OS install DVD

I just purchased a used Powerbook 15.1 inch 1.67Ghz, and need to erase the hard disk and re-install the OS (Tiger, 10.4). The computer has a SuperDrive, and it will read the Install DVD just fine, but it won't start-up from the DVD.
I've tried picking the DVD from the "Startup Disk" selector in System Preferences. I've also tried re-starting while holding the "C" key with the dvd loaded. Each time under both scenarios, after a minute or so of dvd spinning, I get the gray screen with the white apple, and the loading indicator (the rotating notches), then I end up with a blue-screen and a frozen cursor in the upper left.
The computer came with the previous user's software loaded, which I am trying to ditch so that I can load my own (read "legal") software. Also, and more importantly, I never received the existing password from the previous user, so I don't have access to the administrative functions (hence, no ability to update the OS, or any other administrative jobs). Wiping the hard-drive and reinstalling the OS seems like the best (and only) option; I've done it before for other computers and never had this problem, which has me quite stumped.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
PowerBook 1.67 (15.1" screen) SuperDrive Mac OS X (10.4.9) 2GB RAM, 100 GB HD

Thanks, BGreg. That will help me to work-around the problem.
I wonder; does the inability of the computer to start-up from the Tiger OS Install DVD indicate a bad DVD or a bad SuperDrive? The dvd worked fine as a start-up disk on my other computers, which argues against the former, while the superdrive can read and burn DVDs just fine when the OS is already running on the hard drive, which argues against the latter.
PowerBook 1.67 (15.1" screen) SuperDrive Mac OS X (10.4.9) 2GB RAM, 100 GB HD

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