Can't startup from OS9 retail install disk on iMac G3 DV

Hi All,
I'm trying to bring my old iMac DV (slot load) back to life and am having a problem trying to install OS9 from the retail install disk (I don't have the original disks that came with the system). Hardware-wise, all is ok with the iMac. However, when I try to start the system from the OS9 install CD (by holding down C during startup) the machine refuses to start from the CD. The disk is is good shape and I am able to startup from CD if I use any of my OSX install disks, but I can't get it to start for the OS9 install disk. As I said, it is the retail version of OS9 so I don't know if that has something to do with it.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks - Josh

Hi, Josh -
An iMac DV (Slot Loading) model originally came with OS 8.6, which means that it should be able to use any version retail OS 9 Install CD (white label with gold 9).
Since it boots okay to an OSX install disk, that the machine's firmware has almost certainly been updated, and that the optical drive is okay. Nonetheless, I would suggest using an audio CD cleaning disk in the drive to clean its lenses.
That pretty much leaves the OS 9 Install CD as the problem. Check it carefully - unlike audio disks, the Mac is far more fussy about a data disk such as an install CD. Make sure there are no scratches, no smudges or dirt on it at all.

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