Cannot boot from install DVDs

Question

Hello.
I have been trying to reinstall 10.4 on my powerbook g4 1.67 15" and I am finding that my laptop is having a hard time booting from a DVD. I have tried starting up the computer holding down Option as well as starting up holding down C. I have tried using the retail black Install disc for 10.4. I tried what I believe is the original gray install disc (Mac OS 10.2.7 / AHT v. 2.0.4 / DVD v. 1.1 / 691-4676-A). I also mounted a copy of the retail 10.4 on my external drive. All attempts to boot from the install disc are unsuccessful.
When booting from retail 10.4 disc, I encountered a screen at startup requesting I install batteries in my apple mouse (keep in mind this is powerbook with nothing plugged into usb nor firewire). Plugging in a mouse just got me to a blue screen.
When booting from the gray dvd that came with my computer I am getting what looks like kernel panics (a distorted fractal band across the gray apple screen) when starting up holding down c. When I start up holding down Option, and select Apple Hardware Test I get a folder with a ? and mac face. The disc runs then stops and runs and stops. I have let it run for about 10 minuets and nothing comes of it.
When booting from the external drive I would get the initial install screens, where you select language and then the process freezes - the mouse freezes and the computer does nothing.
I also just purchased a new/larger HD, installed it and gave that a try - same results.
My computer & DVD are running fine all this aside.
Has anyone encountered this. Any suggestions?
I plan to give an external DVD drive a try, once I can borrow one.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi, vcou. The gray OS X 10.2.7 installer disc did not come with your 1.67GHz Powerbook and is of no use at all with it. Put that disc aside; it was shipped with an earlier PB model. Your PB requires a minimum of OS X 10.3.7 or 10.4 to boot, depending on whether it was produced early in its production cycle or later in the run. If you can find the disc that was originally shipped with your Powerbook, try to start the machine with it and see what happens.
The black retail OS X 10.4 DVD should work, provided your PB's optical drive is functioning properly, the disc isn't dirty or damaged, and the build of 10.4 on the DVD is at least the same as the one your Powerbook was shipped with (Build 8A428). Have you started the PB using that DVD in the past? If so, then of course you know it should work. If not, then you don't know for certain that it should work.
The best case here is that your retail DVD has worked in the past, is not scratched, and just needs a good cleaning. Or the drive needs a cleaning (get a cleaning disc from a local computer store, Best Buy, Radio Shack or record/DVD store).