Crashing on System Preferences

Question

Hello, I have Leopard installed on my PowerBook G4 12" and when the screensaver comes on the screen goes black and it tries to start, then after about thirty seconds the screen flashes like the screen saver is ending. When I go into System Preferences and go under Desktop & Screen Saver, and try to change how long the screen saver is on, it crashes, every time, what should I do!? thanks

Answer 1

C.L.
Do you have a backup of your stuff?
We need to determine whether you issue is hardware or software based. Begin with Repair Disk
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu (Panther and earlier) or Utilities menu (Tiger) and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel, and report if it says anything but Verified)
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
If DU reports errors it cannot repair you will need to use a utility like Tech Tool Pro or Disk Warrior
Please post back with update.
cornelius