Do I need to Reinstall my OS or WHAT?

Question

I have a Powerbook G4 800 that came with OS9 & X. 10 was upgraded to 10.2.8 way back.
Recently while starting to work with Photoshop CS2, the app wouldn't stay open. It would open and close. I uninstalled and attempted re-installs to no avail. Upon selecting the location for the installation I could select the Mac HD and the Applications folder but the Applications folder did not show up in the location to install into. Other apps within the Applications folder open just fine. I've talked with Adobe and they say I probably have a hardware problem. I've run diagnostics and attempted repairs to no avail including but not limited to running Disk Warrior, running the Utilities for Properties and the disk. I've searched and searched but can't find anything similar to this on Apple's site. The 'puter is out of warranty and Apple Tech Support is unwilling to help me even if I'm willing to pay them. Weird?
I'm about to attempt a re-install of the OS. Is this the thing to do? Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Joe
Powerbook G4   Mac OS X (10.2.x)   Broken

Answer 1

joe:
To erase and reinstall: Do I need to use my original installation disks (OSX) and then update in steps (like 10.2.2, 10.2.8) before stepping up to 10.3?No. You can go directly to Panther, but you need a Full Retail Version
Archive and Install: I currently have 2 Previous System files (each quite large) under the Previous Systems folder. I'm assuming that if I erase and install that I lose all that of course.If you erase and install you will lose everything that is on the drive. Question for you:
Why do you have two previous system files in the folder? You should move those to where they belong i.e. if they are thrid party apps to the Applications Folder, if items in the Users folder to the appropriate in the New Users Folder. Then you can delete those items in the Previous Systems Folder after you have moved them to where they belong. The only way to save your apps and data in an Erase and Install is to Backup your Users Folder and Third Party Apps you want to saveBut, what is this about Archive and Install? Is there a way to do the install and not lose the applications, etc.?Yes. If you select the option to Archive and Install it will save your Users Folder in a Previous Systems Folder. You can then retrieve them after installation. However, I still recommend that you backup your User Folder and third party apps you want to save.
Here are some suggestions on installation:
Panther: Archive and Install
If you do not have your original install disks or a Full Retail Version you can get one at AppleRescue or on eBay relatively inexpensively.
If you have the right disks here is what you do.
1. Warning: Although we will use Archive and Install there is always a risk something can go wrong. As a precaution back up your User Folder and any apps you can't afford to lose.
2. Check to see if you have the latest Firmware Update. Note: You must be in OS 9 to update firmware.
3. Boot from the install disk holding down the C key.
4. Once booted go to the Installer Menu and open Disk Utility.
To do a clean install see Notes below
5. Run Repair Disk. If there are problems, run it until no problems are reported. If it reports that it can't repair the problems you might need TechTool Pro or Disk Warrior.
6. While still in Disk Utility run Repair Permissions.
7. Quit Disk Utility and open the Installer.
8. Choose the option to Archive and Install. This saves your data in a Previous Systems folder, which you can retrieve after installation.
9. You might want to Customize and deselect Foreign Language Translations and Additional Printer Drivers to save Hard Drive space.
10. Proceed with installation.
11. After installation is complete computer will restart. Follow prompts and set up computer.
12. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility) and Repair Permissions.
13. Go online and download updates, or go to Software Update under the Apple Menu and update your OS.
14. Transfer your User Folder from Previous Systems folder.
NOTE (below):
To do a clean install:
Follow steps 1 through 4 above.
a. In Disk Utility select your HD in left panel and Erase in main panel.
b. Be sure Volume Format is Mac OS Extended and the checkbox Mac OS 9 Drivers Installed is checked.
c. Select Options at bottom left in Erase panel. WARNING! This procedure will erase the contents of your entire HDD. Be sure you back up anything you cannot afford to lose!
Select option to zero all data. Click OK. Click Erase.
This process will take a while, so this is a good time to take a long walk or call your mother
d. After HDD is erased resume at No. 7 above.
Post back with any questions or comments.
Good luck.
cornelius
Pismo400, 100GB 5400 Toshiba internal, 1 GB RAM; Pismo 500 OS (10.4.4)   Mac OS X (10.3.9)   Beige G3 OS 8.6