Have to use System disks to open Hard drive

Hello,
I installed a system on my external hard drive in efforts to solve a mail problem that is now resolved. Now, when I restart the computer, I get a grey screen with some code, some words and an unknown icon on it.
The only way I can restore my regular hard drive is to use the 10.4.8 system disk and hold down the 'C' key when I restart [which is noted on the disk].
How do I get back to my main hard drive back at startup without starting from scratch. Of course, I am on deadline.
Thanks for your help. V

Hi Valerie,
first of all: WELCOME TO THE DISCUSSIONS!
Reboot and hold down the Option-key during boot. This will bring you into the startup manager where you can select from all available systems.
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