HELP! No System Preferences

Question

Just bought an iBook (dual USB) running OSX: 10.3.9 as a starter computer/gift.
For some reason, the 'System Preferences' application was deleted by the previous owner.
I've downloaded and installed : MAC OSX Update combo10.3.9
but system preferences is still missing some critical files.
I have an old Tiger install disc, but this computer only has a cd drive, not DVD.
If anyone has that OS, or an install disc with System Preferences on it (you can use Pacifist to extract just that file), and email it to me, I'd be so grateful.
I can't think of any other way to get this file?

Answer 1

Not sure if there is a way to use a second Mac and FireWire Target Disk Mode, along
with a double-ended FW 400 or FW400/800 cable, depending on the computer's ports;
and maybe use the second Mac's optical DVD drive to install Tiger into the portable. In
some cases, that could be possible, but maybe not.
Or if you had a Panther 10.3 CD install disc set, just try for an "Archive & Install" and
then update the resulting new system w/ Combo 10.3.9 and the last newer parts such
as Java, quicktime, flash & shockwave players, compatible browsers; to make it work.
Someone may have an old retail 10.3 OS X disc they'd give you. Is there an local
Mac User Group in your area? Members of these sometimes have extra stuff, and at
times, a swap meet or school disposal sale could yield cheap or free stuff.
Sometimes, when System Preferences is missing, there is more gone than just the
item in the Applications folder with that name on it; there are several items together
in another location that the System Preferences launches; and it may be missing too.
These would all be required; often an installer puts the parts in their correct locations.
Pacifist could do that, if the correct packet were known & extracted from the 10.3 disc.
The Tiger route would be much better, if the computer's hard drive is large enough
capacity to support the OS X, Apps, and free space so they could work well. And
whatever RAM upgrade possible. Early dualUSB G3 white iBooks were also limited
in the 576MB to 640MB range of RAM, and relatively small original hard disk drives.
Perhaps the chipset in the external FireWire drive you have is not suitable for booting a
Mac OS DVD, or may have developed a defect? Could the lens in the drive need cleaned?
Some of the iFixit repair and upgrade instructions online may be helpful if you have to
go into the portable computer; some of the contributing users & owners here did some
of their own tech work at home, and have good ideas on keeping track of all the screws
and parts involved in performing a hard drive upgrade or optical drive exchange, etc. Of
the ideas, some included coding the screws in position by color (marking head/location.)
The dual USB white iBook G3 I had, developed a few small issues that would have cost
me significantly more to trust regional repair shops (+ shipping out, either way) so I found
a company in South Carolina that does a good job; they also have parts. wegenermedia.
Once the computer is opened, the additional updates often are little more than the cost
of parts over the initial investment; and the work is guaranteed. Check their web site.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!