Kernel panics after install of Security Update 2006-007

Question

I also installed the security update, had a kernel panic when the install was 60% through the optimization. Tried to reboot and now only get the Apple logo screen which then goes to the following command lines:
init: can't exec /bin/sh for single user: Exec format error
init: can't exec /bin/sh for singer user: Exec format error
init: can't exec /bin/sh for /etc/rc: Exec format error
I booted from the OSX 10.3 disk, ran disk repair which found no problems. Tried repair disk permissions which hung up 1/3 the way through saying "Disk Utility has lost its connection with the Disk Management Tool and cannot continue."
I tried to reinstall 10.3 but get the message I cannot install on my hard drive since it says it could not find an earlier version of OS X (I had since updated to 10.3.9). I have about 3 months of photos in iPhoto I haven't backed up (my bad)and would rather not reformat and reinstall the entire operating system. Any suggestions? Thanks
G5, 1.8 GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9)
G5   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Answer 1

Hi Larry
First off, Dr. Smoke has some good advice regarding kernel panics here:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.html
but It could be that your system is screwed at a fundamental level. If you can't do an archive and install from your system CD, then your HD may need formatting as a last resort. Do you have 2 macs, or a mate with a mac book? If so, you can connect them up using a firewire cable, and start you mac holding down the 'T' key to restart your mac in target disk mode. You'll see the firewire icon on your screen when it starts, and the other mac will get your HD pop up on it's desktop.
This gives you the ability to remove the data files you need (like all your photos) BEFORE formatting your HD.
HTH
Macfool