Mini G4 Won't Boot off External after 10.4.9 Update

I've tried three times to install the update and boot off my external hard drive connected to my MacMini G4. Tried the usual stuff like using Combo update, reparing permissions, reset NVRAM, safe boot, single-user login, etc. After it updates successfully, the machine reboots and after a few seconds, the "broken folder" or prohibitory sign appears. The little progress indicator continues to spin, but I have to restart off the internal drive to boot up. Once booted, the external has to be turned off and on so that it will appear on the desktop.
Never a problem with earlier updates. Back to 10.4.8 I go....

Howard:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Try booting from the install disk and running Repair Disk in Disk Utility. Here's how:
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key.
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)
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
Good luck.
cornelius

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System model name: PowerBook6,5
System uptime in nanoseconds: 39721061252
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loaded kexts:
com.apple.nke.applicationfirewall 1.6.77 - last loaded 729386943
com.apple.driver.AppleKeyLargo 1.7.2f1
com.apple.driver.AppleI2C 4.0.0d2
com.apple.driver.AppleMacRiscPCI 3.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleCore99NVRAM 1.1.1
com.apple.driver.AppleFlashNVRAM 1.0.5
com.apple.iokit.IOHIDFamily 1.5.5
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com.apple.BootCache 30.4
com.apple.driver.AppleMacRISC2PE 1.8.7d5
com.apple.iokit.IOKeyLargo 1.7.2f1
com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily 1.5.6
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformFunction 1.8.7d5
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com.apple.driver.AppleKeyLargo 1.7.2f1
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