New HD, problem with Leopard install DVD, How to reinstall OS?

Question

Hi,
My hard drive crashed. I'm travelling and am in a small village in rural India. No Mac shops around. I've managed to get a new HD (WD 80GB), now I'm having trouble with the installation of the OS.
Although I have my data backed up onto an external HD, I don't have the OS itself backed up. I have my Mac OSX Leopard installation disk with me. I thought this would cover me for exactly this sort of problem. But it doesn't seem to.
I've got the new HD in and it seems to be working. It's been formatted and it shows up ok when I boot up with the Leopard disk. I get past the question about language and accepting the licence terms.
Then it goes into checking source disk mode. When it gets to about half way I get a message saying it can't continue, Disk is dirty and it needs to be cleaned.
Well, I've taken it out and it looks ok. I don't see any deep scratches. Still, this has now happened twice.
I tried to copy the disk on another PC but it returned a message saying 'corrupt files'. So it seems as though something is wrong with the disk, even though it's not apparent when you look at it.
Now I'm stuck. My very original 10.4 disks that came with the machine are thousands of miles away, and inaccessible for all practical purposes.
The Powerbook has been registered with Apple since I bought it years ago, although it's not eligible for support any more.
1. Is there a way I can download the OS X I need to get the show back on the road, whether from Apple or from a third party?
2. Which version of the OS do I actually need for a complete new installation?
3. What can I do about my apparently damaged Leopard dvd? Although I'd prefer to continue with Leopard, it wouldn't really worry me going back to Tiger for the next few months till I'm back in Apple-Mac-land. The main thing is to get the computer running.
Any help gratefully received.
Elle

Answer 1

In order to use a correct install disc, it would have to be either the
version that shipped with the computer (when new) or a retail
version newer than that which shipped with it, in order for the disc
to function in the computer.
In some cities, there are companies who resell CDs and DVDs
and they have a machine or tool that helps polish out scratches
so they can still make use of those discs; or at least not toss
away a potential profit. There may be a company or computer
user with the kit to polish scratches out of the readable side
of a DVD or CD disc. (They sell these, in many countries, too.)
+In the middle of nowhere, you may have to improvise; or find+
+someone with basic skills and simple tools. If only a lightly+
+scratched Installer disc is the problem, simple polishing skills+
+would probably make it more readable to the laser in the Mac.+
• How to fix a scratched DVD with items you may have at home:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/67659/howto_fix_a_scratched_dvd_withitems.html
• To fix a scratched DVD... (avoid toothpaste, etc.)
http://www.yelp.com/topic/new-york-to-fix-a-scratched-dvd
{a google of the topic may help, if you can access outside
of just one region, and if google isn't blocked, etc.}
Perhaps if the issue is only with the Leopard DVD install disc
you have, it may be cleaned professionally. IF you go there,
ask if there is a reduced fee for this (they polish the surface)
if for some reason, it still won't work after they are done.
In the states some shops that bought & sold DVDs & CDs
would pay much less for scratched-up ones, & clean them.
This would include the device or careful hand-power, to
get the surface layer of plastic as unscratched as possible
so the laser-beam reader can pass through the bad places.
The idea of getting a downloaded version would be an illegal item;
and also those methods often get you malware or virus laden junk.
You could probably use the serial number of your computer and
visit one of the 'info by serial number' online services, to see what
version OS X your computer (and its original specs, build date, etc)
would have shipped with; so as to get a newer OS X retail disc.
That, if no other option were available.
An unused (not currently being run in a computer) official OS X
install disc, not one from a different computer model, and not
one too old, since older or equal (ie: 10.4.2, for a mid-2005 iBook
would require a newer than 10.4.2 retail installer for Tiger, etc.)
So, you see there is some kind of logic to getting a disc newer
than the one you don't have; or an exact replacement.
Someone who no longer has need for or uses the correct version
Installer could give or sell you their disc. But, a download is certainly
not something we'll go further into, since it would be illegal.
Sorry for the longish reply, it is going on 1AM here in the farther
north western northern hemisphere; and I should be asleep.
Maybe someone else will post a timely reply, given your location
and time differences. A real city may have authorized Apple sellers
with a service department or customer relations who may offer
some advice in regard to other services available. But almost
any place that can polish scratches out of a CD may be of help.
And try to not act too anxious about it; that may add to the cost.
Or a piece of fine chamois cloth (fine suede) and light rouge may work.
Polish in a spoke-wheel pattern from the center; not all in one direction.
And hope the optical drive isn't also dirty; as they eventually get that way.
Some places that rent movies on DVD may be able to clean/polish DVDs.
Good luck & happy computing!
+{edited 3x}+