Power Mac G4 - corrupted disk problem?

The G4 will turn on, but I unable to log in. Tried rebooting. Lost Disk 1 and 2. Neighbor's friend repairs Macs and he suggested that I purchase Tiger and new hard drive. I purchased Tiger, but not a new hard drive yet (don' know what to buy!)
Inserted Tiger disk and went to Utilities, then run on Hard Drive, and tried to Repair Disk, but "First aid failed" - disk utility stopped repairing Mac HD because "the underlying task reported failure on exit."
I spoke to another Mac repair person and he suggested that I remove the hard drive and send it to him for disk repair/recovery.
Was able to remove ribbon cable. I tried to unplug the cord bundle with no success. It's underneath the drive and hard to get to. Also, I cannot figure out how to remove both the case and drive from computer. There's a plastic lever on the left hand side. What do I do with it? And where is the screw I'm supposed to unscrew?
Should I remove the drive and send for repair? Or should I install a new hard drive and install Tiger on that? If I install Tiger on new drive, what will be left on my computer? Anything programs that came with the computer?
I found this from another message and looks similar to what I have:
http://ebay.dncomputers.com/pictures/i1012143p8-TCsN7pTbGv.jpg?
Thank you.
Linda

What type of G4 do you have? You may be limited by the 128 GB barrier...
When you say you "try to log in but it doesn't boot", this means the system is being recognized. All in all that is a good sign. What I would first try doing is unplugging all periphreals (PCI cards, printers, usb/firewire devices, etc. minus the monitor and keyboard obviously). Then start up holding the shift key, this will boot your computer into +safe mode+. If that gets you to your desktop, run disk utility from there and repair permissions.
If that doesn't work, you can boot into +single user mode+ and run fsck. This is another disk utility you can use. Here's instructions from Apple on using fsck. I advise reading the entire article, it will give you a lot of insight as to what steps you can take to fix the drive yourself.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Post back with your results.

Similar Messages

Power Mac G4 & OS 9 Problem...can use some help!

I have a Power Mac G4 with an OS 9 operating system that is around ten years old. It has been reliable over the years until now. This morning, I started my G4 and everything was like any other day. The OS 9 window appeared and after the extensions folder icons finished loading on the bottom on the screen, a new window came up afterward, telling me that the 'Time Sychronizer' error #41 existed and to restart. I rebooted and again the same thing happened. I tried one more time and the same thing happened.
Next, I figured I would by-pass the extensions folder, and I restarted with the shift key down. The OS 9 window did display itself along with it telling me that the extensions folder was 'off.' To my surprise, the error window came up again, telling me that there was an error #41 and to restart. I have been in this loop all morning and I can't get out. Even if I had to reinstall the a new operating system...how do I by-pass the the aforementioned loop within my computer to get to the installation information, etc.
Can anyone tell me what is going on? What can I do? Can it be fixed? Is it a major problem or, a simple one the can be resolved? Any answers out there? Help!!!!!
Thanks,
HJ

Hi, HJ -
Error #41 is a somewhat generic one, usually indicating that the OS itself is damaged. This Apple KBase article addresses that -
Article #TS2207 - Mac OS: Error Type 41
The solution given is to re-install just the Core OS files. In order to do that iou will need to use an OS 9 Install CD valid for that machine, and of a version equal to the installed OS 9 version.
Boot to the CD, run the installer - when you select your hard drive and click okay, you'll be asked what you want to do - click Reinstall. On the last page of the installer, the page with the Start button, click the Customize button.
On the new page, uncheck everything (make sure they have neither checks nor dashes) except Mac OS 9.x; to the right of it is a pulldown menu, preset at Recommended Installation - select Customized Installation from that.
In the new window, uncheck everything except the first item, Core System Software - again, make sure none of the other boxes have checks or dashes. Click Okay, click Start. That will re-install the System, Finder, other basic OS files, and nothing else.
<hr>
Even if I had to reinstall the a new operating system...how do I by-pass the the aforementioned loop within my computer to get to the installation information, etc.
In order to do a re-install (Core System or complete) you will need to boot the machine to an appropriate CD.
When you boot the machine to a CD, the OS on the CD is running the machine. This means that nothing on the hard drive is in use, including any damaged files. This is one of the primary virtues of retaining install disks - they allow the machine to be booted, and usually repaired, regardless of the state of health of the OS on the hard drive.
<hr>
If you do not have an OS 9 Install CD of a version equal to that of the installed OS 9, you will need to re-install the complete OS. The easiest way to do that is to use the Software Install CD that came with the machine, or a later version retail OS 9 Install CD. Boot to that CD, and on the page where you select the destination drive click the Options button. On the new page checkmark the Clean Installation option, okay the page, continue the installation.
Note that with OS 9 a Clean Install will not remove anything - it will install a brand new System Folder and do little else.
Article #TA43881 - Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9: Performing a Clean Installation
A Software Restore CD can not be used to do a Clean Install, and, if appropriate care is not taken, can result in the loss of data on the hard drive.

Power Mac G4 400 Startup Problem

Working on my brother's system. He ran software update and rebooted and now we get the grey screen with the apple logo and the counter icon, then the starting Mac OS X screen, the progress bar gets to about the half way point then the screen alternates between being totally blue and briefly flashing the round counter icon.
I've tried resetting PRAM, NVRAM, booting to OS boot DVD and running Disk Utility - nothing has worked. Although it did boot to the DVD with no problem.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom

Tom, welcome, it is always a good idea to Repair Permissions before and after updates.
Bootup from the install CD (C key held down) and once the disk mounts (X window) open Disk Utility from the Main Menu under Installer. Choose your drive in the left column then select First Aid, now run the Repair, if it does not repair run it again. Now select the startup volume (with the OS) and run the Repair Permissions, quit Disk Utility.
Now go back up to the Main Menu under Install/Change Startup Disk and select your startup volume then Restart.
Repair Permissions.
Joe
Power Mac G4 Gigabit Ethernet Mac OS X (10.3.9) 1.5 GB Ram, ENCORE/ST G4, Tempo SATA, ATI Radeon 9000, Adaptec 4000

Power Mac G4 having video problems -green dots and pixelated lines

Yesterday my Power Mac G4 running OS X (10.5.1) started having unusual video problems. I started to notice green dots on the screen where the mouse pointer had been or where application windows had recently been. The severity of the video symptoms seem to vary - from a cluster of green pixels to slight amount of fuzz in text.
I'm thinking that this is a symptom of a problem with the video card starting to fail but I haven't ruled out the Apple Studio Display either. While the Mac was still under Apple Care support, I did have the video card replaced a few years ago due to symptoms that were much more severe than this.
Should I get a new video card? Could it be the display at fault? How expensive would it be to take it in to the local Apple store for diagnosis/repair?
ATI Radeon 9700 Pro:
Chipset Model: ATY,R300
Type: Display
Bus: AGP
Slot: SLOT-1
VRAM (Total): 128 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x4e44
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-A06500-124
Displays:
Apple Studio Display:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Rotation: Supported
Display Connector:
Status: No display connected

Installed a new video card (ATI Radeon 9600) along with the "Apple DVI to ADC Display Adapter" - seems to be fixed now! Thanks for the advice!
ATI Radeon 9600:
Chipset Model: ATY,RV351
Type: Display
Bus: AGP
Slot: SLOT-1
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x4150
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-A73503-202
Displays:
Apple Studio Display:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display Connector:
Status: No display connected

Power Mac G5 dual processor problem

So I've got a Power Mac G5 Dual 1.8Ghz that I bought used that only had one processor working. When started up, the screen hangs after the gray start up screen. I figure replacing both processors would fix the problem. Having bought 2 new processors, I installed them and now the computer won't boot at all. The power light comes on but doesn't stay on, the fans spin but nothing comes up on the screen. Is this a logic board problem? Any help would be appreciated.

BDAqua wrote:
Hi Jade8503, and a warm welcome to the forums!
After changing CPUs you need to calibrate everything for one, look for Apple Service Diagnostics, ASD 2.6.3 I think, not sure which G5s that is for actually, but it's a start.
2.5.8 should work on that machine as well.

Power Mac G4 Boot-up problem?

I have a Power Mac G4 when it is turned on shows the apple, then OSX Loading window, then a blank blue sreen with a black turning wheel and then a black screen with small white letters at the top of screen that say,
"Darwin/BSB (my computer, local console)
login:
After I type in anything I hit the enter key,
password:
this Mac has no login nor a password except the enter key. After I hit the enter key a message appears for a millisec or long enough for me the read "incorrect password" the blue screeen with the black spinning wheel reappears then the afore mentioned black screen with white letters reappears.
Please help. Thank you for for time.

Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), does that bring up a login box?
If not let's try fooling it with a new admin user.
Reset OS X Password Without an OS X CD...
http://theappleblog.com/2008/06/22/reset-os-x-password-without-an-os-x-cd/
Admin Hack...
http://www.hackmac.org/?q=node/4
Starts up like the first time you buy a new Mac, but after filling in all that info again, you should have access to the computer and the other Users & files will still be there... give the new User a different name than an existing one.

Power Mac 5500 hard disk woes...

I had a PM 5500 but with a faulty HD. I decided to swap in an 800 MB Quantum Trailblazer from a Performa 5200 I had laying around and was met with some success. However I wanted something a little bigger for my purposes so I found a 40 GB Western Digital Caviar and another 4GB Quantum Fireball SE from an older G3 I have. Here are where my problems start..
To format these, I have been using an external firewire drive enclosure so that I can do it from my Powerbook. So I try formatting and installing Mac OS 9.1 onto the 40 GB and no go. I try again with the 4 GB and still nothing.
This is what happens...
I boot up the 5500 with one of the other HDs in, and it gives me the floppy question mark error. It spins up, there's a delay before the question marks appears, then the HD sounds like it resets itself and the question mark is shown again. I've checked jumper positions and they are all on master. Just to see if it would help I tried other jumper positions but the computer obviously didn't like that so I was greeted with a black screen.
My question is.. What makes the 800 MB so special that it is allowed to boot, while the other two are victim to a continuous spin up, reset, spin up,
reset cycle. These two drives are both functional, and when I boot into the Mac OS 9 install they are recognized.
It is also important to note that I have tried to copy over the 8.6 system folder that resides on the working HD and copy them over to the other HDs, still met with no success. Also, this 5500 may be living in another chassis. I don't remember exactly but I do remember transplanting mobos from all-in-ones like the 5500 and the 5200 with their respective drives and outer plastics. Not sure if that would change anything.
I think I'm missing something and any help is greatly appreciated... Thanks.
Powermac 5500 Mac OS 9.1.x Not sure.. But I believe this 5500 lives in another chassis.. I might have swapped it some time ago.

If you format a drive in a firewire case, it might not get the drivers installed that it needs to work internally. Also, if I read your post correctly, you installed OS9 from your PB while the drive was in teh FW box. This is also a problem as the installers often install things that are needed by the computer hte installer is running on.
Is there some reason why you can't boot the 5500 from the OS9 installer and format and install the OS in the 5500? That's your best chance of success.

Power mac g5 start up problems

i have a powermac g5 and it was working fine yesterday, now today i turned it on and it showed a world flashing icon and i waited forever but nothing happened... then my friend tried to start it and it did the same thing but this time it showed the flashing world icon which its blue then after awhile it showed a flashing question mark then it finally showed my desktop
i seriously need some help it is running even slower than ever

Hi there, it's having trouble with the Hard Disk.
Could be many things, we should start with this...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Tiger Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.)
If perchance you can't find your install Disc, at least try it from the Safe Boot part onward.

Mac OS X disk problem.

So i recently got a macbook (2006) from a friend and he had a problem where the harddrive messed up, so i switched the harddrive. he did not have the original disks for the computer so i but some new ones, The gray disks which i now know there is no way to legally put them on to the system that doesnt belong to them. So i was wondering if there is any legal way to do it, i really dontwant to have to buy the high priced discs:P

Hello,
I don't fully understand what you are staying here. Have you brought the correct gray system restore disk for your model of MacBook? If so then I can't see any problem with installing them provided they are original gray disks.
Apple Licence agreement states,
you are granted a limited non-exclusive license to install, use and run one (1) copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-branded computer at a time. You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-branded computer, or to enable others to do so. This License does not allow the Apple Software to exist on more than one computer at a time, and you may not make the Apple Software available over a network where it could be used by multiple computers at the same time.
Provided you have met those requirements, then your fine to install.
Best of luck

Hard Disk Failure in G5 Power Mac, need to replace it, i have some question

In my G5 Power Mac, the hard disk has totally gone and i need to replace it.. can someone point me to a guide on how to do this? Im usually a PC kinda guy so this is a bit new to me.
1) Will any SATA HDD work? does it have to be a certain brand?
2) When the new drive is in, will it auto detect and automatically run the leopard installer of the disk?
3) Is there anything i should be careful of or is it pretty straight forward?
any links or suggestions would be grand!
thanks in advance!

You would need to hold option key or 'c' to boot from Leopard.
A really badly damaged drive can prevent booting from any disk, whether CD/DVD or hard drive, because the system still tries to see if there are other systems out there when it scans the various buses for bootable devices.
You probably need to unplug or pull the old drive to do anything. But you may be able to zero the drive. Partitioning checks the blocks where the partition tables will go, because those blocks can't be remapped later, and some drives fail at that point, but re-partitioning, not just erasing the user partition, is something I do frequently.
Is the 2nd drive bay filled? definitely want to use both drive bays.
Got a FW or other emergency boot drive handy? or small partition on a media drive that has just minimal OS X.
When swapping drives on G5s, NVRAM doesn't always 'learn' or see the new drive properly, so best to zap PRAM/NVRAM or reset nvram to clear the device tree and force it to rescan and recognize new devices (PCI, memory, and hard drives).
I would definitely want a working clone/backup and keep Alsoft Disk Warrior on it to repair and do maintenance of your drives on a regular basis to prevent problems from getting worse.
If you need to recover data, pull the drive and later see if Data Rescue II can see any files. You may need to repair the drive. And Apple First Aid comes up short on disk repairs and doesn't do as many tests and repairs as Disk Warrior.
I always keep a backup spare on hand that I can use if a drive goes out.
http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

Power Mac G4 Won't startup and ejects boot disk.

Hello,
Recently, I got a used Power Mac G4. On startup, it gets to the loading bar and doesn't load anything. It's just a blank white bar with no text aside from the apple logo at the top of the window. I tried inserting the Tiger recovery disk, but when I turn it on, it ejects the disk. I made sure that my keyboard and mouse were not plugged in as it was booting up (there are no other devices that may be causing it to eject), but it's still not solving the problem.
What could possibly be causing this problem?
Thanks,
Nami

It could easily be many things, Logic Board, RAM,Corrupted PRAM or NVRAM, even PSU or anything else, we just have don't have enough data out here to narrow it down yet.
I don't suppose it boots into Target mode...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
EDIT: Sometimes even a flaky Optical Drive will prevent normal operation & needs to be disconnected.
Might be time to replace the PRAM Battery, 4 years is close to their lifespan, far less if ever without AC power, & if weak can cause really strange problems...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/

Powering ON/OFF Problems on a Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver Order M8360LL/A)

Hi G4 Specialists !
I have a major problem. @ First Model description:
Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver Order M8360LL/A)
System version : Mac OS X 10.4.8
Boot volume : Eclypse
Hardware Overview:
Machine speed : 867 MHz
Bus speed : 133 MHz
Number of processors : 1
L2 cache size : 256K
L3 cache size : 2MB
Machine model : Power Mac G4 (version = 2.1)
Boot ROM info : 4.2.3f1
Customer serial number : #######-###-####
Sales order number : Not available
Memory Overview:
Location Type Size
DIMM0/J21 SDRAM 128 MB
DIMM1/J22 SDRAM 256 MB
DIMM2/J23 SDRAM 256 MB
DIMM3/J24 empty
Network Overview:
Built-in:
Devices and Volumes
PCI:
SLOT-1(AGP):
Card Type : display
Card Name : NVDA,NVMac
Card Model : GeForce2 MX
Card (Video) Memory : 32 MB
Hard Drive:
Disk Size : 57.26 GB (1K = 1024) 62 GB (1K = 1000)
Unit Number : 0
ATA Device Type : ata
Device Serial : #######-###-####
Device Revision : ER6OA44A
Device Model : IBM-IC35L060AVER07-0
Eclypse:
Volume Size : 57.26 GB (1K = 1024) 62 GB (1K = 1000)
Ejectable : No
Writable : Yes
Hard Drive:
Disk Size : 37.27 GB (1K = 1024) 41 GB (1K = 1000)
Unit Number : 1
ATA Device Type : ata
Device Serial : WD-WMAD11234827
Device Revision : 05.03E05
Device Model : WDC WD400BB-00DEA0
CD-RW/DVD-R:
Disc Burning : Fully supported.
ATA Device Type : atapi
Device Revision : 1.90
Product Identification : DVD-RW DVR-103
Vendor Identification : PIONEER
Now the Problem:
in the last time I ear that the G4 after clicking on the Login Window on SLEEP is often gone to shutdown. The last week I made this check and the G4 gone to shutdown and after x seconds again ON without external intervention. Was this not a real shutdown (the light on the Power button was NOT PULSING)
What I have just done:
I resetted trought booting + OF all Boot parameters, I made the CUDA reset, I bought a new PMU Battery and now (all disconnected also the HDs) when I push the Power Botton the Fan TRIES to go but after a microsecond is cutted off power. The last time, while trying to take care of my G4, that it had made a little of work was tonight WHITOUT PMU/Battery I made login, I have seen that THE DATE WAS RIGHT (without PMU-Battery !!!) I just choose the right Display Conf, then I started DiskUtility first CHECK Disk and then I was looking for solutions @apple Support on another machine PUFF the G4 has gone OFF and ON and OFF than I unplugged the POWER cable.
Now I don t know any more, suggestions ?
Massimo
G4 QuickSilver 867, G4 PB 867, Classic Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Massimo,
I'm having a bit of a problem with the translation. I think what you're saying is that when you attempt startup, the Mac initially gets only a momentary bit of power, with the red LED lighting briefly, then shutting off, after which nothing happens. Occasionally, the Mac starts to the point where the hard drives begin to spin up, but then they, too, shut down. You would like to try booting to the install disc with the drives disconnected, but can't get far enough along in the startup process to open the optical drive tray.
If what I've said above is correct, you can open your optical drive tray manually. Use a fingernail to open the dust cover of the optical drive and look for a tiny hole on the face of the drive below the tray. If you insert a paperclip straight into this hole and push it firmly, the drive tray will begin to eject. When it comes out far enough to grasp with your fingers, pull it out to extend it fully. Insert the disc and manually push the tray back in. Boot to disc by depressing the "c" key at startup and holding it down until the turning grey cog wheel appears.
To attempt to get the Mac to start, perhaps you should try completely de-energizing and resetting it. Try this, (just leave your hard drives disconnected):
Disconnect everything externally except the power cord.
Touch your finger to a metal slot cover on the back of the Mac as a static discharge precaution, then disconnect the power cord.
Remove the battery.
Depress and hold the front power button for a five-count.
Fully depress the PMU for a five-count.
Take a thirty-minute break to insure that the internal capacitors are completely discharged.
Reconnect the power cord, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, leaving the battery out.
Attempt startup to the install disc.
Any luck? If so, reinsert the battery, connect the hard drives and boot to disc, launching Disk Utility and running Repair Disk and Repair Permissions. Check the Startup Disk option in the Installer menubar to insure the OS X system on your startup drive is still selected. Then quit the Installer to restart normally to the hard drive. If successful, you can then check the preference files for sleep-wake problem that it seems you were having, if I understood correctly.
BTW - When you get stuck in a situation where the Mac won't respond and you have difficulty powering down, try to avoid pulling the power plug, which can corrupt your files and drive directory if the drive is writing data. Instead, try the restart button if you have to force a complete shutdown. If that fails to work after holding it in for a few seconds, then try the power button. If it still won't power down after holding in the power button, then release it and immediately depress the restart button, which usually works. Pull the power plug on a running Mac only as a last resort. In any event, after any sudden shutdown, it's prudent practice to initially boot back to your Tiger install disc and run Repair Disk on the startup volume. If it isn't handy, then boot to Safe Mode by depressing the shift key at the next startup, which will force a file system check of the startup volume, which is like running Repair Disk without being able to see the results. Another way is to boot to single-user mode (depress & hold cmd+"s" at startup) and run fsck, where you'll be able to see the results of the drive repair.
Gary
1GHz DP G4 Quicksilver 2002, 400MHz B&W rev.2 G3, Mac SE30 Mac OS X (10.4.5) 5G iPod, Epson 2200 & R300 & LW Select 360 Printers, Epson 3200 Scanner

Power Mac G4 sleep problem

Hello!
My G4 (mdd) won't go to sleep anymore. Neither on its own via energy saver nor when you press the power button or select sleep in the apple menu. Does anyone know what to do?
I already unplugged my USB devices, didn't help. Then I trashed my energy saver and bluetooth preferences and reset PRAM by pressing <commandoption+PR> at startup, no luck. I read all the previous posts about this issue and did everything they said, but it didn't help.
maybe someone has an additional suggestion.
Thank you!
David
Power Mac G4 (mdd) 867 dual Mac OS X (10.4.3)

A number of sleep-related issues can appear after incremental Mac OSX updates, including the inability to properly go to sleep, problems waking from sleep, and having your display go to sleep without your Mac going to sleep. The most common culprit is Bluetooth. Try these tips to fix your sleep problems.
WAKE UP
In System Preferences>Bluetooth, uncheck Allow Bluetooth Devices To Wake This Computer. If you are using a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you'll have to wake your Mac by pressing the power button.
FILE CORRUPTION
Your Bluetooth preference file may be corrupt-you'll need to delete it. Turn Bluetooth off, then go to the /Users/user name/Library/Preferences folder. Look for a file called com.apple.Bluetooth.plist and trash it.The OS will create a new preference file when you enable Bluetooth again.
ENERGY SAVER
If you have issues with a Mac or display that goes to sleep at inappropriate times, you may have a problem with Energy Saver. Delete the following .plist files and restart:
-/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.PowerManagement.plist
-/Users/username/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systemuiserver.plist--(username is your name or System Administrators name).
-/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.AutoWake.plist
A restart is very important after deleting these plists. After a reboot your Mac will then generate new ones.
In some cases, running MacOS X's cron tasks-maintenance that the OS performs automatically if you leave your Mac on 24 hours a day-can resolve many sleep problems. If you don't want to leave your Mac on, you can use MacJanitor, Yasu, or OnyX free at Versiontracker.com.
Some, in these forums, have had luck fixing sleep issues downloading the combo update from this site (yours may be corrupt), not Software Update, disconnect all firewire + USB devices except keyboard + mouse, Repair Permissions, re-install update, Repair Permissions again + try.
Yours would be the 10.3.9 combo update. Others here would use the one for their version.
Cheers!
DALE

Power Mac G4 shows only screensaver image; won't read disks

My Power Mac G4 will no longer show the finder or any of my folders. It boots beyond the grey and blue screens to show a screensaver I'd chosen earlier, but doesn't show the finder or any of my folders. It will not read any of its original install disks, nor read the OS X Panther disks.
I don't know if its versions are current. It has no internet card, which has not been a problem until now as I also use a G5 that's on a cable modem.
I got this computer second-hand. It came with these disks:
Apple Hardware Test (Power Mac G4)
Power Mac G4 Software Install
Power Mac G4 Software Restore
Power Mac G4 Developer Tools
Mac OS X Panther Install Disks 1, 2 and 3
I have tried installing them all from the screensaver mode, as well as from CD mode. Nothing has been forthcoming. Is my data still present? Does the OS X need to be installed, or has the system just stalled in the booting? I've rebooted a dozen or more times while working with the disks. Since I'm getting beyond the grey and blue screens, is this a sign of life?

Hi t_orzechowski!
Have you found a resolution yet?
Have you ever run Repair Disk?
THESE ARE THE STEPS FOR USING DISK UTILITY TO REPAIR YOUR HD
1.Insert the System Install disk, Mac OS X CD-ROM disk, or Restore DVD disk, then restart the computer while holding the C key. Use the System disk, of the OS, that is currently installed.
2.Once started up from CD or DVD, on the Menubar at the top of the screen, choose Disk Utility from the Installer contextual menu.
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from disc to access Disk Utility.
3.Click the First Aid tab.
4.Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5.Select your Mac OS X volume, if necessary.
6.Click Repair. If DU reports errors it has fixed, re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported.
7.Repeat steps 5 & 6, but select the Hard Drive this time. It's usually the first listed with the manufacturer's model number. Make note of the S.M.A.R.T. status.
8.When finished, select Quit Disk Utility from the Installer menu.
9.Select Quit Installer from the Installer menu.
10.In the resulting pop-up window, choose restart.
11.After the computer has restarted, you can eject the CD.
ali b

Power Mac G4 no iMovie and no restore disk

I purchased a used Power Mac G4. It is running OS 10.4
The problem is that it does not have iMovie installed. Online help states that I need the restore disk, which I don't have. Is there a way to get it, or is there another alternative?
The other problem is that updating the software requires a password from the former owner. The machine boots to desktop without a password, it's just needed for updating Safari. Is there a way to reset that?
The machine is in other wise fine shape and I'd like to make it useful.
Thanks,
Jay

If you are in the US call Apple Customer Support 1-800-767-2775, provide the Serial Number and specifications of the Mac, and for a reasonable fee, they will supply a replacement set of system discs (if available).
The discs will be for the original version of the OS that was pre-installed when the Mac was manufactured.
If you are in another country:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
Have you asked the vendor for the password?
iMovie is part of iLife. You should be able to purchase the relavent version on eBay or Amazon.

Power Mac G4 - corrupted disk problem?

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