Reinstallation of Mac OS X on an existing system isn't working

HELP! I have an IBook G4 system that already had Mac OSX on it when it was given to me. Unfortunately, the password was not provided, and I have no connection with the original owner to obtain it, so of course I can't get past the log in and am trying to reinstall Mac OSX in order to create my own log in information. I have all of the various disks needed for installation, software etc., and have been trying unsuccessfully to complete the installation. Each time I insert Installation disk 1, holding down the c-key until the apple appears, the screen freezes right at that point, and does nothing. It's as if it's trying to do something because the apple sort of shifts a little to the right, and two faint markings/dashes appear. I then have to manually hit the on/off button to turn the system off. Can anyone help me with this? Is there even a way to maybe erase the existing system, and try installing that way. I'm at my wits-end. This is my first Mac system, and it's very much different than my Windows systems that are pretty straight forward when doing installations, etc. Any help in this regard would be greatl appreciated.

Thaddeus:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
To erase, repair or install you need to be able to boot from an installer disk.
The failure of the computer to boot could be because of a bad or dirty CD disk or a faulty optical reader. First I would try a different disk and see if it is read. If the optical reader is the problem you will need to either replace the reader, or else use an external Firewire CD/DVD reader. If the problem is the disk you should try buffing the disk. If that doesn't help, and the reader reads other disks, you might need a new installer disk.
You did not say whether the computer, with system currently loaded, is able to boot from the internal HDD. If it can, then the problem lies elsewhere.
Sometimes resetting the PRAM helps (from a cold start hold down Command + Option + P + R while you hit the power button. Wait for three chimes, then release and allow to boot.
Good luck.
cornelius

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