Security Update 2008-004 (PPC) caused kernel panic

Question

I installed the Security Update 2008-004 (PPC) and Safari Update 3.1.2 and now I can't access my main startup drive +(the problem started immediately after I restarted my G4 after installing the Security Update 2008-004 -- I got the gray screen with the Apple logo, but it froze there and never got to the login screen).+
My G4 PowerBook (laptop) is running the update just fine -- no kernel panics.
I have a 2nd internal HD on my G4 (desktop) that I use for just such emergencies. The only difference is the 2nd HD does NOT have the Security Update 2008-004 (PPC) and Safari 3.1.2 update. +(Last security update was Security Update 2008-003.)+
I did gain access to my main startup HD at one point and it worked fine until I shut it down +(I unplugged all peripherals (FireWire and USB) and, somehow, got it to startup correctly, then I plugged everything back in).+
*But, the next day, I was back to square 1 when I didn't unplug all my peripherals.*
If I have to unplug everything to startup every time, then I'm going to yank my hair out!
The Mac OS Update software is surely to blame for the kernel panic, 'cause I don't have to do it for the 2nd HD without the 2008-004 Security Update.
Plus, once my G4 is up and running on the 2nd HD, I have total access to my main startup HD. TechTool Pro (v.4.1.1) found no problems with any of the files on it, including the Volumes and Finder Info files, which all tested free of any errors.
According to the not-so-helpful advice from "experts," I'll need to reinstall the MAC OS 10.4.x.
HOWEVER, I want to know if I start from my original DVD 10.4.3 install disk, what happens when I start installing all the updates, including the Security Updates?
*Do I STOP at Security Update 2008-003 (PPC)?*
Because I DON'T want to reinstall the OS or my applications over again and AGAIN!
Apple, PLEASE, fix this Security Update!

Answer 1

Hi again!
I'd have been asleep maybe a few hours ago, if not for
the late fireworks (from 3 PM until about 12AM) - so,
I am awake and a bit peeved at the scofflaws blasting
many illegal fireworks near my second home in the city.
(Normally, I live in a mostly quiet and beautiful mountain
area that is very Alaska; the largest city is not so nice.)
Back to your inquiry; if you start up in SafeBoot (hold
shift key down until you get Login screen and it says
SafeBoot; then login) and repair disk permissions
before installing the Combo 10.4.11 update, as a
standalone download file with the package on the
desktop; it should work.
Whether or not it would actually resolve the issue is
yet another matter. There could be an underlying
problem which may be better resolved if you could
make a bootable complete computer drive clone
of the hard disk drive contents, and either see if
a third party utility can scan and fix the hard disk
drive (if it is the problem) or you could get a new
one; and then -either way- clone back the system
onto a new or repaired hard disk drive.
Bombich Software - Carbon Copy Cloner:
http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html
The issues in kernel panics and their resolutions
are generally and more specifically covered in a
few steps that involve troubleshooting; not any
one may be the 'answer' yet the issue may be
solved after trying several things. If the kernel
panic is the real problem and not a symptom.
Resolving Kernel Panics:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.html
Notes on 'Journal-related Kernel Panics' in Tiger:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/jnlrelatedpanictiger.html
(The odds of needing this are slim; and I am not
familiar with the process or need to do this.)
Something to read through & consider carefully:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=kernelpanic+after+security+update+Tiger+10.4&btnG=GoogleSearch
{There may be some other hardware or ?? cause
behind the kernel panics and so it would be a
good idea to have a clone of your drive's content
on a bootable external FireWire enclosed HDD.
-I like mine, it has its own power supply and is
not reliant on the USB or FireWire to get power
from the computer; which could be faulty...}
Good luck & happy computing!
edited to add CCC link.