Will my dual 500 go faster? Harddrive & external hard drive issues

I need some advise, please!
I have a Dual 500 MHz PowerPC G4. Memory: 1.38 GB SDRAM. Harddrive 40GB
The memory slots are a follows:
256MB
128MB
512MB
512MB
1. I would like to speed things up as it is sooo slooow! If I replace the 2 smaller cards with 512MB each will that make a substantial difference or not? I work mainly in PhotoshopCS so I am working with big files, and I am begining to get the feeling someone's sneaked OS6 on here when I was asleep - yes its that bad!!!
2. On start up I get a folder with a question mark in it. Not an immediate problem as it always finds the drive. However I have noticed that when I go to the disk utility to repair permissions the name of the drive in the left hand pane doesn't match the name of the drive on my desktop. Is this the cause? If so can you tell me how to solve it. My desktop harddrive is called MAC, the one showing in disk utilities is called disk0s9 ...that's a 0 not an O in disk0s9
3. Finally I shutdown my computer without ejecting the external formac 500GB harddrive first. On reboot this morning it says it doesn't recognise the disk and gives me the options to format, ignore, eject. Obviously I haven't tried formatting. I have tied all reboot senarios including restarting, shut down, both with and without the external drive plugged in, switched on/off to no avail. HOWEVER the external drive DOES work on my powerbook. How do I make it work again on my desktop computer? It seems to me to be the computer at fault not the external drive.
Powerbook G4 Aluminium. G4 dual 500   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   epson 1290 Printer Canoscan N1220U Formac 500XTR external harddrive

Hilary-
Here's a doc to explain target mode:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583
Should you not be able to restore DVR or ext. drive access, Target mode is a great option to have.
It sounds like you better get a copy of DiskWarrior FedEx'ed ASAP.
Like I mentioned previously, I think you have directory problems (and possibly worse). That would explain the question mark folder at start up, and the different ID for your internal drive. The internal drive, if the origional, is old, tired and wants a break.
I'm glad to hear you have a possible backup solution with the ext drive.
Don't delay.
Along with back up, I have some things I think you should try.
Because you have possible directory problems, I think it would be good to try a "safe boot". This explains how:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107393
This explains what safe boot is:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107392
Basically, you force the system to look at itself (directory check), and it simplifies the start up items. Note that some things don't work in safe mode, but you can check other items such as drives and FW.
Also, with the various devices not mounting, you might try a PRAM and NVRAM reset
This link explains doing so via the keyboard at start up
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
If that doesn't help, reset the PMU. It's inside the computer, on the motherboard, back by the little battery (that should be replaced every year or so)
This link explains how to reset the PMU manually
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=95037
Doing the above may help to restore the DVD drive and the Firewire.
Also, when resetting the PMU, of course, shut down the computer, then, unplug ALL cords- power, USB, FW, etc. Also, don't pace around in stocking feet, or anything that causes static before reaching inside. Before unplugging the power cord from the back of the computer, touch the metal on the computer (this goes to ground) to safely discharge your built up static.
Most of all, don't panic. Be methodical, and you'll get through this.
Good Luck-
Chris
G4 AGP(450)Sawtooth   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   2ghzPPC,1.62gbSDRAM, ATI9800, DVR-110D,(IntHD)120&160,LaCie160,23"Cinema Display

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