can I ignore problem .kext files?

Right, this is going to be much harder than I imagined.

Notes:
1. I already make a weekly backup of my computer using the "Restore" button in Disk Utility (** why is it called 'Restore' when I am actually doing a backup ??? **), but I have never done a true "restore" the other way - from the so-called restore on the HD back to the Mac. I'm hoping that will work?

2. I have already updated the OS using the Apple Software Updates several times since this happened, and I am now using 10.4.9, so why didn't updating my system each time cure the problem? I am confused.

3. Two of the error messages relate to the Maxstor external HD (which seems to be running fine), so couldn't I just reinstall those from the Maxstor installation disk to get rid of the messages?

The original problem arose when I did a Disk Utility "Restore" (backup) to the HD, and didn't think it would hurt to play a game while this was going on: when the backup finished, the Finder was completely screwed, and when I tried to restart it wouldn't get past the grey screen. By using the install CD and repairing just about every permission on the disk, things came back to normal - apart from these 4 messages, of which 2 relate to the external HD (and I don't use the Maxstor software to backup anyway). This was several months ago, and the computer seems stable - its not slowing down or throwing up unexpected problems. So I am puzzled why - after several Software (System) Updates - I am still getting the messages.

[please note - despite my intelligent-sounding ability to describe things, I am not a techie, and your solution sounds truly scary to me, something that would take me hours and hours to do. Is there no way I can just reinstall these particular files on their own, as they don't seem to be affecting my current working at all?]

iMac G5 17" 1.5Gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Ok - I have read much of what is contained in those 3 links, and I now feel I am entering into a nightmare. The level of complexity and size of the task is seemingly mammoth, and far beyond my limited capabilities. So if you, or anyone else reading this thread, thinks that 4 error kext file messages - which have been happening for months now, which seem to relate to external devices, and which have caused no deterioration in my system - are not a problem to live with, then I will leave "well" alone.

Don't get me wrong - I am very grateful for your help, but this seems to be a situation where the solution is out of all proportion to the problem, so I will pass. The mere thought of reading through, understanding, and forming a coherent strategy out of all that information, makes my head spin.

iMac G5 17" 1.5Gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.9)

[it got posted twice by mistake - won't let me delete]