White Imac G3 Frozen at Startup

What can I do to make it boot completely?

You need to get install disks. I suggest that you get the _Full Retail Version_ of Panther or Tiger. When you have it I would suggest completely reformatting and erasing (post back for step by step directions if desired), then installing the OS.

😉 cornelius

Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A (10.4.6), MA190Z/A (10.4.3) and M9639Z/A (10.4) . Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray) (See Can I use another Mac's system restore disc on my Mac? ). Expect to pay (possibly a lot) more than the Apple list price of $129.

Also check these web stores: http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521 http://www.allmac.com/shop/index.php?cPath=5_10003

Possible Alternative if you are currently using Panther 10.3 – Do a Google search for Tiger 10.4 Upgrade DVD . It will upgrade your 10.3 to 10.4, but it doesn’t contain the full retail Tiger installer. Should be cheaper than the retail Tiger install DVD.

After you install the base 10.4.x, update to the final Tiger version 10.4.11. Here's the link for the 10.4.11 combo update http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US

Look at this link Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Installing Software Support Page
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/install/

You can also download the Tiger Installation and Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/TigerInstall_SetupGuide.pdf

When you upgrade the OS, do it via Archive & Install. See About the Archive and Install feature http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
Be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings. Also, repair permissions before and after the install.

If you do a Google search for M9227LL/A (Panther 10.3 retail install CDs) or M9228LL/A (Family Pack), you may find a set. The CDs should be black with a white X.


After you install the base 10.3.x, update to the final Panther version 10.3.9. See Mac OS X 10.3.9 Update (Combo) http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2464

For OS 9 you need a retail CD (white with an orange 9).

 Cheers, Tom 😉

corrytonapple:

Call Apple Customer Service 1-800-767-2775 for original disks. You will need to have the Serial # of the computer when you call so that they can provide the correct disks. You can ask them at that time if they have Tiger disks. They don't always have them on hand, but they may, so ask. There is a service fee for this service. It varies so I can't tell you what it would be.

😉 cornelius

corrytonapple:

If I have your computer identified correctly it is the iMac (Summer 2001) 600MHz. It will support up to Tiger, and will support up to 1 GB of RAM 2 - PC-100 3.3V 168-pin SDRAM. According to the specs the optical drive is Slot-loading 24x CD-ROM or 8x4x32 CD-RW, so that if you got the Tiger DVD you will have to have either an external firewire DVD drive or install via Firewire Target Disk Mode with the assistance of a second firewire Mac.

Looking at the disks you linked they are very expensive. That is why I suggested contacting Apple Customer Service, as that would be least expensive, if Tiger were available. The first is a CD set, which were available for a limited time as part of the Media Exchange program when Tiger was first introduced. The second is a Full Retail Version DVD, which will have the limitation noted above. The third is computer specific, and will likely not work on your computer. The fourth is Jaguar, which you don't need to install from Full Retail Version of Tiger. You may want to consider Panther. You can take a look at Panther on eBay. You need the Full Retail Verison, so you will need to check with the seller before you purchase, to be sure that you are getting the Full Retail Version and not a computer specific installer.

😉 cornelius

Do most programs still support panther?

No, they don't. If you use an iPod or use iTunes a lot you will be better off with Tiger. I suggest Panther because it is more reasonably priced, especially in comparision with Tiger which sells at a premium. But if you are going to use beyone surfing, email some iTunes and photos, Tiger will be preferable.

😉 cornelius

corrytonapple:

Does tiger come preloaded with productivity software or ilife?

The Full Retail Version of Tiger will be proloaded with iTunes, iPhoto and some others. More iLife apps are included on original install disk that ships with a computer. However, to get the full iLife suite you will have to purchase a version of iLife supported by Tiger.

😉 cornelius

corrytonapple:

You can. You don't need to uninstall it, simply boot from OS 9 and leave Jaguar alone. It won't hurt anything.

😉 cornelius

You will need to get OS 9 install disk and install OS 9.

😉 cornelius