Q: restore 2002 emac

Are you holding down the "C" key at startup?

Try holding down the Option key and selecting your DVD.

Booting from an external disc has nothing to do with what is on the hard drive.

The initial OS you need runs from the external disc in the drive.

You haven't replied to me, have you tried holding down the 'C' key and holding it down until the disc boots up?

It may take a little time.

Snow Leopard is for Intel Mac only. This would not work in an eMac.

Is the eMac disc a gray colored disc or is the install disc an Apple retail version with a blue "X" on it?

Does it say what the version of OS X 10.2 it is? OS X 10.2.?

That model eMac either shipped with OS X 10.2.5 or OS X 10.3

If the install disc you are using is too early a version, it won't boot from it.

Your must use the original gray system install/restore disks that came with the eMac, or a full retail install disk for no higher than Tiger 10.4 (assuming it's a real 2002 model with a 700 or 800 mHz processor).

The gray disks from another Mac model seldom work. The grey disk from an Intel Mac won't work at all on an eMac. Snow Leopard install disks require an Intel Propessor and therefore have no code for a PowerPC Mac.

It's a long shot but, if in N. America, you can call the main Apple store (1-800-MY-APPLE), ask for a system specialists and ask him for a replacement disk set. If they have them, there will be a nomimal charge but far less that retail install disks, which can cost more than a used eMac is worth.

You will need the computer serial number at hand when you call. Here's how to find it:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2395

The OP posted that the eMac in question is a 1.0 Ghz CPU eMac.

Indeed, I see now, Was focused on the "2002" moniker, plus got interrupted while posting. Must start locking th door and turning off the phone!