You would have to acquire (probably by purchase) a hard-to-get 'last version' Tiger 10.4 DVD later than the OS X
version which shipped with the iBook model you have. Or a Leopard 10.5 DVD, that could work, and from which
you could attempt to repair or reinstall an all-new OS X into the computer.
Locate product serial number, contact Apple about a replacement DVD install system disc, to match the old iBook
and hopefully they can find a reference to sell you that white-label or other authentic disc. The main number to
Apple (store) may not be of any help since these discs are not for sale at the Apple Store online or in retail.
AppleCare support:
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Randomly mucking about in a computer's hard disk drive where system files live, because you believe 60GB of
capacity may/may not be adequate, while not knowing about how the system works or how to fix it, is nonsense.
And windows OS discs will do nothing. Even the wrong Mac discs from a different model will not work.
Write your iBook serial number in this search to see what one it is:
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
You need to get the install-restore DVD for a supported OS X system version for that build model year iBook G4
and then hope it is correct, so you can start up the computer from the reduced OS X set on the DVD, try & repair
the damaged system or just erase and install a new one over all the damaged & other inaccessible files in HDD.
The Disk Utility version contained in an install DVD, either a retail disc version newer than the as-shipped system
install disc, or the correct factory version gray-label install DVD that was shipped with the iBook when new. As a
last resort, you may be able to ask Apple directly by 800# or support contact page in site, if you can buy a copy
or a replacement install disc for OS X Tiger 10.4, (and/or) a replacement OS X Leopard 10.5. These may be avail-
able from Apple support for a fee. They are not a store commodity, and an Apple systems specialist may have to
look into their database to see if they still have a listing for a copy or replacement of these full-install white label
discs. If you did not get the original gray label discs with the computer (they are essential part numbers to be
included when machine is sold, traded, or donated, etc) they should have been.
The install-restore disc sets are the tool required to access the computer when its internal drive has no boot OS
and should be kept with the specific machine they were intended, as they are series specific to that model/year.
Otherwise you are going to have a time of trying to finding the retail version.
You would need to use the computer serial number and attempt to contact Apple support. If you are in the US
or perhaps Canada, you may be able to have a Mac OS X system specialist locate a copy or replacement disc
set of either supported OS X system, depending on that you have. Exact. They use the serial number to match.
{By the time I've written all this, since the answer isn't simple (without the correct DVD and starting up with the
C key or Opt key held) anyone could have replied. At the start of my writing, nobody had replied; and it does
appear that some host may have relocated your topic thread to this discussions area.}
At this point, I'm not sure what else to say, since I don't work for Apple and am just another product user like you.
However I have some product experience with some older and a few later models. Hopefully some other advice
will be offered that may be plausible; the old iBook model is too old to take to an Apple Store for Genius bar help.
An authorized independent Apple trained service provider, who may also be independent reseller, could help in
some instances with older hardware. But getting the correct install-restore DVD for your computer is essential.
An authorized Apple service provider with older product knowledge may be able to check, test, and attempt to
install a suitable system IF they have the correct discs available. ~ Also, there may be hardware damage, too.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
