eMac OS X Jaguar

Question

Level 1

9 points

eMac OS X Jaguar

Help. While trying to install an airport card on my emac Mac support and I discovered that the Apple online store had sold me an "extreme airpot card" which my old emac does not support. Since then I have not been able to open the dvd drive. My husband (who knows zero about Macs) thought to be helpful when I was taking a break from my fustration and decided to run disk utility repair and selected MAC OS9 to reinstall, now it acts like it is booting up to OS9 but freezes up. I can't open the disk drive to put any repair or install disks in. Can anyone help me to at least restore MAC OSX w/o having to use the disk drive. Perhaps using some language after restarting while holding the apple, option, "f" and "o" buttons down. Anything please. Thanks.

eMac G4, Mac OS X (10.2.x)

Posted on Jan 1, 2007 9:19 AM

Answer 1

cornelius

Level 6

17,856 points

Jan 1, 2007 11:36 AM in response to TheDream

The Dream:

Try starting up in Safe Mode. If you are able to boot using this method, log in and empty Trash. Then reboot.

Not incidentally, why can't you use your optical drive?

Post back and let me know if it works.

Good luck.

cornelius

Answer 2

TheDream Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 1, 2007 3:24 PM in response to cornelius

Cornelius

Sorry, don't know what SAFE MODE is. Also, my optical mouse works however, once rebooted it brings up happy mac w/OS9 and clock freezes up leaving no text at top of screen i.e. apple, finder, files, etc. and mouse does nothing. Thanks for responding and any help you may provide. I'm on our other computer (a pc) which is how this all started in the first place.

The Dream

Answer 3

TheDream Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 1, 2007 3:47 PM in response to TheDream

Cornelius

Also, don't know what the optical disk drive is no longer working, it happen when trying to install the airport card. It just quit working. Apple tech support indicated that I'll need to take it in for service. Of course we don't have an Apple Store in Little Rock, AR just CompUSA which services Macs. I'm somewhat opposed to that option for $$ reason, although I really don't know what the charge would be.

The Dream

Answer 4

cornelius

Level 6

17,856 points

Jan 1, 2007 5:05 PM in response to TheDream

TheDream:

Sorry, I was not aware you are not able to open the link which describes booting in Safe Mode. It is fairly simple, really. From a cold start hit the Power button.
Immediately after the chime hold down the Shift key until the gray apple appears.
Wait while the progress wheel turns.
When the login screen comes up, enter login information.
When logged in empty Trash and restart.

This procedure forces Disk Repair, which is pretty handy since your optical drive is questionable.

If you are able, click on the link in my previous post about booting is Safe Mode. It describes the process.

Good luck.

cornelius

Answer 5

TheDream Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 2, 2007 12:40 PM in response to cornelius

Cornelius

Ok, this seemed to help however, it did not force disk repair and I can't seem to locate it. It is however showing a desktop with 9.2 (NOTE: when this happened I was using 10.2.8 and had NEVER used 9.2 or Classic, it just came w/original order. I've always, always, always used OS X). I can't find a version of OS X anywhere. Can you guide me through recovering OS X w/o the use of the drive? I can't find anything in preferences, system folders, applications, etc. that indicates OS X ever existed. I'm becoming terribly frustrated and want to just pry that drive open with a screwdriver or something as I have all the installation disks. Thanks for your help.

TheDream

Answer 6

cornelius

Level 6

17,856 points

Jan 2, 2007 5:27 PM in response to TheDream

TheDream:

I can't find a version of OS X anywhere. Can you guide me through recovering OS X w/o the use of the drive?

Try hitting the Power key, then holding down the "X" key immediately after the chime. If OS X is present it should boot to OS X. If it does, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Startup Disk. Select the OS X icon and restart.

If that does not work try Option booting. Same procedure as above, except you hold down the "Option" key instead of "X". If it works the bootable volumes will show up on a gray background. Select the OS X icon and click the right pointing arrow.

Let me know if this works for you.

Good luck.

cornelius

Answer 7

TheDream Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 3, 2007 6:48 AM in response to cornelius

Cornelius

Thanks -- This worked (the "X" key alternative). However, now when I try to print it can't locate the print drivers for either printer hooked up to system. I know they are there, but can't locate them and of course can't reinstall the software as the disk drive doesn't eject. Your help is truly appreciated.

TheDream

Answer 8

cornelius

Level 6

17,856 points

Jan 3, 2007 5:04 PM in response to TheDream

The Dream:

While booted in OS X go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Startup Disk. Select the icon for the OS X Volume and then click Restart.

After the Restart go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
Launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in sidebar.
Select First Aid tab.
Click on Repair Disk Permissions.
With a little bit of luck this will take care of your printer woes. If not, you can go to the website of the printer manufacturer and download the latest version of the printer software.

For good measure, especially since you have difficulties with your optical drive and can't boot from the install disk, shut down the computer and try starting up in Safe Mode. Here's how:

1. Be sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).

During the startup in Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.

For more about Safe boot click here.

Please do not hesitate here if you have further questions, or comments.

If any of my posts were helpful or answered your questions, please take a moment and mark "helpful" posts(2) and/or the one that "solved" or led to the solution of your issue. This identifies helpful posts or solutions for anyone searching for help in a situation like yours. It also adds to the reputation of those of us who try to help.

Good luck.

cornelius