[mac freak]

I'll admit to primarily using this computer under OS 9.2.2, since it simply makes more sense for what I use it to do. However, I booted into 10.2.3 earlier today (haven't updated to 10.2.4) and ran Classic (out of necessity), being informed that I needed to "update some files"; so I clicked OK, and Classic booted up with an odd color error that I attribute to SwitchRes (colors were wrong/windows were offset, I'd never run Classic since I installed SwitchRes). So I switched my startup disk to my OS 9.2.2 partition (which was now labeled in Startup Disk as just "Mac OS" as opposed to "Mac OS 9.2.2") and rebooted.

When it started back up, I was presented with a typical grey flashing-disk-with-question-mark screen. So, I did everything I could think of to try and get it to boot -- into ANY OS:

- Reset the PRAM, several times, to no avail (held cmd-opt-p-r until I heard 3 startup chimes).
- Tried to switch back to the 10.2 partition by holding option at startup. In that screen, I was getting some mouse error, and I couldn't keep the button representing the OS X partition depressed (when I moused over, it would go down, when I clicked nothing happened... ). My mouse is connected via a KVM switch, so I tried restarting with the mouse plugged directly into the Mac. No dice. I guess I haven't tried using an actual Apple mouse yet (my mouse is an optical 2-button scroll wheel Logitech)... I guess I could try that, but would it matter? I've never had this problem before.
- Tried starting up from a CD. Several, actually. IIRC, OS X disks are useless as boot disks to actually manually change files on your HD or change your startup disk; they're just installers, no? Anyway, I've tried no OS X disks for that reason. I DID try three different OS 9 disks, though: My official Power Mac G4 software install disk; my OS 9.2.1 disk that came with 10.1; and my OS 9.1 disk that came with one of my older iMacs. Each one presented the same error right after I saw the "Mac OS 9" screen -- "unintended trap" or something like that. My only option is to restart.

So, as of now, the computer will not boot from my OS 9 partition, I cannot select my OS X partition, and I cannot boot from an OS 9 CD. I'm posting this from my PC on the other side of that KVM switch...
The ONLY THING I changed was "updating" Classic files as required by OS X. That's all.

Any suggestions? If I can accomplish any single item I mentioned above, that would be enough (i.e. boot my OS 9 partition, switch to my OS X partition, or boot from a disk that would LET me switch to the OS X partition or install a new copy of OS 9).

Thanks all!

EDIT: Just to clarify to today's more-recent Mac converts who haven't been posting here for 3 years, "DP450" means "dual-processor 450 MHz Power Mac G4."

[tr]

i suggest trying to boot from a jag CD. you don't want to try to boot up from any 10.1 CD's (which you haven't).

let me think about this...

tr

[mac freak]

Tried using the white Apple Pro Mouse that came with my new iMac that I had hidden deep in the bowels of my big desk drawer...

No luck during that option-boot screen; same problem!

I will now try a Jag CD...

[mac freak]

haha, I got it! And it was long and twisted and convoluted and small children were harmed and I spread communism but it WORKED!

If anyone's interested in an explanation, I'll post it... but I won't if no one really cares.

EDIT: And it had nothing to do with the Jag CD mentioned above.

[bradoesch]

Originally posted by mac freak:
haha, I got it! And it was long and twisted and convoluted and small children were harmed and I spread communism but it WORKED!

If anyone's interested in an explanation, I'll post it... but I won't if no one really cares.

EDIT: And it had nothing to do with the Jag CD mentioned above.

I'd like to know how you solved this problem.

[voodoo]

Originally posted by mac freak:
haha, I got it! And it was long and twisted and convoluted and small children were harmed and I spread communism but it WORKED!

If anyone's interested in an explanation, I'll post it... but I won't if no one really cares.

EDIT: And it had nothing to do with the Jag CD mentioned above.

Please tell, I am having a similar problem.

[mac freak]

Ok:

1. Unplugged everything from my computer.
2. Reconnected monitor directly rather than through the KVM switch.
3. Dug a PUCK MOUSE out of my desk drawer, connected directly to USB port 1. I had to put it on top of my monitor (damn short cable).
4. Reconnected my keyboard directly to USB port 2.
5. Inserted my offical Power Mac G4 "hardware test" disk (which failed to boot the system before, but I thought it would be good voodoo).
6. Turned on the power.
7. Reset the PRAM twice for good measure (note: it happened faster than it did when the keyboard was connected via the KVM switch).
8. Turned off the power.
9. Pressed down the mouse button.
10. Turned on the power.
11. Help "option" to get the boot screen.
12. Very immediately clicked my OS X partition, and the click ACTUALLY STUCK! OMG!
13. Hit "return" and KA-BOOM! I was in OS X.

Once in OS X...

1. Re-blessed my OS 9 system folder.
2. Deleted ALL Classic support files.
3. Put back a backup of the "system" file (I keep backups since I customize my boot screen).
4. Removed SwitchRes (since it seemed to be causing problems under Classic mode in OS X).
5. Restarted in OS 9... and it worked!!!

-------------------------------

Okay, there it is. You must realize, at this point, I was somewhat dillusional -- I had tried nearly 20 different boot CDs to no avail, and no matter what I did I couldn't get clicks to stick on that opt-boot drive select screen. I'm positive not ALL of what I did was necessary (hehe... ), but I thought I'd post EXACTLY what I did, since the machine did work in the end .

Good luck to anyone with the same or a similar problem!

[mac freak]

Does no one care? Y'all asked me to post what I did, yet... no caring?

Ah well. Haven't had a problem since this happened, BTW (not even a typical OS 9 freeze).

[reader50]

Thanks for the info, your answer has been added to everyone's bag of troubleshooting tricks.

[a2daj]

Originally posted by mac freak:
Does no one care? Y'all asked me to post what I did, yet... no caring?

Ah well. Haven't had a problem since this happened, BTW (not even a typical OS 9 freeze).

What, you want a cookie?

[mac freak]

*raises hand*
double-stuff Oreos...
...yum...