Why won't my grandkids G3 iMac repair permissions?

[GeneL]

I'm visiting my son and his family in Thousand Oaks and I was checking the blue G3 iMac that I gave them while I'm here. When I started it up there were a bunch of updates to 10.3.9 that it's running, so I ran the installs.

Now I cn't get it to run DU's repair permissions. It goes jsut so far and then stalls.

I didn't realize that I hadn't maxed out the ram when I gave it to them (I thught I had), so I wonder if the meager ram is the problem.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Btw, I'm using two SMC ethernet adapters to network the iMac with my son's router. I've forgotten who posted the link for the deal, but thanks!

GeneL

Machine Model: iMac
CPU Type: PowerPC 750 (22.15)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 500 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
Memory: 640 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.1.9f1

[Black]

How big is the hard drive and how close to full is it?

[GGD]

Did it happen to put out this error message?

""Lost connection with disk management tool"

If so, it's due to a known problem with Panther Disk Utility and certain iTunes updates.

http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/...c1991.html
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA23856?viewlocale=en_US

[GeneL]

I'm back home now, so I can't check anything on the iMac, but I'm grateful for any suggestion that I haven't thought of and will try any appropriate ideas on my next visit. At least I'll be better prepared when I go up there again.

I forget what size the hard drive is, but that was one of the first things I checked and it was only about 1/4 full or less.

I didn't get an error message, just a progress bar that didn't go anywhere after the progress started and, after a while, it was obvious that it wasn't going anywhere.

I did download an iTunes update among the many updates that Software Update listed. I hadn't checked any updates for a long time, which is why there were so many, I guess.

That update may relate to the problem, as you said. What should I do on my next trip to fix this issue if it is why I'm having the permissions problem? I will check the links you provided, GGD and thanks.

GeneL

[Doc]

If the iTunes fix doesn't work, try a safe-boot (restart and hold down the shift key until you see the swirly appear under the Apple logo).

[GeneL]

OMG, I forgot to mention that when it starts up there's a small square with is tiny blue circular world icon in the middle if the screen and it keeps flashing for quite a while before it finally I finally get the Panther splash screen and it completes the startup. I tried a safe boot but maybe I didn't hold the shift key down long enough.

These problems are so retro that I can't even remember dealing with anything like this. 10.3.9, it just seems so long ago.

Anyway, I know that this imac was working OK because it's the one that Mavis was using before I got her a Mini. (Apple intel Mini, that is).

I can't believe that it only has 640 MB of Ram, since I surely would have maxed it out for Mavis??? I'm wondering if there's a problem with the Ram so that it isn't showing up and that's what could be causing this? How much Ram would this iMac take? Is there a way to check if the Ram is working? What's Ram for this model selling for? I checked the OWC website and they don't mention a G3 PowerPC 750.

I wonder if OWC would have a record of a Ram purchase for this iMac, since that's where I buy all of my memory?

Still looking for suggestions.

GeneL

[Doc]

GeneL wrote:
OMG, I forgot to mention that when it starts up there's a small square with is tiny blue circular world icon in the middle if the screen and it keeps flashing for quite a while before it finally I finally get the Panther splash screen and it completes the startup.

Select the appropriate startup volume in the Startup Disk pref's and that should take care of it.

If it doesn't keep the setting then it's time to replace the PRAM battery.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20T...AA36VPRAM/

[GeneL]

Doc wrote:
[quote=GeneL]
OMG, I forgot to mention that when it starts up there's a small square with is tiny blue circular world icon in the middle if the screen and it keeps flashing for quite a while before it finally I finally get the Panther splash screen and it completes the startup.

Select the appropriate startup volume in the Startup Disk pref's and that should take care of it.

If it doesn't keep the setting then it's time to replace the PRAM battery.
Doc, thanks for the startup volume suggestion. I hadn't thought of that. Also, the fact that the time is lost seems to point to the battery. The unit is old and I don't think that I ever replaced the battery.

I've been hampered in my efforts by only having the use of a “kid's” keyboard that doesn't have a command key. Next trip I bring a “real” keyboard.

GeneL