Help- first problem with OSX

jimdadjimdad
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
I have an LCD G4 imac and a large (for me ) problem. While attempting to restart in OSX from OS9 something must have happened but my computer now won't start up. It seems to be throwing up the terminal mode ( is that right? ) with the command line "/etc/master.passwd: No such file or directory".

I haven't a clue about this level of the system software and can't even open my CD tray to do anything like reinstalling the OS or anything. Some help please. It seems to have lost the password but I'm wary of mucking about with command lines too much. I have a feeling that it isn't a huge problem and feel a little foolish that I can't think of any way out.



[ 08-06-2002: Message edited by: jimdad ]</p>

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    jambojambo Posts: 3,036member
    To get your CD drive open try rebooting with the (left) mouse button held down. If this fails do the following (but be careful )



    1. Restart the computer. If necessary, use the reset/interrupt button.

    2. Immediately after the system startup tone, press and hold the Command-Option-O-F key combination. The computer starts up to a text-only screen, indicating that you are in Open Firmware.

    3. At the prompt, type: eject cd

    4. Press Return.

    (Put your CD in and close the tray)

    5. Type: mac-boot

    6. Press Return



    If you still get the same message, reboot holding C.



    J :cool:
  • Reply 2 of 4
    jimdadjimdad Posts: 209member
    Thanks, jamie. worked a treat. Just spent the whole night reinstalling everything . Hadn't realised how long optimisation takes for everything. Interesting thought, my original problem stemmed from changing from 9 into 10 just as the mother and father of all lightning storms hit us - yes in Perth. My young daughter (on the machine at the time ) says the power dipped just as she clicked to restart and that might have caused it. Is there a chance of this or does she thoroughly deserve her ears boxed ?
  • Reply 3 of 4
    jambojambo Posts: 3,036member
    [quote]Originally posted by jimdad:

    <strong>My young daughter (on the machine at the time ) says the power dipped just as she clicked to restart and that might have caused it. Is there a chance of this or does she thoroughly deserve her ears boxed ? </strong><hr></blockquote>



    I'd go with the ear-boxing



    Lightning? In Perth? I refuse to believe it!



    J :cool:
  • Reply 4 of 4
    jimdadjimdad Posts: 209member
    [quote]Originally posted by Jamie:

    <strong>



    I'd go with the ear-boxing



    Lightning? In Perth? I refuse to believe it!



    J :cool: </strong><hr></blockquote>



    We live on the edge here, you know. Don't believe everything you read.



    <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
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