Any hope if "error (1) mounting the disk//dev/diskOs5"

[Armand]

I was running 10.3. The IBook G3 froze, I restarted and it went to "DOS" mode with this error message:

"login: Usage: faxnotify log-file image-file [image-file…]
Error: fax cannot save log files
/use/bin/fax: line 544: cu.modem.199: read-only file system
May 12 17:21:07 init: getty repeating too quickly on port /dev/fax, sleeping
cu.modem (numbers increase as message repeats)
system/Library/StartupItems/Cron
exection of startup script failed
same/loginWindow
failed
not attempted for failure of a required service:
postfix
startup complete"

The MAC people want me to use the Panther disks to restart the computer. Let's just say that's not possible.

I tried reinstalling OS9 and OSX with my available disks and I get this "mounting error" message (no disk comes up to choose during OSX reinstall because it doesn't mount)

"OS X installer
Disk Events
initiating self mount
checking: -p/dev/diskOs5
Mounting: -t hfs/dev/diskOs5/private/var/tmp/Mount01
There was an error (1) mounting the disk//dev/diskOs5"

Is there hope? My AppleCare coverage runs until June 18.
Thanks,
Armand

 

[varmit]

So when you are trying to reinstall, you get to the choose disk part, and there is not drive to choose? Did you use Disk Utility after booting up using the CD? If you spoke to Apple, what did they tell you to do? They usually keep going till they solve the problem or they have you send the computer in for servicing. Since its not fixed, why didn't they have you send it in?

 

[Armand]

Thanks - we're working on it.

Yes, disk first aid says the HD is ok, but every action in OS9 was preceded by a message that there is a problem with the HD.
I was mostly wondering if the message "unable to mount" was a clear clue about a mechanical HD problem.
I have the Panther disks available now and will try them, or bring it to the shop.
Thanks for your comments!
A.