OSX 10.3 startup problems

[Milktoast]

Ok so this has to be the most frustrating thing that I have ever dealt with. So heres my problem.

Whenever i start up my mac i get the no smoking sign minus the cigarette ( i cant remember what its called) So... i fixed it once, and it started to the OS multiple times, by reinstalling 10.3 but the my powerbook g3 sat for a bit and when i went to start it up again i got the damn sign again. I dont know whats wrong with it, and how sitting for a while, not being used would cause this problem. Before this incident, the laptop worked like a dream, with no problems, and one day this started happening. I am so confused, so i have turned to you mac experts.. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[disconap]

Did you install the new security update? It's been making systems a bit wonky; read through the thread about it and try that fix, and if that doesn't work, try another archived install--I was getting that until I did the archive install (the fix worked on my ibook, but not my main machine). The combined security update seemed to work well for me...

Otherwise, if you have a RAM upgrade, try removing it. Your RAM might be bad.

 

[mad jew]

Can't think why your system folder's gone missing... Maybe try a Safe Mode boot, run fsck and think carefully about an Archive & Install. As for the security update issue, I think that's more related to Tiger and Intel Macs.

 

[Milktoast]

I have tried every way of starting up my mac ( all the key functions) and it still doesnt respond.. i am extremely frustrated, and cannot figure out what would be causing this....

Any other ideas?

 

[xsedrinam]

I have tried every way of starting up my mac ( all the key functions) and it still doesnt respond.. i am extremely frustrated, and cannot figure out what would be causing this....

Any other ideas?

Have you tried MJ's recommendation for an archive install? You won't lose anything with this.

If not, that seems to be the best next thing to try. Unless you happen to have DiskWarrior. You may have whacked something in your start up files.

 

[mad jew]

So it won't even boot from the OSX disc?