Reformatted OS 9 iBook Won't Boot

June 12, 2009 10:02 AM

After reformatting an OS 9 ibook, it won't boot (I get flashing question mark). Yes, I chose "install OS 9 drivers" when reformatting! And I need to fix this in an hour....

I had a fully functional iBook running system 9.1.

Using Firewire Target Disk Mode, I transfered its files (dragging via finder) to my macbook (which runs Leopard), and used Disk Utility to erase the iBook and reformat it (mac os extended, including system 9 drivers). I also chose the "zero out" option for the erasure.

I then transfered the files back to the ibook. And upon restart, the ibook is showing a flashing question mark.

I redid the process (skipping the zero out)....with identical results.

I do not have OS 9 install disks. And this computer needs to be on an airplane to an orphanage in Columbia in two hours. Help....?

posted by jimmyjimjim to computers & internet (8 comments total)

Other data: disk utility finds no problems with the disk. Yes, I erased/reformatted the entire disk, not just a volume. No, there were no partitions on the drive.

And the system folder contains a finder, system, and "Mac OS ROM" file (I even reinstalled fresh ones from an archive).
posted by jimmyjimjim at 10:11 AM on June 12

You should be able to use the "bless" command in Terminal to do this.

Run /Applications/Utilities/Terminal, and in the window that appears, type this, all on one line:

sudo bless --folder9 "/Volumes/Mac OS 9/System Folder" --bootBlockFile "/usr/share/misc/bootblockdata"

Except change "Mac OS 9" to whatever the name of your external disk is.

Then press return. You will be asked for your password; type it in.

If this fails, let us know what the error message is.
posted by xil at 10:27 AM on June 12

Bingo. You just helped me a lot, but the volunteer driving an hour to pick up the computer a TON, and a bunch of indigent Columbian kids immeasurably. Thanks on behalf of all of us.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 10:36 AM on June 12

Not urgent, but it now blinks 30 secs before happily starting. If there's something I can do to make it not do that, that'd be great. If I don't get the answer in time, it's obviously not crucial.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 11:00 AM on June 12

Once you've booted into 9, try resetting the startup disk using the control panel, perhaps?
posted by xil at 11:04 AM on June 12

I agree with XIL.. just go in the start up disk control panel and click on the disk that you want to boot off of.
posted by boomcha76 at 11:07 AM on June 12

It's already en route, but if I can translate that direction into Spanish, I'll get word to the orphans! :)

Thanks, guys.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 6:23 PM on June 12

Curious what organization you donated to? We get a lot of old machines at the office that I'd love to see go to a good home instead of the landfill.
posted by BryanPayne at 12:02 PM on June 13