 Status Update
Thanks Thanks Thanks,
Following your advice (and assurance that files would remain intact etc) i decided to try a re-install of Panther (from the recovery CDs, older but stable). After a few innocuous failures, (but reassuring in that my problem was obviously software based - 1st hurrah), i regained access after the 4th attempt.
I am now in the process of sifting through my Girlfriends files to find those that she needs and backing them up. Slowly smb'ing' them to my windows network (boo - hiss I know, but i explained the reasons in my welcome post).
There is obviously still some issues as some files are inaccessible and a number are seriously corrupted but i love the logical resilliance of this mac. I said at the start I was a doubting admirer and you guys HAVE restored my faith.
(My girlfried is of the computing mentality that if it's not broke dont fix it however (even with my grudging windows familiarity), with her disregard on a PC i really dont think i'd have any chance of salvaging anything.)
Once this back-up is complete I'll give the machine a clean install and go straight to 10.3.9.
Many thanks again for everybodys help.
Happy Mac-ing
Nick.  |