G4 Won't Boot Up Properly

[cynluv]

My G4 (OS 9.2) is tricky to boot up (reason for buying the new iMac) but I'd like to keep it in service as an alternate editing station if I can.

The problem: Everytime I turn the G4 on, I will get a flashing folder icon with a question mark (?) on the folder icon. Now I found a work around that works about 8 times out of 10 boot ups, but something is obviously wrong.

The only way I can get my G4 to boot up is to continually hit the (Esc) key until I see it start to boot up properly. Once it's booted, it runs normally, but once I turn it off I have to do the same (ESC) key trick to get her up and running again. I have two internal HDs on this G4 the second drive is dedicated for video footage storage to use with Final Cut Pro. It would be really nice if I could solve this problem. Fortunately I've been able to start it up for the last year until I was able to afford the new iMac I just purchased. thanks.

Cynthia

 

[DICKSTER]

Try to start up w/ the three finger salute, comm. Key, opt key, P & R key held down at same time. Keep held down til you have heard 3 separate chimes from the g4. Then release those keys and let comp. Reboot completely. See if that might cure the prob.
Good luck
DICKSTER-----

 

[DeltaMac]

The next step is to finish booting, then (if OS 9) open your Control Panels, then Startup Disk, and make sure that your boot drive is selected.

 

[mpspro]

You should try to reinstall the OS; hopefully the original discs that came with your computer. Something has corrupted the start up system. Be sure to back up your data. Hope it helps.