mounting failure

[blkbrd]

i just bought a used 17" powerbook.
it is a blank slate running 10.4 (tiger)

problem is this: i can't install anything. i've tried to download and install a driver for my wacom tablet (just for example) and the mounting failed and gave me this error : -broken pipe. this happens with any and all installations including any updates i've tried to make.

broken pipe? this sounds serious.
how can i fix this?

any help would be greatly appreciated!
i'm at my wits end...this powerbook has been reduced to an internet book.

dave

 

[g/re/p]

First, i would try several troubleshooting steps:

1) open Console in Applications/Utilities and check
the system.log and console.log files for clues.

2) run System Update to make sure all necessary
updates have been installed.

3) boot to the 10.4 install disk and run Repair Disk
from the Utilities menu

4) boot back into OS X and run Repair Permissions with the
Disk Utility application in the Applications/Utilities folder.

If the problem persisted after these steps, i would
back up any 3rd party apps and files i did not want
to lose - then i would zero the drive to map out any
bad blocks and do a fresh install of OS X.

 

[g/re/p]

The broken pipe error might indicate that the stream of information being downloaded has been forcibly cut. This can occur for several reasons, most commonly because you are on a very crowded network or your access provider (ISP) is experiencing heavy traffic.