my mac is getting the "panic: we are hanging here..." messsage and will not start up. Is there anyway to start it up using Mac OS 9. I can't get access to any of my operating systems. My mac begins to boot-up but then it stops after 5 seconds and gives me a bunch of DOS looking messages. I already tried to reinstall Mac OS X by putting the CD in there and holding down the "C" key. 10.0.3 installed successfully, but then when my mac restarted it showed those same error messages. Is there anyway to force start it in Mac OS 9?? It's a G3 500 iMac DV edition (Graphite color) with 384 RAM i came across another post with somebody saying they had the same problem. And someone told them that they need to Nuke the disk and reinstall from scratch. what does that mean? pleeeeaaase i need help!!!

Your not suppose to reinstall OS X over itself per apples instructions and I noticed you had 10.1.5 but tried reinstalling 10.0.3 to fix. This is not an option and the panic will continue until you initialize the drive. Follow these instructions. 1.To get to the the OS 9, Hold down OPTION on boot and when prompted choose OS 9. Back up all important data. If you do not have a backup device floppy,CD-R or external drive then Send the files to yourself via email. You should have a limit of 10 meg unless you use Yahoo 2 meg. Do not check your mail, just send it. Shut down and restart with the 10.0.3 When you get to the option about installing to which drive there is an option to initialize the drive. Yes you want to do this. Finish installing. Suggest you choose the option to partition your drive into 2 drive and put OS9 on one and OS X on the other so you don't lose all your info on the next reinstall. Yes, there will be another.

i tried holding down 'option' key too, and the symbol of the OS X hard drive is showing up, but not OS 9. When i put the OS X CD in the drive, it shows up along with the OS X hard drive, but there is no OS 9 drive appearing. I have OS 9 installed on the hard drive already, but it is not showing up when i hold down the 'option' key. And i dont have the OS 9 cd, it came preinstalled, i only have 2 OS X cds (OS 10.0.3 and 10.1). oh no! do i have to get a new mac?

If you got the upgade 10.1 from a store then on the right side flap you has OS 10.1 but hidden in the left flap you have5{ bought from someone who sold them seperatley. The only Reason 9 would not show up would be if the Option start did not recognize the 9.1 system either because it ir corrupt or missing. Find a 9.2.1 CD and use it. Install,update, play..

Yes I think you need a whole new computer... Just send your old one to: Shady Deals 1200 Lewser Ave. Yukstown PA 84752 (Just Kidding)

Call a CompUSA near you. See if they have anymore 10.1 upgrades left. If they do they are only 1 cent. OS 9.2.1 is included.