OS 10.3 - Dock Disappeared, Desktop Frozen

triplemoons · triplemoons #1 (**permalink**)

06-14-2008, 04:02 PM

Machine: FireWire G3
OS: Mac OSX 10.3.9
Processor: 500 MHz PowerPC G3
Memory: 384 MB SDRAM

A few weeks ago I ran an automatic update for iTunes & QuickTime on my laptop. After it rebooted, I lost my dock and the ability to do anything with the files on my desktop (I double click to open, and nothing happens).

I can still use most of my software, but I can't minimize anything because I have no dock. It's also not reading CDs, as I thought a repair might be able to be run from my OS disk and it wouldn't read it.

So the BIG issue is that all of my current design software (CS) is on this machine and I no longer have the disks and codes (long story). I have no idea how to fix any of this so that the laptop functions properly but I don't lose my software.

I found an archived thread from another forum that is my EXACT problem...

http://forums.macosxhints.com/archiv...p/t-67482.html

At the end of that thread, a user recommends installing a memory software checker and running it...Well, you can't install software with this problem, it just doesn't run. Does anyone have any idea what to do?

I have tried:

• fsck
• safe mode (looks/acts the same as my login)
• new user (can't access system preferences)
• combo update (can't install software)
• disk utility (can't access)
• OSX cd (doesn't read the disk)

Any help would be appreciated.

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

06-14-2008, 05:35 PM

If it was "thought" to be bad memory, rather than run a memory check why not just replace the module(s)? Memory is inexpensive and easy to replace.

But it doesn't seem like bad memory since you still have access to most of your software. I don't know much about the G3 but have you tried to repair permissions? Run the hardware tests?

Regards.

triplemoons · triplemoons #3 (**permalink**)

06-14-2008, 08:17 PM

In the first post of this thread is a list of what I have done to the Laptop in attempt to fix the problem.

I have been able to run Disk Utility on it via a FireWire connection to my Desktop..."Volume passed verification."

I'm not exactly sure what type of memory I would need and really can't afford much right now.

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OS 10.3 - Dock Disappeared, Desktop Frozen

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triplemoons #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 14, 2008 Posts: 3	06-14-2008, 04:02 PM Machine: FireWire G3 OS: Mac OSX 10.3.9 Processor: 500 MHz PowerPC G3 Memory: 384 MB SDRAM A few weeks ago I ran an automatic update for iTunes & QuickTime on my laptop. After it rebooted, I lost my dock and the ability to do anything with the files on my desktop (I double click to open, and nothing happens). I can still use most of my software, but I can't minimize anything because I have no dock. It's also not reading CDs, as I thought a repair might be able to be run from my OS disk and it wouldn't read it. So the BIG issue is that all of my current design software (CS) is on this machine and I no longer have the disks and codes (long story). I have no idea how to fix any of this so that the laptop functions properly but I don't lose my software. I found an archived thread from another forum that is my EXACT problem... http://forums.macosxhints.com/archiv...p/t-67482.html At the end of that thread, a user recommends installing a memory software checker and running it...Well, you can't install software with this problem, it just doesn't run. Does anyone have any idea what to do? I have tried: • fsck • safe mode (looks/acts the same as my login) • new user (can't access system preferences) • combo update (can't install software) • disk utility (can't access) • OSX cd (doesn't read the disk) Any help would be appreciated.
	QUOTE Thanks

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 32,044 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	06-14-2008, 05:35 PM If it was "thought" to be bad memory, rather than run a memory check why not just replace the module(s)? Memory is inexpensive and easy to replace. But it doesn't seem like bad memory since you still have access to most of your software. I don't know much about the G3 but have you tried to repair permissions? Run the hardware tests? Regards.
	QUOTE Thanks

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