Classic is not running PLEASE HELP

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Tried to install an external hard drive. My 10-yr-old G4 iMac was/is a sad state. At the moment I cannot open anything in Classic OS9, particularly QuarkXpress. I have OSX, but my only Quark, and Adobe software are old versions. I took a job to typeset a technical book at home, a month and half work (the reason for the external hard drive, even tho I have 34 GB of space left on this computer). Have followed all instructions to get Classic started to no avail. The only answer is "Classic is not running." Can anyone help me?!!
Classic came on this computer along with OX10 when I purchased it 10 years ago.
 
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Silver M1 iMac 512/16/8/8 macOS 11.6
G'day and welcome to the forums.

Well with a G4 you cannot boot from an external drive connected via USB. Simply not fast enough. You will need to use a Firewire connection to the external case. Have you still got the OS 9 discs to do the install and if so when formatting the drive it is necessary to select the 'OS 9 drivers' windows.
 
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Well, I had external on my really old 1GB Mac. When this computer was new, I know there were external hard drives for it.

No matter, I appreciate your ansswer. The problem is, as I have found out fiddling with everything all day, that nothing is working right except my reliable local mail box. I have a "Geek" coming to my house tomorrow. Hopefully he will be able to put everything back in order. If I could have restored the Tiger CD, it probably would have fixed things, but said I had a "new version." That could only mean that my Tiger had some updates.
Thanks again!!!!!
 
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Tiger was released in two versions. PowerPC, which is what the G4/G5 computers are, and Intel for newer Intel machines.
 
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Did not know about the two versions. Am counting the hours until the tech comes. Since I have 136 pages of a technical book with 500+ pictures in Quark 4, it's a matter of critical importance that I get to those files to finish it. The installation of the new external hard drive caused all the problems I have now. When all is okay again (I have faith) I will post here what was done.
 
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It took 3 + days, but everything is running except my iPhoto. Called a Geek company and an 8:00 appt. with a Mac person (everything was explained about my Mac) turned into a 1p.m. visit by a PC person. He stayed on his bluetooth with a "Mac" person who was guiding him. After a few hours, I insisted he get the Mac person. He came the next day and I was guiding him mostly. The orig. Tiger CD was reinstalled with previous files saved. I actually had 4.11. That was the end of things. These guys were super nice, but never should have been sent in the first place. No. 1 guy waived his fee. No. 2 guy charged me $200. I finally found someone on the internet and talked to him about my problem. He came that night, was Apple certified. FAST FAST FAST Zip Zip Zip. Lots of advice and tips I did not know about. He was fantastic. ($150, which was $75 an hour - great bargain compared to what I had been subjected before. So I am happy and feel blessed - and it rained! Thanks for the interest.
 

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