Crashing, memory full?

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I just bought a G3 blue and White tower second hand and everytime I turn it on it's getting to the main screen with all the icons along the bottom (this is my first mac) then it is either crashing back to a blue screen then coming back to main screen or coming up with a message telling me I need to restart or it's going on to a black screen and asking for a login and password? It keeps varying between the 3, I want to wipe everything off and start fresh but have no idea how or how to stop it crashing? Please help!
 
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to do a clean install, you need either the original disks that came with the computer, or a retail version of whichever compatible OS.

Insert CD and restart/boot up holding down C (if I remember correctly) follow the instructions/choices until finished :)


BUT somebody may actually know how to solve your problem without needing a clean install?
 
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thank you, I guess I'm going to have to go hunting for a cd , is it like windows where you need a code and everything? Sorry if that a silly question but totally new to macs :)
 

chscag

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Mac OS X install CDs and DVDs do not have a serial number or activation product code. You will need to determine the original OS on the machine and purchase the correct disk to do a clean install. That machine is rather old so you may wind up having to purchase a retail disk from eBay.

Regards.
 
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hi, i've got a disk from a friend and i'm trying to press c while starting up but it just seems to be starting up normally, also tried holding option and this wont work, i dont suppose their are any other suggestions to make it detect the cd?
thanks
 

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hi, i've got a disk from a friend and i'm trying to press c while starting up but it just seems to be starting up normally, also tried holding option and this wont work, i dont suppose their are any other suggestions to make it detect the cd?
thanks

You can't just borrow a disc from a friend for both legal and technical reasons.

If it's a gray disc, it won't work. They are tailored to the machine they were sold with.
 

pigoo3

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hi, i've got a disk from a friend and i'm trying to press c while starting up but it just seems to be starting up normally, also tried holding option and this wont work, i dont suppose their are any other suggestions to make it detect the cd?
thanks

First: What version of the Mac operating system is currently on your computer?

Second: You said that you got a "disk from a friend". What version of the operating system is it?

Third: This disk from your friend may not work with your computer.

Forth: Using a "disk from a friend" is not legal!

- Nick
 
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I can't get into the computer to find out what os is on there but I think from looking online I think it would be 10.3 if it's the original os the disk i have says 10.9, where would I be able to get a disk for my os?

Oh and it's not going to home screen now it's taking me to a login screen with a username and asking for a password
 
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Haha sorry it says 10.5 on the cd, not what I said, friend was Reading it out to me and I must have misheard
 
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1. Don't use your friend's DVD.

2. Leopard will not install on any G3.
 

pigoo3

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That's odd since 10.6 was just released today!

Although if the "OP" did have an OS 10.9 install disk...it would be darn interesting to see what features we would be getting to look forward to!!!;D

- Nick
 
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haha yeh, mind even if i did have that disk we still wouldn't know because this mac's not having any of it :p
i've managed to get to a password login screen now and the shop have said i can take it back for a technician to look at it so fingers crossed they'll be able to sort it out for me
 
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i dont know if anyone is still lookign at this thread but i have bought the proper disks now, but i cant get the mac to boot from disk, i've tried holding down all the keys that are suggested but nothing seems to work :( any advice?
thanks
Kat
 
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Are you shure you have a retail disc. 10.2 is white with a jaguar X on it. There should be install disc one and two. You need the disc in the machine. The little white button on the front with the triangle on it is the restart. Restart the machine hold down the C key before the chime do not let it up until you see the boot window. You can just reinstall or use the drive utility on the disc to reformat the drive all will be removed and lay down a clean OS.
 
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I have had this problem in the past with similar computer, if I hold the Command (button with the apple on it) and the C key on start up sometimes this works. You could also try to put in a new/used hard drive and use your system discs to make it work (as long as the HD is blank). Then you can daisy chain the old HD to reformat so your system can use that HD or the new to you one which ever is larger.
 

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