[dson]

A few weeks ago, there was a problem with Suitcase, and we reinstalled. Worked fine until now. Tried to add new fonts and computer froze. Tried to restart and can't get past the load up screen...which freezes at the happy face with a question mark. We don't have a system disc, the computer was inherited from a friend some time ago. Any ideas?

[macguru]

hold shift key down during startup load without extensions on if it boots go to system folder pull all suitcase extensions out of extensions folder same with control panels folder then suitcase application is deleted delete everything suitcase then see if Mac will start up normally without suitcase extensions

[frodot]

I have the same problem.. my old imac wont start up... it gets stuck at the flashing happy mac and question mark...... I tried to start up with extensions off, but it doesn't seem to be responding. I tired to "zap the pram" and I hear the mac trying to reset, but I never hear the tones. It's like the battery is dying and it just doesn't have enough strengh to turn all of the way on. I do have an imac system disc, but I can't even get the computer to turn on all of the way so that I can insert it. HELP????????

[macguru]

....is that your Mac(s) cannot locate valid system software disks. So you will have to insert a cd rom startup disk even if the machine is flashing it's question mark, then hit the restart key then restart your machine holding down the C key, then reinstall the system software...or do the same procedure with Norton SystemWorks CD then run Norton Systemworks see if you can repair your OS. This must be done and properly or your Mac will never boot up again. Ever. This is final definite and terminal. If you are not confident to perform this find a GOOD experienced Mac tech locally and have him or her do it. Otherwise you have dead machine(s).

[frodot]

I guess my machine must be dead then.

Thanks anyway.

[macguru]

Hold down c key then reboot, back up system folder then reinstall operating system. Yes as is your Mac will never boot up you can google "Mac OS 9 question mark" and you will see that there is no way you can get a mac to boot up with the question mark flashing. You need to get a Mac tech to make you a house call.

[macguru]

....just reiterating my former instructions so they are realized. I am sorry your Mac is not booting. But it is far from an irretrievable situation.

[emoxley]

You said it acts like the battery is dying?
Take the flat battery off the motherboard, and replace it. You used to could order them from Radio Shack. Could very well give you the power to boot from system disk. Once booted, run "Disk First Aid", and get rid of Suitcase. My wife's business tried Suitcase. They got rid of it. Said it caused too many problems. Got Adobe's ATM Deluxe, and never looked back.
Good luck!