Can't boot up from a CD or DVD

[spoonrest]

I'm running 10.5 on a PPC G5. I can't boot up from a CD or DVD. Programs can't be closed 50% of the time and sometimes can't open. Disk Utility just keeps going without any result. I tried everything, including getting rid of finder preferences. Evidently the hard drive can't be mounted. Can't even erase the hard drive to reinstall. Any suggestions? Help!

 

[adcx64]

What specific computer are you using? A PowerMac or an iMac?

 

[Nameci]

Yes, exact specifications of the machine could make a long way in the discussion.

 

[Intell]

At first I'd say the hard drive is dying. But because it can't boot from an optical disc and you have a G5, I now think you have a hardware problem.

 

[spoonrest]

Model Name: iMac G5
Model Identifier: PowerMac8,2
Processor Name: PowerPC G5 (3.1)
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of CPUs: 1
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 5.2.5f1

 

[spoonrest]

Thank, everyone. Just ordered a new iMac. Couldn't take any chances.