I have a G4 Mini and a MDD fw400 dual CPU.
Both run. Sometimes. For awhile. Frequently a short while.
Mouse locks up. Screen locks up. Sometimes both. Sometimes at boot. Sometimes in the middle of a project.
These freezes are not the OS. I've run an MDD daily for years without the issues you're having.
You need to describe what you're doing: What software is freezing, what kind of projects? Details count.
Neither will network to OS X, except for FTP.
That's correct. They won't directly network… at least not without a 3rd-party solution like Netatalk and another computer to act as a file server.
OSX can "see" OS9 easily. OS9 can't "see" OSX so well because OSX didn't yet exist when OS9 was written.
EXAMPLE: I record stuff in OS9. I sometimes kick it to OSX for want of some function or plugin that didn't exist in OS9.
I have a dual-boot MDD (OS9 & 10.5) I just reboot to OSX, fetch the file, work on it, kick it back to the OS9 drive and reboot OS9. No big deal.
Neither can reach the internet, although one has a direct ethernet connection to the router.
A direct Ethernet line IS the best way to get OS9 on the internet. The migraine-inducing experience once you're ON the net with it is something else entirely.
You
must have these extensions enabled:
Apple Enet
Apple Enet Support
Open Transport (should be v 2.8.1)
Open Transport ASLM Modules
Open Transport Serial Arbitrator (depending on what it is you're doing, using serial ports etc. - better on than off generally)
and this Control Panel:
TCP/IP (2.8.1)… that should be set:
* Connect via Ethernet
* Configure using DHCP
Options button: TCP/IP Active
Search Domains: Depends on your ISP…… Look at what is there in OSX and type it in.
That
should convince your ISP to issue an address to the computer and get it up.
WireLESS connection is a different bag of worms best addressed with an Ethernet-to-WiFi bridge because OS9 can't operate under modern WiFi encryption.
I've scoured this site and a few others, trying various suggestions and solutions.. I've reinstalled OS9 more times than I can count, both machines.
I've invested hours and dollars and I'm about ready to toss them both in the trash.
Is it possible to get a stable OS9 machine working?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again hoping for a different result.
I repeat: Details. What software etc. Your problems are virtually certain to NOT be the OS.
OH, Apple's hardware diagnostic app, which I have for the MDD, refuses to run from three different CDs I've burned.
Define "refuses to run" Can you burn anything else (even just itunes tracks or such) and run it/play them?
What exactly happens when you try to run Hardware Test? You know it has to be the
exact correct version for the machine under test…
Can someone talk me down?
Hope this helps. Please don't shoot anything or yourself. The Forum exists to prevent suicides after all.