How many restore disks were included in box for iMac G4 (lampshade) model Mac?

To factory reset an iMac without a login or keyboard, you can try the following steps:

1. Boot the iMac in Target Disk Mode: Connect the iMac to another Mac using a Thunderbolt cable. Power on the iMac while holding down the T key. The iMac should appear as an external disk on the other Mac.
2. Reinstall macOS: Open the Disk Utility app on the other Mac and select the iMac disk. Choose "Erase" and follow the on-screen instructions to erase the iMac's drive. After erasing, quit Disk Utility and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS.
3. Restore from Time Machine Backup: If you have a Time Machine backup of the iMac, you can restore the backup to the iMac after reinstalling macOS.

If these steps don't work, you may need to seek assistance from an Apple Store or a professional repair service.

reset pram,

try holding down s key to boot in safe mode,


try holding down option key on startup and select drive,


install system disk and restart holding down c key.

I did a system update and its been on the apple sign forever about 5 hours on my g4

Instructions

Back up any important files already on your G4's hard drive. A factory restore completely wipes the system of all files you've created so, if possible, make sure you have another copy of all your files, images, music, etc.

Connect your G4 to its charger. Restoring the computer is a delicate process that erases and reinstalls the most basic and important files of your system. If the computer runs out of battery before the restoration is complete, files may be damaged or left uninstalled. The result of this varies from having to restart the process completely to permanent dysfunction of your computer. Play it safe. Make sure you have plenty of battery left and the computer is plugged into the wall.

Locate your Mac OS X Install CD/DVD. If you have lost the original disc or never received one (a common problem when purchasing used computers), there are a few options to consider. The first is to ask around; if you have friends or family with a Mac computer they may still have their CD. It would be usable on your computer. If this option fails, look online for a download of the installation CD. Some sites offer installation CDs for all kinds of computers, including the G4.

Insert the install disc into your computer's disk drive. Once visible, click the "Install Mac OS X" button. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your computer preferences and begin installation.

Select a destination disc for the installation. This is typically the "Macintosh HD" icon. Next, click "Options," and follow the rest of the on-screen prompts/instructions. After this, the software is installed. The computer should reset itself or can be manually reset by holding down the power button twice.

If it only boots to a blue screen, try booting up in Safe Boot mode:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1455

If this does not work, boot from your install DVD and use Disk Utility to repair the disk:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2956

If this does not resolve the issue you may need to use your isntall disc to perform an Archive and Install:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1710

This message indicates that the CD you are attempting to boot from is a release of the Mac OS which is incompatible with this model of Macintosh. I would recommend a retail disk of Tiger or Panther for this vintage Mac.

See: http://www.fif3.com/howto/archives/001983.html

for special keys during boot-up of an iMac.

when booting in os x after the first boot chime immediately hold down keys <apple,option,o,f> all at the same time and allow computer to boot to open firmware once there type "reset-nvram" exactly like that but without quotation marks and press enter once it returns to command prompt type "reset-all"and press enter (you must have the "-" in between the commands) the computer should restart if not when the command prompt returns type "reboot" and hit enter ..... also you can check the drive status by going to "system profiler" in apple drop down menu--->about this mac-->more info or applications folder-->utilities folder--->system profiler then selct disk burning under hardware in the list on the left

Get a copy of Tiger OS10.4 on DVD. The latest system, Leopard (OS10.5) is a bit too heavy for a cube. You can either purchase from Apple or "borrow" a copy from someone. Apple system software can be installed on more than one machine. Put in the DVD and restart holding down the otion key so the computer starts from DVD and follow the instructions for a "clean install" erasing the hard drive.

There have been some reported issues with PS7 on Mac Os 10.4.. first i would try repairing disk permissions.. if that doesn't work, you may need to do a fresh install, then download all the updates before you run the application for the first time.
Ciza