by ordwald » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:31 pm
Try to give a better description. For example, does it stop at the tiny Mac face (first link below)? Or is it the "Welcome" screen (2nd link below)? "Older Mac" is too vague.
Restart and hold the shift key until you see the large Welcome face. If that doesn't help, restart holding the option key for 30 seconds to get the Startup Manager screen. Put the OS X install CD in, wait for the CD icon to appear (if it doesn't, click the curved arrow and wait a bit more), click to select the CD (or use arrow keys), and press Return. When you get into the installer, go past the language choice, and open Disk Utility from the Installer menu. Repair the HDD.
If you don't want to buy a newer computer, try to get your hands on an OS 10.4 DVD -- oops, no DVD drive. OK, maybe you will be blessed with a miracle and find a four-CD set of OS 10.4. If you do, keep a lookout for those flying pigs.