Mac isn't starting up normal?

Question

It was fine yesterday.After it starts up it goes to this black page with white writing that says: launchd: can't exec /bin/sh for single user: no such file or directory. How can I fix this? I just got a new hard drive last year It shouldn't be that. I have a Mac OSX iBook G4. Please can you help me with this? Anyone know what I can do without taking it in & paying $300?? Thanks.

I have tried putting in the software install and restore but nothing happens, it doesn't see it. Also tried holding the shift key no luck there. Would it start running if I had the Alsoft Disk Warrior software, this would fix the directory?

I put the disc in it doesn't see it what can I do so, any other suggestions please message me before I take it in, thanks.

Answer 1

you must have removed the unix shell program /bin/sh or destroyed it or the directory that contained it.

you need to re-install os x. or get the files back from backups.


update:
to re-install , you power down, insert the dvd (or cd), reboot while holding C.

if that doesn't work you are far worse off than anyone imagined.

the key is holding down the "C" key while rebooting to force the mac to use the CD (or dvd)

SECOND UPDATE!
disk warrrior won't recreate /bin/sh!

you need to re-install os x!

Answer 2

Follow strings70's advice first because the drive (doesn't have any relation to how new it is) could have corruption that would give such a message. If you don't have the OS X CD handy, you can boot to single user and run the UNIX disk repair utility (fsck). Follow the instructions in the link below. But use the CD if you have it because the Apple Disk Utility is actually better than the fsck application built into UNIX.

If that doesn't yeild any good results, boot to the latest version of OS X system install CD that you have. To do this, hold the C key during startup or hold the option key during startup and then click on the CD image, click on the go ahead arrow. Then DO NOT reinstall. You should do an archive install, saving the users. In some older versions of OS X, you could be allowed to install over an updated OS and that would be a very bad mistake. To be safe, ALWAYS do the archive install saving users. Then you won't get a mixed up system with files from different versions of the OS all mixed together like a mutt. Use the Software Update application soon after all is well to update all security features.

Answer 3

First: try Booting up(starting up) in "Safe" mode: hold down the shift key. if you still get this error, go to your Restore Disks that came with your iBook. If that works, run Disk Utility to repair the error.
If you don't have those, you can try to Borrow a set from someone, and start your system up from that(be prepared to back up important stuff to an external HD-Borrow that too if you have to). What you have is a damaged directory, and it can be fixed with software(Micromat's tech tool pro alsoft's disk warrior)
As a last resort, you still should NOT have to pay 300 Bux for service, even if you do not have apple care, you should be able to find someone on craigslist.