Still no joy.
Found the startup sequence in the TIL. Vis
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Step 5: System File Is Found and Opens
When a valid System file is located, the System file, and any ROM updates are loaded into the system heap. Other managers are initialized. If this step is successfully completed, then the "happy Macintosh" icon is replaced by the "Welcome to Mac OS" window.
If the computer stops responding, or restarts unexpectedly during this step, suspect a missing or unusable System file. You may need to reinstall the system software.
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Ah, so. But that is what we are doing, no? Therefore we do it again. And check. Reinstalled OS 9.1 on the SSD. This time, from the install CD ran Disk First Aid on the install with the result "Test Failed. Problem: Keys out of order 4, 134" and then it froze. After several similar results, took the drive back to the Pismo. Installed the OS there and ran Disk First Aid for a "No problems found" report. Took that install back to the 3400 and ran Disk First Aid on it. Result: "Test Failed. Problem: Keys out of order (something, something)"
Analyzing an "unusable System file" to put the keys in order is way above my pay grade so I'm open to suggestions that don't include a hammer. Of course there's the other issue; how do the keys get out of order?
Found the startup sequence in the TIL. Vis
-----
Step 5: System File Is Found and Opens
When a valid System file is located, the System file, and any ROM updates are loaded into the system heap. Other managers are initialized. If this step is successfully completed, then the "happy Macintosh" icon is replaced by the "Welcome to Mac OS" window.
If the computer stops responding, or restarts unexpectedly during this step, suspect a missing or unusable System file. You may need to reinstall the system software.
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Ah, so. But that is what we are doing, no? Therefore we do it again. And check. Reinstalled OS 9.1 on the SSD. This time, from the install CD ran Disk First Aid on the install with the result "Test Failed. Problem: Keys out of order 4, 134" and then it froze. After several similar results, took the drive back to the Pismo. Installed the OS there and ran Disk First Aid for a "No problems found" report. Took that install back to the 3400 and ran Disk First Aid on it. Result: "Test Failed. Problem: Keys out of order (something, something)"
Analyzing an "unusable System file" to put the keys in order is way above my pay grade so I'm open to suggestions that don't include a hammer. Of course there's the other issue; how do the keys get out of order?