Imac 333 Problem, repeated crashes Options

[MOLLOWITZ]

i currently own an imac 333 with a 6gb hard drive, 160MB RAM, running system 9.2. basically, the only program i can run is ProTools Free. the computer has some kind of hardware problem (i don't think it's software because it does the same thing with basic system software installed) that causes it to crash repeatedly for no reason. i use ProTools for recording my band with a direct interface from the amp to the computer and then burn the bounced audio to an external burner with toast.
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anyway, it's very annoying to have the computer crash most of the time when you try to open the 'sound' control panel or toast, and all the other applications besides ProTools.
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the computer was examined by apple service people and they thought that it was either the logic board or the cd drive causing the problems (the only reason i didn't replace these components is because they still weren't sure that was the problem). apple diagnostic tests were run and revealed that there were no 'bad blocks' in the disk. the computer has been continually maintained with Norton Utilities and DiskWarrior, and i routinely optimize and rebuild the disk at least once a month. when i run DiskWarrior (once a month) the graph shows that over 33% is out of order- this is odd considering that all i do on it is record with ProTools!
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if anyone else has had a problem similar to this please help!
i am considering purchasing a used ibook 500mhz/20gb/256mb RAM (to be used for audio) if this computer can't be fixed.

thanks in advance-

cody

[carnagex2000]

160 MB is not enough memory (and make sure you have Virtual Memory turned OFF otherwise your computer will crash) If anything, upgrade your memory to 512MB. Put 256 in the lower and 256 in the upper slot. Make sure they are low profile sticks for your iMac, you can order them from OWC for $68 each.
http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm...OWC100SO256168L

This should solve your problem with the crashes, also run your iMac Hardware Test CD that came with your iMac to make sure everything is ok with your logic, RAM, etc. (if you need one let me know, ill find you one)

REASONING IS THIS:

ProTools:
128 MB minimum, 192 MB highly recommended. More RAM increases overall system and Pro Tools performan
Note: Some users with newer Mac systems have been unable to launch Pro Tools LE with the minimum 128 MB RAM. Due to the increased RAM requirements of the Mac OS and newer Apple computer models, a minimum of 192 MB of RAM may be required in these systems.

MAC OS9:
On the Apple Web site, the Systems Requirements for OS 9 list 32MB of physical RAM and 40MB of virtual memory as the minimum memory requirements. Apple goes on to state that with minimum memory you will achieve only minimum performance that with additional physical RAM, you can improve performance.
However, If you have 40MB RAM or more, you won't need to turn on virtual memory for OS 9. In fact, many users experience difficulties when they try to install OS 9 with only 32MB of memory and 40MB of virtual. For instance, if you have a large RAM disk defined, you won't be able to install OS 9 until you delete the RAM disk or install additional memory.

YOU HAVE 160MB AND IF PRO TOOLS FREE REQUIRES A MINIUM OF 128MB WITH VIRTUAL MEMORY OFF. AND OS9 NEEDS 32MB WITH 40MB OF VIRTUAL MEMORY, THEN YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH MEMORY

160 MB TOTAL INSTALLED
-128 MB ProTools
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32 MB Left over

72 MB Need in Mac OS 9 (when Virtual memory is off)
32 MB Left over memory
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40 MB MORE NEEDED TO RUN PROTOOLS ON
MAC OS9 (with virtual memory off, as required by Protools)

HOPE THIS HELPS!!! (you could get away with only buying one 256MB stick of RAM, and you'll notice a huge difference)