I have OS X but not classic. I want to put an OS 9 system folder on my
computer but all I have is:

*OS 9, but not a boot cd. just the installer
*an OS 8.1 power mac g3 CD that came with my old computer... I tried
to boot from it by holding down the C key but it would not work.
*OS X install CD
*A back up copy of my old 8.6 system folder, I tried copying this to
the HD and asking the computer to boot from that but I just get a
folder with a ? mark on it.

With these tools how do I get a system 9.1 folder so I can run my old programs.

Help!

Reinstall OS X.  Classic environment support is an integral part of
this, and I'm not sure how you ended up without it - maybe by deleting
something.

Once it is installed, Software Update should take the Classic OS to 9.2.2.

Or just wait a couple of days and buy Tiger!