I have mine vaulted on a 750GB external USB, but the only computer I own that would be able to use them is the G5.
Just be advised booting from the DVD will take a few long minutes. Graph the directory; I'll bet it is 20 - 30 % disorganized. Then Rebuild the directory; again this will take some time. When done reboot holding the option key down; switching to your disk drive.I'm guessing DiskWarrior will bring back your machine
unless you have a hardware disk problem.