Powerbook G4 sounds like it may explode - failing hard disk?

Last night during a World of Warcraft adventure, my trusty Powerbook of about four years started making a noise something like a small, accelerating race car. As far as I can tell, the sound was coming from the upper left area of the laptop. In a panic, I immediately shut the machine off and didn't use it for the remainder of the evening. That was the first time that had ever happened, and I've been playing Warcraft on this computer for years. Nothing out of the ordinary.
I tried to play again earlier today, and was successful for about an hour before the noise started again.
I wasn't able to find much through Google other than suggestions to try AppleJack, which I did. It found nothing, or was supposedly able to repair any problems. I then used my OS X install disc to run a hardware test, which also came up completely negative
The funny thing is, during the hardware test [while it was testing the logic board], it made the noise for a few seconds, then moved on to other areas of the computer.
Any ideas? I'm dead broke and hoping I don't have to invest in anything too spendy...

Hi, padfoot. It sounds to me as though what you've been hearing is a cooling fan that rarely comes on in the course of your everyday computer use. When heavily loaded, the processor generates more heat than usual, and a temperature sensor activates the fan to dispose of the excess heat.
Your computer's hard drive is under the trackpad, and if the HD were going bad and making awful noises, it wouldn't be likely to stop making them and behave normally again, even briefly. Nor would the sound be likely to seem to come from the upper left part of the machine.

Similar Messages

  • I would like to format the external hard disk.  I would like to use it in Mac as well as in Windows.  What format should I do, connect to Macbook Pro? MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT ?

    I would like to format the external hard disk.  I need to use it in Mac as well as in Windows.  What format should I do, connect to Macbook Pro?  MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT ?

    success1975 wrote:
    Thanks
    1) In 'ExFAT' format, is there a limitation on the file size?
    Not one that will matter.
    2) Is 'MAC OS Extended' format, only for MAC computers?
    Yes, only for Mac
    3) What are those (a) journaled (b) Encrypted & (c) Case-sensitive? or when to use those?
    Again, only for Mac.

  • New 15" PowerBook - Fan sounds like it's breaking!

    Hi,
    I've had one of the new 15" PowerBooks for a couple of weeks, and in the last few days i've noticed that when the fan comes on, it sounds like its about to break - sort of like its grinding against another component when it turns. I know what the fan should sound like - sort of a "whooosssh" sound as it was when it arrived, and as was in my previous 12" PowerBooks - and it's not like this, its a much louder, harsher sound which really distracts me from my work. I'm concerned that the fan isn't blowing correctly, causing the inside to overheat.
    Does anybody else have this problem? If I took it to my local Apple Store Genius Bar, would they be able to take it from me for repair? I haven't been to an Apple Store, or used their Genius Bar before, so i've no idea how it works.
    Cheers,
    Nick

    Not had this problem.
    If you want to use the Genius Bar you have to make an appointment - best thing to do is to go onto the store website at exactly 10am and make an appointment - otherwise, if the store is busy you might not get anyone to speak to you. If they agree it's a problem then they'll send it out for repair. If you're within 14 days or so then they may swap the machine out instead. Advantage of the Apple store is that you can compare machines.
    Or
    you could call Applecare and they may agree to send you a label to ship it out to them.
    Best of luck.

  • Does this sound like I need a new hard drive for iPod?

    I have an 15GB 3rd generation iPod (4 buttons across top) and now i'm having some major issues. I have to restore constantly and even after a successful restore (which takes about 6-8 tries to keep the restore from freezing) it'll update songs on iTunes if I relaunch the Finder and only if I do that. The hard drive has a clicking noise whenever it's trying to connect to my computer. I'm assuming the clicking is a bad hard drive. Does that sound like it could be the case?

    Thanks. I've tried partitioning and erasing the hard drive a couple times. Once in a while it succeeds in erasing the data and then I can attempt a restore but usually the iPod causes Disk Utility to freeze and I have to force quit or manually disconnect my iPod. After I successfully erased the data my restore attempts are usually unsuccessful anyway. The clicking still occurs and I usually have to try restoring about 3-6 times with various iPod Updaters before I get one that will restore completely. Even after that I can't re-connect my iPod to the computer without having to relaunch the finder.
    I might have to look into an iPod Video or Nano

  • My HP Pavilion dv7 posted the following message:smart check failed - hard disk 1

    php pavilion dv7
    windows 7
    hard disk 1 failed smart check

    SMART is a feature in the hard drive, read by the BIOS of the computer, that is constantly measuring the drive's performance against a number of normal parameters, like the time it takes to move data from one place on the drive to another, and how many times data has to be moved around because there are bad places on the drive that will not hold data. If the drive's measurements go outside the normal range it is a sign the drive is failing and that gets reported to you, the end user, in a SMART error message. Kind of like a "check engine" light. It is a nice way of saying it is time to back up the data and buy a new hard drive.

  • Hard disk test failed-Hard disk 1 quick (303) for my HP mini 110-3700ca PC.

    Operation system Windows 7 32-bit.
    After a tragic accidental "bump" on the table (I didn't even think it's that serious..), the computer start to slow down significantly, and when I tried to restart it, it shows:
    Windows Error Recovery
    Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.
    It recommend me to Launch Startup Repair, but since HP mini doesn't have a CD-Rom... It shows error status: 0xc0000225.
    It's kind of obvious that the bumping might damaged the hard disk, so I tried to run hard disk check, and "hard disk 1 quick (303)" was all I got.
    I've put a lot of files on my netbook, and I'm quite desperate to see it working again. Please help!!
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    Hi,
    Well, that's very sad, could be due to physical damage too. Anyway, please do a HDD self test:
    1. Restart the computer.
    2. Keep tapping the F10 key when the HP logo appears. This will take you to Bios Setup Utility.
    3. Select the Diagnostic tab.
    4. Select the "hard drive self test" option and press enter to perform the test.
    Note: This test takes at least 40 minutes (with luck)
    Pass - The hard drive is not damaged, you can recover data.
    Fail - the hard drive is damaged and may need to be replaced, no choice.
    Regards.
    BH
    **Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
    Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

  • MOVED: Please Help - First PC Build, Liquid cooler sounds like it will explode

    This topic has been moved to MSI Intel boards.
    https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=251087.0

    Can you provide the photos of the "7 socket plug" and the molex like plug from the case?
    The empty 4 pin plug you mention I think is this?↓
    This could be connected to PSU with molex cable, just for more stability, plug or not plug depends on you.
    As for the cooler...make sure there's no cable hit or smth. Without picture or cooler name I just can't tell.

  • I am trying to launch my external hard drive through maxtor central access manager.  It will not launch and I keep receiving a KERN_PROTECTION_FAILURE error.  Through discussion threads, it sounds like it may be a disk utility, repair issue.  Please advis

    I navigated to disk utility and verified disk, which returned no errors.

    I'm not sure what you mean when you say that you're "trying to launch" an external hard drive, but you don't need Maxtors software to mount it on the desktop. Is this a new drive? Have you formatted it using Disk Utility?

  • PowerBook G4 17 won;t start after upgrading Hard disk Please help!

    Hi Folks! need your help in order to diagnose aPowerBook G4 1Ghz Serial V731556CMVZ. It worked perfectly untill start to have problems with hard drive. I bought a new Seagate Momentus 7200RPM and followed the instructions ifixit.com without any problem.
    After finishing, the PowerBook won't start. I can not hear any noise form HD, or SuperDrive, no startup chim sound.
    I disasembly and assembly again the PB and nothing. I try to reset PRAM SHIFT CTRL ALT POWER and nothing.
    It's frustrating. Please Help!

    I would make sure the keyboard ribbon is squarely seeded and in the right position. That clip is extremely tiny and fragile. Any damage to it whatsoever could cause major issues. Did it fracture at all during the installation process?

  • Getting start up failed "hard disk 1 quick" (303) and a hard disk 1 fault.. windows 7 won't start.

    Hi,
    Recovery disc are not shipped with the notebook, but however HP provides an option to create a recovery disc when the sytsem is working fine.
    Now that the HDD has failed you will have to purchase a set of recovery disc from HP assuming that the system is out of warranty. The below link has info to order the RCD.
    http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph07143
     

    Hi, Yes, the HDD has gone bad and you will have to replace the HDD.I would also suggest you to run the startup test by tapping F2 as soon as you power on the system.More details about the test http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01443317&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN Details on Troubleshooting http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01443371&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN You can buy one from a local store or also from  http://partsurfer.hp.com (by using the product # of your notebook)

  • Scratching sounds coming from hard disk.

    For the past few weeks there has been a scracthing sound which is generally getting worse that sounds like its coming from the hard disk. It is under warranty in south east asia but I am currently studying in the UK and its not possible to take it back to south east asia to get it repaired.
    However I've only had the laptop for about 5 months and it is essential that it gets repaired as soon as possible since it is so new. Would it be possible to get it fixed in the UK since the laptop has been well looked after and I am sure it is a failure of the component.
    Thanks for your help.
    Nat

    natashasulin wrote:
     Would it be possible to get it fixed in the UK since the laptop has been well looked after and I am sure it is a failure of the component.
    Thanks for your help.
    Nat
    This is the US web site. 

  • LDAP search cannot find entry by user "defined attribute"  or  "sounds like

    Hi, I have an JSP program that searches an LDAP Sun One Directory Server.
    All of my search filters ( by givenname,sn,mail and phone #) work fine with the search base set at the very top (root ) of my DIT tree.
    However with the same search base, searching by an "User Defined Attribute" fails to return anything (and note that my search filter includes the objectclass that goes with this user defined attribute)?
    Yet, if I change the search base so it points all the way down the DIT tree (maybe near RDN?), the "User Defined Attribute" search works fine ?
    Additionally, "sounds like" search filter (givenname~=) fails to find anything at
    the upper root search base of DIT. If I change the search base to point down in the DIT tree as I did above, the "sounds like" filter will work?
    I've tried everything I know?

    Hi Dora9,
    Thanks for your reply.
    I am glad that you have solved the problem and thanks for your share us the solution
    here, so it would be helpful for other members who get the same issue
    and we will close this case.
    In addition, I suggest you could try to get
    the issue confirmed and diagnose by product team. Would you please create connect report for it? You will get email notification for update from the product team experts:
    http://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/CreateFeedback.aspx,
    if you submit it, you could share us the link here, so we could know the latest information from the Product team expert. And I will help you to vote it.
    Thanks for your understanding.
    Best Regards,
    We are trying to better understand customer views on social support experience, so your participation in this interview project would be greatly appreciated if you have time. Thanks for helping make community forums a great place.
    Click
    HERE to participate the survey.

  • I do a radio show, when I pre-record i get a very low end hiss, almost sounds like gain is too high, but its not. If Im live to the station its fine. It only happens when I record. Is there a way to set audition NOT to record that low end sound?

    I use an Allen & Heath broadcast board. When I record to my computer for later broadcast there is a low end hiss/hum barely noticeable when im speaking BUT very prominent when there is a quiet moment.
    Sounds like gain may be tooo high, BUT its not.  When I do a LIVE broadcast using same equipment all is fine!
    Thoughts

    Well, several thoughts here...
    First, what are you using to get from the A&H mixer into your computer and is it in the chain when you broadcast live?  I ask because a lot of built in sound cards are pretty noisy and that could be the source of the problem, fixable with even a very cheap external USB interface
    Second, if the hiss actually starts at the mic/mixer, I know the A&H XB series has a high pass filter on every mic channel.  Have you engaged that?
    That said, it's pretty rare for hiss to be such a low frequency that the high pass filter will kill it.  You may get on better with the Noise Reduction feature in Audition, applied after the recording.
    Anyhow, to repeat how I started, what's your signal chain when recording and how does it differ from when you go live?

  • Relatively new to Logic Pro.  When I'm trying to punch/record into a track, I can't hear the previous existing track until I'm recording.  But, it plays back fine.  I'd just like to hear before the punch in.  Help? Sounds like a preference thing.

    Logic Pro 9

    It sounds like you may have toggled the input monitoring - there's a little button with an 'I' on it on the track header which toggles monitoring between what's been recorded and the actual input on your sound card. If it isn't there, right (or cntrl) click and choose 'Configure Track Header' - you can add it in the selections that appear there.

  • Hard drive sounds like it's about to take flight...won't boot at all.

    Got one for ya. I just updated my G4 to 10.4.7 and now when I boot:
    1) Button lights up
    2) Hard drive sounds like a teen driving a Ferrari to prom in first gear.
    - that's it. No screen, mouse, keyboard, start-up noise ( I so miss that wonderful "BONG!" noise, now. ) Nothing.
    I am old-school PC newB by MAC so be patient w/me.
    PS. how do you open the optical drive with no power to the keyboard?
    tia,
    [ARB1D3_[00L3R

    You wrote: "Hard drive sounds like a teen driving a Ferrari to prom in first gear."Sounds like it has taken a hard failure. I suggest you begin troubleshooting using Step 1 of the the Procedure specified in my "Resolving Disk, Permission, and Cache Corruption" FAQ.
    Good luck!
    Dr. Smoke
    Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
    Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
    I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

Maybe you are looking for