Dead Powerbook G4 Titanium

Background: This computer sat unused for several years. Want to fire it up and use it for email.
Problem: Will not boot -- in fact, it does not appear to be getting power from the power cord.
Failed "solutions":
1. Tried a power cord from a white laptop of the same era to no avail.
2. Replaced the battery to no avail.
I would appreciate any suggestions on how to revive this dead computer.

There's a special section for the Ti PowerBooks here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=129
Might be helpful to repost there. I think you'll be among many more Ti owners than are in this forum (for Al 17" "books)

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Removing files from a dead powerbook drive

I need to remove files from a dead powerbook which has motherboard failure. Does not boot up so Target mode will not work. Is there another way to do this?
Do they make drive dock connectors for this?

You could remove the drive and use a drive adapter. Many places make drive adapters.
I like OWC. Here is an example.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/U2NV2SPATA/
Cheers.

Can't Install Mac OS 10.4 in Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium

Hello!
I have an Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium (400Mhz). My system crash when I tried to enter and hang up in the Apple logo. I used Diskwarrior and TechTool Pro to identify the problem, but there;s no error. I inserted the 10.4 installer and format the had disk. When I tried to install Mac OS 10.4, I receive the following error:
"Essentials Installation. An error ocurred, try again"
This appears a few seconds and the screen goes blue forever. I checked the surface hard disk with TechTool Pro again and the HD seems to be OK.
Anyone can help me to know why when I tried to install 10.4, the installation hang up in the Essentials part?.
Thanks in advance.

Hello and Thanks for answer:
Yes, I have the Retail Tiger Installer disk. The problem is WHEN the installation is taking part. When a installer disk don't work with the computer, the message "This software can't be installed in this computer" and the SHUTDOWN or RESTART button appears.
In this case, all work OK until the part INSTALLING ESSENCIALS when the screen goes blue. Now, I install Mac OS 10.3 and all the installation go OK. Upgrade via Software Update to 10.3.9 and update again via Installer CD 10.4 and all works OK. Now i'm upgrading to 10.4.11 using again Software Update. The problem is WHEN i try to install from the Apple Mac OS 10.4 Retail direct to the PowerBook G4. I tried zap the PRAM and the problem persist. NOTE: When I purchase the 10.4 DVD I make an security copy. I use the security copy and the error show up....then I use the original DVD suspicious an damage in the backup disk, but the original make the same error.
Message was edited by: Fausto Pena

Can't get PowerBook G4 Titanium 800 MHz to run Leopard 10.5?

I recently bought a PowerBook G4 Titanium 800 MHz A1001 model and I want to install Leopard (10.5) on it.
I have tried both of the "faking out the leopard installation" http://lowendmac.com/osx/leopard/openfirmware.html but it doesn't want to work for me.
What else can I try?
Thank you in advance!

Hello,
To help the op with this.. I tried to install Leopard on my G4 Pismo(Was G3 500) just for giggles.. and by using firewire target disk mode or FTDM.. it did install and boot up.. so yes, I can confirm that this does work.

Can an old Powerbook G4 titanium run OS 10.4

I have got two questions:
- Can I install Mac OS 10.4 on my old Powerbook G4 titanium and upgrade to OS 10.4.9 or OS 10.4.11 for free?
- If my old powerbook can run OS 10.4.9 or 10.4.11 will I still be able to boot in OS 9 since I have a few programs that I use regularily?
Best regards
Thomas

The upgrade to Tiger 10.4 is not free. You have to buy the Tiger installer. Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store but is still available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A and M9639Z/A . Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray).
Also check this web store http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521
Possible alternative - OS X Tiger 10.4 Upgrade DVD $74.95
http://www.yourmacstore.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=376&bc=no
 Cheers, Tom

G4 Powerbook (15 " Titanium) screen gone crazy, please help

I have a G4 Powerbook (15" titanium), and just recently the screen has been checkerboarding small rectangles on the bottom third when I boot up. It only does it sometimes and if I run any applications, the screen distortion gets worse and spreads all over the screen. There is a little box of rectangles attached to the pointer as well........
Does anyone have any tips or ideas as to what might be causing this?
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Apple store genius bar confirm Logic board needs replacing....none available for 4-6 weeks though, and 3 private repairers say parts unavailable
Check the 350+ strong discussion thread under the titanium G4 powerbook forum. This is a problem of epidemic proportions as Ti-books hit the 3 year old mark (unfortunately as most extended waranties like mine have expired!):
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=228423&tstart=0
Rumblings from the masses that apple should acknowledge this problem are growing (the thread detailing thee "fritzed screen" dates back to 2004) so I think we'll hear more about this as the logic board shortages get worse.

Upgrade Options for PowerBook G4 Titanium

I have a PowerBook G4 Titanium with Mac OS 10.1 installed.
I would like to install the most recent OS possible on it.
What are the options I have? Is it Tiger or Leopard? Do I have to buy a retail DVD or does Apple sell upgrade DVDs? How is it all done?
Any help will do. Thanks in advance.

You can install the latest version of Leopard provided your PB has an 867 MHz or faster processor and at least 512 MBs of installed RAM (more would be better.) You will have to purchase the retail package. There are no upgrade DVDs available.
If your machine does not meet the requirements for Leopard then you can install Tiger. However, Apple no longer sells Tiger so you will need to find the retail package elsewhere such as eBay. Be sure you only purchase the retail version (black labels.)

What ram for G4 Powerbook 15" Titanium 867mhz?

I am not very computer minded so if anyone can help it would be much appreciated! I have a powerbook G4 Titanium 15" 867mhz and wanted to increase the RAM, i currently have 256mb and realise i can put more in, i wandered if i can have 512mb and my current 256mb together or whether i have to buy two 512mb or whether its best to get a single 1gb? i have heard rumours that you have to have two of the same i.e. a 256mb and 256mb, or a 512mb and 512mb, please can some one give me some advice! Many thanks in advance!

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.
You can check you current RAM configuration by going to Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info.
Click to enlarge. This is from my iMac but shows that I have 1x 512MB and 1x 1GB modules installed.
Although on some computers you must match pairs of RAM modules it's not neccessary on the Powerbook G4. If you have 2x128MB then I would advise buying 2x512MB PC133 144pin SODIMMs:
RAM Prices
Instructions.
Merry Christmas
mrtotes

Powerbook G4 Titanium Question

Hello all!
I have a Powerbook G4 Titanium with a cracked screen, I'm looking to replace this screen with another one. What model screens are also compatible with the M5884 screen???

As an extension to the 400/500 LCD, the 550/667 Mhz "Onyx" LCD models are also compatible. They have the same resolution, use the same connectors and have the same backlight cable.
It's a gruesome task replacing the LCD, you have to pry the LCD casing apart-quite difficult and time-consuming. Just did it on my 1 Ghz TiBook to replace the hinges. Very technical- my suggestion would be to use the LCD and case off of a parts machine. These old TiBooks are altogether pretty reliable aside from the Graphics Card overheating (happened on two of mine) and the M5884 is no exception. You should get more useful service out of the machine-I'd say put money into a parts machine off eBay and just swap screens.

Powerbook G4 Titanium 15, 500mhz won't upgrade or start with DVD

Hello
I'll try to be brief!
I have been given a Powerbook G4 Titanium 15, 500mhz. 256 mb RAM with a 20gb hard drive. It starts up OK from the hard drive with OSX 10.1.5.
I'd like to upgrade the OSX.
It will not start from a OSX 10.4 startup disk.
If I connect to the internet and run and run Software Update it will not offer any software upgrade.
If I start it as a target firewire disk and copy a 10.4.11 update .dmg to it's desktop from my Macbook Pro, then restart the Powerbook, the file disappears when I click on it. It may reappear a little later but will disappear again when clicked on. A usb flash drive will not mount when inserted into the usb slot.
Can anyone tell me what's going on?
Many thanks
Howard

Hello
Thank you very much for your reply:
What do you mean by "OSX 10.4 startup disk"? Is it the grey original system disk from another computer model? They are machine specific so that could be reason no.1
Fair point – I thought about that which is why I then used a Tiger full install disk.
If however its a full 10.4 retail disk you need 3Gb free space on your hard drive.
The G4 has plenty of free disk space.
Beyond that Software Update will only update within the version of OSX installed on the computer - in your case up to the final release of 10.1 Puma - 10.1.5 which is what you already have installed.
Fair enough. That makes sense.
The 10.4.11 update dmg you are trying to use is only designed to update an already installed earlier version of 10.4. If you want to install Tiger you will need to track down a full install disk if that's not what you already have.
Yes, fair point. I may have been clutching at straws there after the full install disk failed to boot the laptop.
Don't know about the USB drive - what's on it? Ideally you would run a hardware test on the PB - if you have the original install disk for the PB you'll find it on there.
I know you can't boot from a USB by the way.
I ran diagnostics on the hard drive when I booted it as a firewire target disk. A few footling details were corrected but nothing surprising.
The big deal I think is getting data on to the hard disk and why does it vanish when you click on it?
I'm sure I have managed to boot from a grey installer disk even if it does not then allow you to actuallly exeute the install. But this won't boot from anything and won't 'see' files tht have been saved to it. Puzzling.
Thank you again
Hoawrd

Where can I buy Powerbook G4 Titanium?

I have been searching around Apple Website, but could not find any information regarding powerbook G4 Titanium. Maybe someone can suggest where I can buy the Powerbook Titanium?

The thing to keep in mind whenever buying from eBay, Craigslist, or any other private party classifieds is "buyer beware." I find that there are a lot of people who advertise on Craigslist who try to jack up the "value" of their Macs by offering pre-installed software or a lot of music in their iTunes library. Neither really adds much in the way of any real value and should not even be part of any negotiations as to final selling price. Another thing I find with the folks on Craigslist is that they either don't really know the actual specs of the computers they are selling or they offer misleading info in the hopes that a potential buyer won't know the specs. As with any purchase, first do your research (lowendmac.com and everymac.com offer lots of good info on specs, features, and approximate street value) then meet with the seller in person so you can check out the condition of the computer first hand. If he/she won't or can't meet you, find another seller. The more you know going into a deal, the better off you'll be. I suppose this is just common sense advice, but it's surprising how many people don't take the time to educate themselves.

PowerBook G$ (titanium) Software Install and Restore disk

My Powerbook G5 (titanium) Software Install and Restore disk will not function as described in the ReadMe document. I want to install OS X from this CD onto my new Iomega 160 Gig Hard Drive. I put the CD into my PowerBook and it comes up fine on the Desktop. However, when I click on the install OS X icon a pop-up appears and says I will have to re-start my computer and another pop-up appears and asks for my administrator password. When I type it in the computer attempts to re-start ( a blue shut-down screen appears) but it never does re-start or shut-down. The blue screen remains but nothing further happens.
Can anyone tell me what I may be doing wrong? Thanks in advance for your help. My email address is: [email protected]
15" titanium powerbook Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Cshepe,
try booting from your OS X CD directly: Leave the CD inside the PB and shut it down. Press the power button and hold down "c" for a while until you see a blue background and the OS X installation program.
Btw, there's no need to reveal your email address, since any (technical) discussion should always be public, so others can chime in or solve their own, similar issues.

Dead Powerbook Titanium (Gigabit ethernet)

Hi guys.
My Powerbook had a broken hinge and last night I decided to replace it. I did that with the ifixit instructions, and reassembeled it. Everything went fine.
But, now it will not power up. I push the power button and nothing at all happens. No HD sound, no fans, nothing! Could I have done something wrong when I tried to fix it?
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Cheers!

Hi, Øgga. The first thing to try is resetting the Power Manager.
Could I have done something wrong when I tried to fix it?
You may have. Given that the Powerbook has just been almost completely disassembled, a poorly-seated or completely overlooked connection is the most probable cause of total inactivity at startup. You'd better open it up again, follow the iFixit disassembly instructions very closely (but there's no need to remove the display itself this time), and be very sure to reconnect everything correctly and firmly during the reassembly process.
You did take precautions against static discharges during the repair process, didn't you?

DEAD POWERBOOK! Need to get to hard drive?

I have an old 500 Titanium that took a downhill ride that took al long time to die. Gets power, but dies, get a grey screen with Apple logo an goes nowhere, then shuts itself down. For a while, FSCK got it going then that stopped. Pretty sure it is the logic board but I give up. I have an old iMac 266mhz 96 (that's maxed) megs of ram that I use for internet but my folks have a 17 inch G5 that is eight months old so I am using that for all my graphics. What I need to do is access the hard drive on the powerbook to the imac and get everything off of it. When I get the bucks, I'm buying a new mac rather than throw any big money into a four year old laptop.

John,Assuming that you wish to transfer the data from the PB to the iMac G5 and then Firewire Target Mode will be your best bet. Switch off the PB, connect the PB to the iMac G5 using a 6pin to 6pin FW cable:
then hold 'T' whilst you switch it on. The PB's hard disk should appear as an external drive on the iMac G5 - you can then rescue your data.
Have you tried booting the PB from the install/restore CD / Reseting the PRAM / PMU ?
The extreme solution, if the PB is so dead it won't enter Target Mode is to ,crack the case then remove the Hard Disk and install it in a 2.5" Enclosure (that's an example not a product recommendation), which can then be used for transfer/back-up purposes.
regards
mrtotes
P.S. 96 Mbs isn't maxed out for an iMac 266MHz (384Mb is).

How to wipe the hard drive on a screen-dead Powerbook G3?

The display on my 1998 G3 Wallstreet Powerbook recently went black and the computer made a noise that I understand is called The Chimes of Death, although the hard drive still makes whirring noises. My local and trustworthy Apple repair service assures me the Powerbook wouldn't be worth repairing even if they could get the parts for such an old machine.
Is there a way to wipe the hard drive and make my data irretrievable before disposing of the computer?
If there's no way to wipe the hard drive, I'd like to find out: (1) How to remove the hard drive. (2) The best way to destroy the hard drive or at least make it forever unreadable (can my shredder eat it?). (3) The correct way to dispose of a Powerbook that has heard the Chimes of Death. (From what the repair service says, I assume nobody would want it as a donation.)

Turtlewiz,
I would not be so quick to pronounce it dead:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14438
I would try the suggestions in the above article. Will it boot to a CD?
As far as wiping the drive, it is easy as long as you can see a display so you can follow the steps necessary. You just open Drive Setup in the Utilities Folder on the CD > select 'zero all data' in the Initialization Options; do it a few times if concerned.
Removing the HD is relatively easy: Just lift off the keyboard and the heat sink, then remove the HD.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/3.0.0.html
Hit the HD a few times with a hammer and nobody will bother with it...it has a glass platter.
Nothing to offer on the recycling except Good Will may still take it as "non-working" since there are Mac users looking for such bargains.

Dead Powerbook G4 Titanium

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