HT203176 17" 1.5 GHZ PowerBook G4 Won't Boot

I have a 17" 1.5GHZ PowerBook G4 with I think OS X 10.3. It won't boot past the apple logo gray screen. I have tried to safe boot, boot in single user mode and a myriad other fixes and can't get the machine to boot no matter what. The only thing that works so far on this machine is the Open Firmware command line utility, and as far as I can find, there's no disk check that can be done from it. No install disks were shipped with this machine. I only have access to a Windows PC to download a boot utility and create a boot disk from so that I can run a disk utility of some kind. Is it possible to create a cd or thumb drive from a PC that a Mac will boot from? Or do you have any other suggestions for someone that doesn't have some other media to boot from?

Well, you could buy a copy of OS X 10.5. The DVD needs to look like this:
Some users have also reported success calling Apple and requesting install disks.

Similar Messages

New HDD installed in PowerBook G3, won't boot from installation disk.

I just installed a new hard drive in my G3 Wallstreet and I can't get it to boot from the original Apple CD.
I've tried holding the C key as well as +⌥+⇧+⌫, but to no avail.
The CD tests fine in my old iMac G4, so maybe the culprit is the optical drive, but then again, I'm not so sure.
Is there a way to either boot my PowerBook or install OSX from my iMac G4?
Message was edited by: rick268 Also, I can boot into Open Firmware just fine.

Thanks for your help.
WeLoveMacs wanted $50, but I just scored an entire topcase on eBay for $15, shipped. We'll see what happens.
Allan Jones wrote:
I maintatined three Wallstreets for a friend for years. They stayed in regular service from new until he replaced them with MacBook Pros last summer!
In the years of keeping the old soldiers almost relavent, I ran into a "won't boot from a system disk" issue on two of them. In both cases, replacing a dead PRAM battery fixed the issue. Don't ask me why but that was the only thing that fixed them.
When I was supporting those, you could still get new Wallstreet batteries from Other World Computing. Today they no longer show them. I'm not sure where to steer your for a new one. USed batteries are like used chewing gum, IMHO.
You can try disconecting the wire from the PRAM battery to the logic board. That might help. Requires some take-down:
http://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook_G3_Wallstreet

My powerbook G3 won't boot

I was just given a Powerbook G3 because it won't boot. When I start the computer I get a folder icon with a question mark in it. What does that mean and what do I do about it? Please help me. This is driving me nuts.

Welcome To  Discussions ReRick!
The original version of OS, that was pre-installed on the PowerBook G3 Pismo Firewire / 500, was Mac OS 9.0.2, and can be upgraded to Tiger 10.4.x.
If you do not have the system discs, I suggest that you call Apple Customer Service at 1-800-767-2775, furnish the Serial Number and specifications of the PowerBook, and request to purchase a set of replacement system discs.
However, the discs will be for the original Mac OS 9, so you also need to purchase, a Full Retail Version, of whichever version of OS X, that you wish to upgrade to.
If the Pismo, has never been upgraded from the original OS, there will also be some preparatory work, such as a possible Firmware Update.
If one is required, you must start the computer from a Mac OS 8 or Mac OS 9 System Folder on the computer's hard disk, not from a CD, in order to install it.
That is why I suggest that you order the original system install discs.
Without an installed system, there is no means of determining, if the Firmware has been updated.
ali b

Powerbook G4 won't boot after 10.4.10 update

Hi,
Looking for help with the following problem. Last week, I updated my Powerbook G4 to 10.4.10 and since then the system fails to boot. The failure may or may not be linked to the update, but the timing is suspicious.
When I attempt to book the system, it hangs with the spinning daisy wheel at the gray screen with the apple logo. It won't boot from the Tiger install DVD; doesn't seem to get as far as looking for the DVD.
If I boot into single user mode and run fsck -fy, the command reports a number of block count errors when checking the catalog file and then fails while a "disk0s3: I/O error. Invalid key length (4, 20821).
I don't want to lose the data in disk if at all possible and I'd like to know;
(a) can this be repaired using a more powerful disk utility such as DiskWarrior?
(b) is this worth taking to the Genuis Bar for further work?
Thanks.

*Invalid key length* indicates a disk directory problem that should be fixable with DiskWarrior. To boot with the install DVD, pop it in, restart, holding down the C key. If that doesn't boot the machine, leave it in, restart, holding down the OPTION key, and see if it shows up when the Startup Manager finishes loading. If so, click on the DVD icon and click the right-hand arrow. The left=hand arrow will search for bootable disks, which it already did.

Powerbook g4 won't boot - long beep

Hi,
My powerbook g4 (fw800 1.25Ghz 15") won't boot any more. Symptoms: after hitting the power button, it takes a while before it emits a long beep and flashes the sleep led a large number of times (I cannot count exactly how many times). This is different from the POST beeps mentioned on apple's web site: these beeps are shorter. This long beep also has nothing to do with the firmware upgrade procedures on other powerbook models.
When I remove RAM memory, it first beeps and flashes as already mentioned, and then, after a while, gives one short beep and two flashes (this indeed corresponds to the POST messages published by apple). Reseating RAM does not solve the long beep/boot problem.
I also tried the following: resetting pmu, resetting pram, without luck.
Then I opened it, and verified that all cables were seated correctly, unplugged the backup battery (which still has the correct voltage), reassembled everything, also without luck. With/without hard disk or optical drive: makes no difference. Also using it with either or both battery or AC power makes no difference.
Does anyone know what the long beep means? Is the logic board fried? Is there anything that I can try myself (I am somewhat experienced in fixing defective hardware in desktops and laptops). I probably have nothing to loose. I don't want to send it in for repair or spend money on a replacement board.
Thanks in advance
Patrick
powerbook g4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Hi pwambacq,
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
You're much more likely to get the help you need in the Aluminum PB folder, which is what you own (this is the Titanium folder).
FWIW, you've tried most of what I can think of. Not sure if you've done this or not, but give it a try if you haven't: in case one of the RAM modules is bad, try just one module at a time, and try it in both slots.
Will it boot to the install disc?
If it's not RAM, HD, or connections, seems likely it's the LB.
Good luck.

Very BIG problem with my powerbook G4, won't boot!

Hi nice people here,
This is the most serious problem I have for my powerbook G4 1.67GHz...
When I turn it on, it has the start up sound as usual.
However, the apple logo is not on the display, in fact, i doubt the display is not even turned on because it's all black and no light.
Also, the keyboard is not working either, the numlock and capslock are both not lit up when I push them.
Also I notice that the USB is not powered either, because I have a USB cooling pad and it was usually turned on as the computer is turn on. Now it's not turning on so I think the USB plug is not powered either.
I have tried reseting the Power Management, doesn't help.
I have a weird idea, maybe the computer was turned on as usual, but because the screen is not on, the keyboard is not on, and the usb is not on, so it feels like it won't boot?
The powerbook was fine before this happened....
Anyone has any clue about this? I will be very grateful if you can help...
Thanks a lot!!

I think it's time for an appointment at a Genius Bar. The only other thing I might try is to put in your original OS install DVD and see if it will boot off there, but it does sound like there might be a hardware issue.

PowerBook G4 won't boot past blue screen

I've read a couple of posts with similar problems. The jist is, I did a security update/restart earlier and now my laptop won't boot past the blue screen after the white screen with the gray apple. I think I'm on Mac OS 10.4.11 but I had it on auto-update so that could be incorrect.
I've booted from the install disk and run a diagnostic from the First Aid bit in the Disk Utility. It says that there are no errors found and the S.M.A.R.T. status says "verified" as well. It won't let me boot into Safe Mode (although, I could be doing that wrong as I'm not exactly clear on how to do it - pressing S doesn't seem to do anything, but if I press Command + S it takes me to a text listy thing and I've run the "fsck -f" system check (which seems like the same as the disk utility check?) from there and also gotten the "volume is ok" message. There was also a suggestion to run some kind of diagnostic after booting with the D key from the install disk, but I was never able to get the disk to boot from the D key, only the C key.
I'm sure that this is kind of the "same song, different verse," kind of post, but I've not read about volumes registering as okay. I'm a little wary of a archive-and-reinstall as I've not ever done that before (so, if that's the suggestion you have, I would really appreciate loads of specifics on how that works so I don't mess up!)
I've read in several instances suspicion of a hard drive problem but I've not had any slow downs or any crashing. I did travel to the UK for about 10 days, but I didn't even change the time zone on my laptop while there, so I don't think that's it (but I suppose it could be.)
Lastly, I did recently replace my keyboard. A few keys had become non-responsive so I replaced it and have had the new keyboard for a bit over a month.
Suggestions? Ideas? Sorry if it's a repeat post -- just felt like the circumstance was a teensy bit different. And also, thanks very much for any info you can give.

Linsey:
If you can boot your computer into Firewire Target Disk Mode and you have access to a second Mac that supports firewire, you may be able to back up items that have not been backed up previously.
If you are able to back everything up successfully, and you have tested your backup to be sure it is sound, then we can proceed with re-installation of the OS. The best option is to completely reformat and erase the HDD and then install the OS from disk. (I will post complete step by step directions). This will enable you to start with a clean slate/HDD. Your other option would be to use the Archive and Install option. Think it over and let me know how you want to proceed.
cornelius

PowerBook G4 won't boot from install disc, kernel error

Hello all,
I have a PowerBook G4 that I am trying to wipe/restore before I try to sell it. Here are the basic specs:
1.67 GHz PowerPC
512 MB DDR2 SDRAM
OS X v10.4.11
I have the original Mac OS X install discs, v10.4.4--AND I have a set of install discs from a different computer, Mac OS X v10.4.10.
I can press the power button and boot normally without any problem. If I put in disc 1 of the install disc set and hold down the C key when powering up, I get a kernal panic message. If I eject the disc and try rebooting, it boots normally again. I've tried booting from disc 1 of both sets of install discs (v10.4.4 and v10.4.10) and get the same kernal panic message when I hold down the C key.
Other than the battery not holding a charge very well, the computer works fine (that is, the CD drive is in good working condition). Does anyone have any ideas as to why I can't boot from the install disc?
Thank you in advance for any help!

Hello,
First of all, are these restore disk you have specifically for your model of PowerBook? This are not any other Mac other than a PowerBook?
If they are for your PowerBook G4, then try first putting the disk in the drive and holding down the option key.
This will bring up a menu. This menu will show you the hard drive and CD drive. You should see an icon with a CD with 'Mac OS X Install' Select it. See if that boot from the disk.
If that fails then try resetting the PMU. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431
Which I believe should be taking the battery and power off the machine and holding down the power button for five seconds. Placing the battery back in and power adapter, then rebooting.
Best of luck

My PowerBook G4 won't boot up.

I have a PowerBook G4, 17 inch, 80gb, 512 mb RAM (it's old :P). I dropped it about a foot, it landed flat on its bottom, and now it won't start up. It gets to the gray screen with the apple and the little spinning indication underneath, and stays there. I've tried starting it up in safe mode and with the original Leopard disc, but the only difference is that I don't get the spinning indication, just the apple. I also tried resetting the PMU, which also didn't work (obviously, because I'm still posting this question). The battery is fully charged, and I have no idea what to try next, because nothing seems to get me past the gray screen.
Thanks for your help.

pbk-g4-17:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Error: Filesystem verify or repair failed.
It means that your directory is scrambled, and, very likely, that your internal HDD is no longer serviceable. If you can lay your hands on an install disk you can see if the HDD shows up in Disk Utility. Or you can pull it, place it in an external firewire HDD and connect it to your PB and see if it shows up. For my money I would have it replaced. Your profile does not give us much information about your PB G4 17-inch, but I suspect that it is at least three years old. Since the life of a drive is 3 to 5 years, and with the accident your computer sustained, replacing that HDD may be a good plan. I hope you have a current backup, as your data may not be recoverable if you disk is badly damaged.
cornelius

PowerBook G4 won't boot unless turned on it's side?

I have a PowerBook G4 that has been making a grinding noise on the right side of the trackpad. Sometimes turning the computer on it's side would help with the grinding noise. It also wouldn't go to sleep right away when the screen was shut, it would make the grinding noise. Then, one day it wouldn't book up past the gray screen with the apple. We decided to experiment tonight, and were able to get it booted up completely, but only once it was turned on it's side. The airport isn't working and it puts itself to sleep at random. What do you guys think? Harddrive going out?

Thanks! That was what I was thinking, but I was surprised it booted up at all. I also just realized I put it in the wrong forum it's an aluminum...oops! Thanks!

PowerBook G4 won't boot after update to 10.4.11.

(Sorry for my English. )
Hello.
Last weekend I buy a PowerBook G4, there is a Tiger inside, I want to update it to 10.4.11, update downloaded, clicking Install, confirming password, installing, restart and hang on Apple loading... I tried to: reset PMU, SMC. I want to enter Verbose Mode, but it doesn't work...
Can You help me?
Thanks,
Matty.

Will it boot in Safe Mode? See What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? (Mac OS X)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107392 Takes a while to run, but it usually "fixes" problems.
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
 Cheers, Tom

Powerbook generally won't boot - no startup chime

Hello, I've been having a few issues with my Powerbook. It was originally an 800Mhz G4 Ti Powerbook. A year after I got it under applecare they replaced the logic board and gave me a processor upgrade to 867Mhz. So currently it is a 867Mhz Powerbook G4, 512MB RAM, 40GB, Airport.
Now my problem. Recently it has started to act up and not always booting up. Originally, if it was on it was fine, but then if it was restarted or shutdown then it wouldn't boot up. At first, I got the start up chime and then nothing else, but now I don't get the start up chime. I can hear the computer turn on and the CD drive start but no chime and no screen or other lights. After a while the fans kick in.
I've tried restarting, zapping pram, resetting PMU and generally nothing. Randomly after zapping pram several times (or at least holding down the keys) it would boot. One time it took an hour and 20 minutes of doing this every 30 seconds or so.
I managed to wipe the HD clean and put a new install of Tiger but then after the restart it didn't turn on. Eventually I got it on.
The other day, I opened it up and removed the internal battery. I tested it using a voltage meter and suprizingly it was at full charge. I tried booting without the battery. Nothing. Just now I put it back in and attempted to boot. Nothing. After more attempted pram zapping nothing. Then I restarted it (CMD-control-startup key) and held down the T button for Target disc mode. Although no cable was attached nothing. Then i just hit restart and didn't press anything and it chimed and booted up!
This seems to be completely random.
Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I pretty much classified it as dead the other day but right now its on.
Last week it also turned off when I closed the lid instead of sleeping.
If I can get it to last until the end of the year that would be excellent.
Anyone? Please?

I'm afraid I've no solution for you only that the exact same is happening to me over here in Dublin, Ireland. I've been going mad trying different things, reset all the same, performed a successful hardware test, even changed my RAM!
I get the occasional boot up and there's no apparent connection to when it works, the restart CMD-control-startup gets it going sometimes or even if I leave it for a day it might boot up at some stage.
If you've come across any solution I'd be grateful. My next step is a clean install of Tiger but judging by your experiences I'm not even sure I should do that.
I've absolutely no problems once it starts. I hope installing Tiger hasn't caused a problem after some time.

PowerBook 12" won't boot, emits a strange sound

Hi,
a few nights ago I was using my PowerBook 12", idly browsing about, until suddenly the screen went blank and the loudspeakers endlessly emitted a sound that reminded me of a malfunctioning synthesizer (you know, like a tone generator gone bonkers).
I shut down the computer by pressing the power button for a few seconds, and tried to restart the machine. Same thing: blank screen, annoying noise coming from the speakers. The **** thing just doesn't start up anymore. I couldn't even shut down the computer by pressing the power button, but had to eject the battery.
Realising something had gone awry wrong with the PowerBook, I stuck my noise closer to the computer, and I could sense a weak smell of burning. My suspect is that the fan broke down (it was quite noisy before the incident), I didn't notice it and so the processor burned from its own heat. Currently I am trying open the computer to verify this, but I am having troubles unscrewing the case.
Meanwhile, does anyone know what could be the problem, and how difficult/expensive it would be to get it fixed? I understand that if it is something with the logic board or something that is integrated to it it would be just better to get a new computer. Having said that, is it possible for me to use the memory chip and the Airport Extreme card of my PowerBook in a MacBook?
Much thanks in advance.
PB 12" 867 MHz, 1.2 GB, 100 GB Mac OS X (10.4)

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Sorry to hear about your problem. If you can load a CD, you might try the Apple hardware test - insert the first OS X CD that came with your system (which should say AHT Version x.x in small print on the CD) and reboot holding the option key down. Choose Apple hardware test and follow directions. Choose the extended test.
Unless you noticed a much hotter system - you would likely have felt it through the keyboard and palm rest, not sure that a broken fan allowed your CPU to burn itself up. It is possible, howver, that the logic board has an issue - ifixit.com and pbparts.com both show the 867Mhz logic board for $349, which would be less expensive than a new computer.
No parts from your Powerbook can be used on the MacBook, as it's a different architecture (Intel) and newer wireless technology (802.11n).

Powerbook G4 Won't Boot!

I was just working on my 17" Powerbook G4 when I saw the back light on the LCD go out. Then the whole screen went out. Then I couldn't get the display back and I turned the computer off with the power button.
I left the computer off for about 30 minutes and went back to turn it on. When I pressed the power button the fan came on really loud and the screen was black. I can't get it to boot at all now.
I also saw that the battery was empty after being plugged in for a few hours.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks =)
17" Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

hi there,
follow this thread:http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1542327&tstart=0

Powerbook G4 Won't Boot--HD or memory?

The HD just grinds away, (making same repetitive noise) never getting beyond the gray screen w/logo & rotating gear. I have:
--Ran AHT thoroughly, no faults except "HD in use" error, therefore couldn't verify or repair HD.
--Reinstalled Tiger from DVD, erasing all old files
--Accessed memory area to see if card had somehow "slipped out" of slot.
BTW....took about 5hrs to "load" new OS from DVD.
Still same logo, same HD sound, same gray screen.
I am about to either buy new hd or new memory.....or both???
Any other suggestions? Or is it obvious...;)
TIA--Tyler
pp- 17"alum, built 01/2003, 1ghz, 768 ram, 60gb hd

To me this sounds like a bad hd. bad memory would either KP on boot or you would hear three tones and not get anything on the screen or other types of crashes. if you boot off the tiger installer and select disk utility and then you drive at the bottom there shold be a SMART status display. If it says "Failing" or Similar it is definatly bad but i have had ones fail for other reasons. Hope this helps

HT203176 17" 1.5 GHZ PowerBook G4 Won't Boot

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