Ibook won't boot up and I need to transfer files to my new Macbook Pro

Question

My 2004 ibook G4 was being very intermittent for a few weeks on boot up. Sometimes it would go through boot up process but then the screen would be all weird nothing recognizable just colours. Then it wouldn't get past the Apple sound at boot up. now it starts bootup for a split second then nothing, and nothing on the screen, after a few minutes the fan comes on louder then normal.
Thanks in advance for any HELP!
mmccleary

Answer 1

HI and Welcome to Apple Discussions...
Try booting from the iBook install disc. Run Disk Utility in case there are errors on the startup disk that need repairing.
Insert your install disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
*(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel. It should say: Verified)*
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
When you are finished with DU, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Manager.
Select your start up disk and click Restart
While you have the Disk Utility window open, look at the bottom of the window. Where you see Capacity and Available. Make sure there is always 10% to 15% free disk space
Also, try connecting the MBPro to the iBookG4 with a Firewire cable to see if you can use the Migration Assistant.
Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6: How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac You might be able to access files on the iBook that way if necessary.
Carolyn