MD G4 can't get past the log in screen

Trying to diagnose what's wrong with the trusty mirrored doors G4.  The light goes on when I press the power button, the chime sounds, but can't get past the log in screen, and the mouse arrow is stuck on the left top of the screen; I can't get the mirrored door to open, to try starting with the original cd; can't get to how to start it from an external drive. 
At this point I'm not going to spend much $ to save this computer which has served as a backup device for the past 3 years,  but would like to get in one more time to make sure I have everything I want to save.  Suggestions?

If you have enabled remote log in and know how to ssh into the Mac from another computer - reply and I'll walk you through the commands to look at the logs before you log in from the keyboard.
If not - you should boot from a CD and try to repair the disk and possibly look at the logs using the console utility.
Please advise if you want to look at the logs to see what the problem is or if you can fix it from using the CD's to repair the disk.

Similar Messages

  • I can't get past the log in screen for iMessage?

    Hi
    I have a new iPad and can't seem to get past the log in screen for iMessage or face time. My I'd & password are accepted but then I get the log in screen back. What am I doing wrong.
    Thanks

    Hello Technician7,
    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
    To reset the administrator password on the computer please follow the steps in the article below.
    OS X: Changing or resetting an account password (Snow Leopard and earlier)
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274
    Have a great day,
    Joe

  • Apple ID.  My newly updated iPad 2 wants an email for the apple ID.  My apple ID is not an email address.  How can I get past the set-up screen?

    My newly updated iPad 2 wants an email for the apple ID.  My apple ID is not an email address.  How can I get past the set-up screen?
    I can't change my Apple ID.  It would mess all my stuff up.

    To change the iCloud ID you have to go to Settings>iCloud, tap Delete Account, provide the password for the old ID when prompted to turn off Find My iPhone (if you're using iOS 7), then sign back in with the ID you wish to use.  If you don't know the password for your old ID, or if it isn't accepted, go to https//appleid.apple.com, click Manage my Apple ID and sign in with your current iCloud ID.  Tap edit next to the primary email account, tap Edit, change it back to your old email address and save the change.  Then edit the name of the account to change it back to your old email address.  You can now use your current password to turn off Find My iPhone on your device, even though it prompts you for the password for your old account ID. Then go to Settings>iCloud, tap Delete Account and choose Delete from My iDevice when prompted (your iCloud data will still be in iCloud).  Next, go back to https//appleid.apple.com and change your primary email address and iCloud ID name back to the way it was.  Now you can go to Settings>iCloud and sign in with your current iCloud ID and password.

  • My wireless mouse and KB are in discovery mode, but I can't get past the "enter password" screen because my Mouse and KB will not work...batteries have been changed.

    My Wireless KB and mouse are stuck in discovery mode, but I can't get past the "user password" screen because It won't allow me to enter characters.

    Should work if you enter the code and hit the return key.  Here is a step by step article.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1809?viewlocale=en_US
    Captfred

  • I want to use this phone w/o a verizon account or number, but I can't get past the set-up screen. Can I use this phone to surf there web only and get past setup

    I just want to use the phone as a web browser using wireless, I don't have verizon, I can't get past the set-up screen. Can I use the phone without a verizon account?

    I took it to Verizon and a counter person got it to work. she said one has to be persistent and eventually the screen goes away that was demanding the phone number I didn't have, it works now I'm happy

  • HT4623 I "updated" my iPhone4S 16gig this morning and can't get past the "Rescue Email" screen.  I entered emails as well as opted out.  I have gone back, but Apple ID Security insists I add security questions and mail.  HELP!

    I "updated" my iPhone4S 16gig this morning and can't get past the "Rescue Email" screen.  I entered emails as well as opted out.  I have gone back, but Apple ID Security insists I add security questions and mail.  HELP!

    Claudius,either you didn't read my post, or you jumped to conclusions. I had a skype account that was created using a microsoft account (NOT THE ACCOUNT I AM USING NOW). PURE MICROSOFT ACCOUNT NO OTHER ACCOUNT LINKING.I had to change the primary mail of that account.I was told "no can do" by skype support.I found that if I went to account settings and clicked on the link on the line below the one that said "MICROSOFT etc" (labeled something along the lines of "TV or Device") I got the opportunity to set the password of the "live:username" account (WHICH YOU COINCIDENTALLY HAVE TO DO IF YOU WANT TO USE SMART TVs ETC).Once that was done, I COULD SUCCESSFULLY DO WHAT SKYPE SUPPORT SAID WAS IMPOSSIBLE- I could change the primary mail address. once that was done, and NOT BEFORE, I linked the account to a facebook account as well, just to be sure I have more than one way to access the skype account. What caused you to get the impression that I was writing something else? furthermore this sentence - "The solution you described in your initial message isn't actually once since all the time you were operating on different account that weren't actually linked" does not make sense, I think you mis-edited it.and I need to point out that you are incorrect. I WAS NOT OPERATING ON DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS I WAS OPERATING ON ONE SKYPE ACCOUNT, THAT WAS CREATED USING A MICROSOFT ACCOUNT just like you say you recommend. I still don't know how you can misread my initial entry like that.  If you have a better solution to my initial problem - changing the primary mail of a skype account created throuth either a microsoft account or a facebook account, Please write a sticky to explain how to do it, and please inform skype support that Yes it can be done, and this is the way it is done. So far my "lucky shot" seems to be the only way to do it.     

  • I can't get past the grey apple screen using mavericks

    I can't get past the grey apple screen trying to boot up with Mavericks. I had been using Mavericks for about a month (only had issues of freezing occasionally). I read in one of the posts here that I should try holding command R down when booting. I did now I just get a grey screen without the apple.  Any advise?
    I have a Mac Mini

    Hello ther cnickers,
    It sounds like the initial install of Mavericks went ok, and you have been using it for a while, but now cannot boot to your desktop and are stuck at a gray screen with an Apple logo. I would recommend a couple of things here:
    First, try performing a Safe Boot to see if that will load up for you. If so then leave Safe Boot and restart from the Apple menu to try and get to your deskop:
    To start up into Safe Mode (to Safe Boot), follow these steps.
    Be sure your Mac is shut down.
    Press the power button.
    Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key.
    The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
    Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple logo and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
    After the logo appears, you should see a progress bar during startup. This indicates that your computer is performing a directory check as part of Safe Mode.
    To leave Safe Mode, restart your computer without holding any keys during startup.
    From: Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1564
    If that works fine, I would next also verify and repair your disk if needed.
    Disk Utility 12.x: Repair a disk
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5836
    Print this help page so you can refer to it later. (You don’t have access to Disk Utility Help when you restart up your computer in the next step.)In the Disk Utility Help window, choose Print from the Action pop-up menu (looks like a gear).
    Choose Apple menu > Restart. Hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys as your computer restarts.When you see a white screen with an Apple logo in the middle, you can release the keys.
    Click Disk Utility, and then click Continue.
    In the list at the left, select the item you want to repair. (Be sure to select an item that’s indented to the right in the list, not an item at the far left.)
    Click First Aid.
    If Disk Utility tells you the disk is about to fail, back it up and replace it. You can’t repair it.
    Click Repair Disk.If Disk Utility reports that the disk appears to be OK or has been repaired, you’re done. Otherwise, you may need to do one of the following steps.
    If Disk Utility reports “overlapped extent allocation” errors, two or more files occupy the same space on your disk, and at least one of them is likely to be corrupted. Check each file in the list of affected files. If you can replace a file or recreate it, delete it. If it contains information you need, open it and examine its data to make sure it hasn’t been corrupted. (Most of the files in the list have aliases in a DamagedFiles folder at the top level of your disk.)
    If Disk Utility can’t repair your disk or it reports “The underlying task reported failure,” try to repair the disk or partition again. If that doesn’t work, back up as much of your data as possible, reformat the disk, reinstall Mac OS X, and then restore your backed-up data.If you continue to have problems with your disk, it may be physically damaged and need to be replaced.
    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
    Cheers,
    Sterling

  • I can't get past the Gray apple screen during start-up Help!!!

    I went to open my system pref. folder and when it wouldnt open I restarted it and now I can't get past the first screen of the Gray screen with the apple in the middle and the little spinning circle under it. Can anyone help me? have had several problems with this computer!!! I just had to have a whole new harddrive put in about a month ago.
    powerbook g4 15 inch   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

    Welcome to the Discussions!
    The first thing to do would be to boot from your original Disk 1 by:
    1. Inserting the disc, pressing the power button, and immediately after the startup chime, press and hold the C key until you see the spinning gear icon appear on the grey splash screen.
    2. After the machine has booted, pick your language, and when the Installer window appears, do not press Continue, but go to the Utilities menu in the menubar and open Disk Utility.
    3. In Disk Utility, choose your normal startup volume in the pane on the left and then click Repair Disk. If any errors show in the window, run Repair Disk again until you see 'The volume appears to be OK' in green.
    4. Quit Disk Utility, quit the installer and attempt to restart into your regular startup volume.
    Please update your profile so we have a clearer picture of your particular machine.
    Joe
    <img src="http://homepage.mac.com/joeuu/.Pictures/groundzero5.jpg"width="20"

  • After restoring my ipad from itunes, I can't get past the set up screen

    How do I get past the set up screen after restoring a new iPad 2 from an iTunes backup.  I'd like to sync my apps on my iTunes to my iPad.

    What setup screen? I have restored from a backup several times and the iPad always syncs when the process is complete. What are you seeing on the setup screen?

  • TS3048 what if keyboard won't link up and you can"t get past the grey start screen?

    Problem with wifi keyboard: not being discovered by the mac. new batteries tried. just tested o iPad and it is fine (what i am typing on for this Q).
    Can't get past grey startup screen. :(

    Is this a bluetooth keyborad or WiFi? Take a look at this link, http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1809

  • HT204380 I can't get past the sign in screen on FaceTime when I sign in.

    It flips to confirm my email address and then flips back to the sign in screen right away before I can confirm it. what should I do?

    Thanks, Andrew for your help.  Not sure if you will see this, but I did the above and it said the HD was okay.  Rebooted it and still won't go past login page.  Tried it again and this time typed in the line /sbin/fsck -fy and then it came up and said HD was okay, but said something about being modified.  I once more rebooted, but it still won't get past the login screen.  Besides taking long to reboot, as before, I am able to enter my password, but then it hangs up with the rainbow icon rotating continuously.  Does this mean that the disk is corrupt or partially so, and if so, can you advise how I should proceed?  TIA again.

  • HT204268 Can't get past the credit card screen when converting AOL username to Apple ID

    After adding my credit card info when converting my AOL username to an Apple ID, I get the following pop up message: "Your request is temporarily unable to be processed. Please try again later." I have tried for two days now. I have changed the credit card, changed the new apple ID, and my personal information, all resulting in the same error message.
    Anyone have any suggestions? I am using iTunes 12.1.0.50

    Sure thing. Here are my steps:
    1) Login with AOL screen name into iTunes.
    2) Pop up appears with the message "You need to change your account to use an Apple ID...". I select "Update Account".
    4) "Change to Use an Apple ID" screen appears. I select "Continue".
    5) "Edit Apple ID Details" screen appears. I then enter my email and password for a NEW Apple ID. (Note: If I enter in an email of an existing Apple ID, I get an error and cannot pass the screen. If I enter in a truly new email for a new Apple ID, the error disappears). Once info is in, I select "Continue".
    6) "Review Your Address" screen appears. I can also update credit card information here. The Security Code is missing by default, so I must enter it in. If I enter in a wrong Security Code, I get an error to "Please enter valid Security Code". Once I enter in the correct info, I select "Continue".
    7) Pop up appears with the message "Your request is temporarily unable to be processed. Please try again later."
    I have gone through this process a number of times, trying to change things slightly in various screens to see if I get a different result. It appears I simply cannot get past the "Review Your Address" screen.

  • HT201178 I have a Mac mini with Magic Trackpad and wireless keyboard. The keyboard and track pad got wet so I have purchased new ones. Problem is how do I get past the log in screen to set up the pairing of the devices? The old ones do not work

    How do I get past the login screen to pair my new wireless keyboard and trackpad when the old ones are water damaged and don't work

    Have you tried pulling the batteries out of the damaged ones so that they are completely off; then shutdown your Mac Mini via the power button on the back right. Turn on your new keyboard and trackpad then power your Mini back up? The auto detection should find your new keyboard and trackpad.

  • How do I re-install the OS if I can't get past the user login screen?

    Hi. I recently was given a Mac mini. Great right? Problem is, it's used and it has two users with password protection and there us no way to get in touch with those people to get their passwords and log in.
    I thought I would just try putting in the OS X install disk and re-install the system and start fresh. I tried holding down the C key while starting up the computer. It still goes to the log in screen. Does that sound right? I tried that a few times, tried starting up in safe mode... every time it just goes to the log in screen. How do I get passed this? Are there any other ways to wipe the hard drive clean and do a clean re-install of the OS and not have to deal with the log in screen???
    Halp

    As long as you have the original OS X disks, follow directions here,about half way down the note, to change the admin password: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274

  • HT4623 Can't get past the software licence screen after updating iPhone

    How do I get past the Software licence agreement screen? I updated my iPhone and although I have hit "I agree" repeatedly, the screen remains! If I press the Home button, I get the options Emergency Call and Cancel.

    Contact Apple Support:
    http://www.apple.com/uk/contact/

Maybe you are looking for

  • Script for Word 2008 to set the font for whole document.

    I just moved to Office 2008 form 2004 and am shocked to see my Macros do not work! So need to solve it with Aplescript. I spend an hour to find a way of changing the font in a whole document, to no avail. To select all the text is easy: tell applicat

  • Combobox Autocomplete editor inside Jtable cell

    I have a custom combobox editor which supports the autocomplete feature as follows: as soon as the user keys in any character, this editor searches for the item that starts with keyed in character. This item is displayed in the editor text field and

  • In Time Capsule, How do you restore safari?

    One of my bookmark links is corrupted.  When I go to this website, it closes all of my open Safari pages.  I am trying to restore the original Safari "Popuar" bookmark folder.  Can anyone point me in the right direction?

  • View link in ADF

    Hi, I have created a view link. It works fine when I test it through application module, but when I select the view link node under related view object and look at the different options available in the dropdown list "Drop As:", I can't see anything.

  • SSRS Freeze Panel

    Hi,  I am creating a simple report and have some columns without grouping. Instead of directing to the next page to see the data, i have to apply freeze panel in the Report. Also applied the freeze panel. But it will not work out when i see the previ