Power Mac G4 Won't startup and ejects boot disk.

Hello,
Recently, I got a used Power Mac G4. On startup, it gets to the loading bar and doesn't load anything. It's just a blank white bar with no text aside from the apple logo at the top of the window. I tried inserting the Tiger recovery disk, but when I turn it on, it ejects the disk. I made sure that my keyboard and mouse were not plugged in as it was booting up (there are no other devices that may be causing it to eject), but it's still not solving the problem.
What could possibly be causing this problem?
Thanks,
Nami

It could easily be many things, Logic Board, RAM,Corrupted PRAM or NVRAM, even PSU or anything else, we just have don't have enough data out here to narrow it down yet.
I don't suppose it boots into Target mode...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
EDIT: Sometimes even a flaky Optical Drive will prevent normal operation & needs to be disconnected.
Might be time to replace the PRAM Battery, 4 years is close to their lifespan, far less if ever without AC power, & if weak can cause really strange problems...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/

Similar Messages

Power Mac G4 won't startup from OS X install disc

I have a Power Mac G4 that needs to have the Classic environment on it. I've done some checking and apparently this isn't possible with 10.4, so I'm trying to install an old version of teh OS. I have the Power Mac G4 OS X 10.2.1 install discs that came with the computer, as well as the Mac OS 9 Install disc.
When I try to boot from the OS X install disc, nothing really happens. I've tried running the application on the disc taht automatically restarts the computer to the install disc. I've tried restarting while holding down the C key. I've tried selecting it as the startup disc in system preferences. I've tried holding down the option key when restarting, and it doesn't even list the install disc as an option.
The only thing different that happens when I try any of these methods (except the option key, where nothing different happens at all) is when starting up, a small bluish-purplish folder with the "mac face" on it shows up for about 5 seconds, and then it continues on to start up normally in my current OS 10.4.9, just like it would when doing a normal restart.
Oh yeah, and I've tried this with multiple copies of the OS X install discs that are specifically for G4s and the same thing happens, so I'm pretty sure it's not the CD.
Can anyone help me in my quest to get a version of OS 9 running on my computer? Thanks in advance for the help!!!

Hi, molfeselab -
I've done some checking and apparently this isn't possible with 10.4...
I have no idea where you might have got that info, but it is not correct. OSX 10.4 (Tiger) does indeed work with Classic. Classic needs to be OS 9.1 or later; OS's 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 have better compatibility in that role.
I've tried this with multiple copies of the OS X install discs that are specifically for G4s...
Your machine will not be able to use any original OSX Install CDs that are for a different model G4 - the original disks that ship with a machine are specific to that particular model.
Since your G4 apparently came with a separate Software Install CD for OS 9, that is what you should use to get OS 9 onto the hard drive. Boot to that CD, then run the installer app - Mac OS Install.
Depending what version is installed by that disk, you may want to update it to a later version of OS 9 via download updater. However, if your G4 originally came also with OSX install disks, then the separate OS 9 Install CD is at least OS 9.2.
It would help to know the exact model G4 you have, including processor speed and number of processors.
Article #58418 - Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models
Article #42739 - Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models (part 2)

Power Mac G5 won't start even after Repairing Disk and Permissions

I Repaired the Disk first by booting from the install disk and it did repair 1 item and then tried to reboot into safe mode to repair permissions and it didn't boot. I restarted by booting from the install disk again and repaired permissions and it seemed to repair alot of stuff. But it still won't start up.
I get stuck at the blue screen with the apple logo above a status bar that never moves.

Hi Larry,
Appears to be time for An Archive & Install, which gives you a new OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

Power Mac G5 won't boot with Lion?

After installing Lion, my early Intel 2010 Power Mac G5 won't boot. There were no problems for the first 2 days. The third day my G5 wouldn't boot at all. Not using Lion's recovery function, many attempts to boot from a previous system disk, and firewire target mode. The keyboard seems to be dead after attempting to boot except for the DVD eject key. All I get is a grey screen with an icon of a folder with a question mark within the folder. This icon blinks on and off continuously. Since the keyboard isn't working, I can't reset the PRAM, start in safe mode, or any other keyboard commands. The failed boot doesn't even get far enough for the Apple window to open. I replaced the hard drive and accomplished nothing except for spending even more money and time.
This is VERY frustrating! Has anyone else had a similar problem with booting after Lion't installation??
Thanks.

1) you have a Mac pro Early 2009, remember this. It avoids confusion here in forum
2) you're HDD's OS cannot be found by the firmware of the Mac hence it results to a question mark
perform the following(recommended to use a USB keyboard)
a) startup manager
press and hold option on startup. Do u see your HDD?
b) if you have a back up of your data then you can boot to the install disk and perform an erase and install
repairing the permission will not work since the disc's OS is different from the HDD's OS.

I am unable to burn any info-photo ect on to a disk. I have a 27" I mac mid 2010 version. I put in a disk, hit burn, it runs for about 3 mins and ejects the disk sayiny there was an error with the drive and will not restart.

am unable to burn any info-photo ect on to a disk. I have a 27" I mac mid 2010 version. I put in a disk, hit burn, it runs for about 3 mins and ejects the disk sayiny there was an error with the drive and will not restart.

The optical drive has probably failed. It's a fairly common thing with these slim SuperDrives. Does it read any discs you put into it? You can try resetting the SMC and pram but I'll be surprised if it helps.
To reset the SMC
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on
Resetting PRAM and NVRAM
Shut down the computer.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.

I have a Power Mac G5 quad core (2006) and it does not work.

I have a Power Mac G5 Quad core (2006) and it does not work.The status light flashes twice and the fans blow full blast. The display does not show anything. Does anybody know what is wrong with my mac.

Can you count the beeps or flashes?
1 beep = no RAM installed
2 beeps = incompatible RAM types
3 beeps = no good banks
4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)
5 beeps = processor is not usable
In addition to the beeps, on some computers the power LED will flash a corresponding number of times plus one. The LED will repeat the sequence after approximately a 5-second pause. The tones are only played once.
Note: In this case, a flash is considered to be 1/4 second or 250 ms or greater in length.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1547
Might be time to replace the PRAM Battery, 4 years is close to their lifespan, far less if ever without AC power, & can cause strange startup problems...
See which one your G5 has, should be the 1st one ..
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/CR2032/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/
If you're sure the RAM is good, try the Hair Dryer trick...
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13240047#13240047
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15223603#15223603
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15499912#15499912
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15613068#15613068
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3270112
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16053892#16053892
No power light at all...
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3692775?tstart=0
It can show on any G5, and even many other computers & electronic devices of the period.
http://www.macintouch.com/reliability/pmg5.html
http://lowendmac.com/ppc/power-macintosh-g5.html
And see this last one in particular...
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16781690#16781690
Heat gun better...
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3916312?tstart=0

I have a Power Mac G5 with Cs4 Quark and I need to upgrade to CS5 - is this possible?

I have a Power Mac G5 with CS4 Quark and I need to upgrade to CS5. Is this Possible?? If so what do I need to do??

This forum is for troubleshooting Apple Software Update for Windows, a software package for Windows designed to update Apple products that run on Windows, and not related to your question in any way. And since CS is an Adobe product, you should probalby contact them.

Power Mac G4 Won't Boot

I have recently received an old Power Mac G4 MDD. It will not boot. When I press the power button, the light will come on for as long as I press the button. There is no chime, and the fans do not spin. Nothing happens except that the light comes on until I release the button. I have tried the logic board reset and the PMU reset. I am not sure of the operating system or anything about the processor as it will not boot. It does have a hard drive and a cd drive. Thank you for your help.

Hi cessna.ian, and a warm welcome to the forums!
First thing to try is replacing the PRAM Battery, 4 years is close to their lifespan, far less if left unplugged from the A/C...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/
Then, How to reset the SMU/PMU on a Earlier G3, G4, G5 models...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1939

Power Mac G5 won't connect to Sierra Wireless 318u

The Wireless Aircard will not work properly on my Power Mac G5. It installs fine and application opens but it will only say No device detected even though it's plugged into the USB port and the light on the Aircard is light up. I have tryed uninstalling and reinstalling the application whilst rebooting the computer inbetween but to no solution. Sierra Wireless Aircard model is 318U. Note on the other two macs i have (iMac and Macbook Pro) the Aircard works fine.

"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair Disk, (not Repair Permissions). Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.)
Reboot.

How do I do this: "This disk needs to be repaired. Start up your computer with another disk (such as your Mac OS X installation disc), and then use Disk Utility to repair this disk?"

"This disk needs to be repaired. Start up your computer with another disk (such as your Mac OS X installation disc), and then use Disk Utility to repair this disk."

Stick the disk in, reboot holding c.
Disk Utility is a menu option about the 2 or 3rd screen in the installer. (don't install OS X!)
Because your booted form the installer disk, you can repair the disk.
Quit and exit the installer and reboot.
If your drive is not repaired, make a note of all what it says, for Apple to use.
Reboot and get your files off to a external drive,
Take the note and your comptuer to Apple for a warranty/Apple care call, they will replace the drive.

Mac Mini won't start and constantly makes disc ejecting noise

My Mac Mini won't start. It was working fine, then just locked up and won't start again. When I push the start button it just makes this repeated disc ejecting noise from the DVD drive. It doesn't make the chime noise or display anything on the monitor. I've disconnected the optical drive, but it didn't help. Then it just doesn't start at all. I thought that if I would disconnect the optical drive, that it would ignore it and just boot off the hard drive, but nothing happened. The power light comes on. Then, if I hold down the power button for 10 seconds it shuts down. The fan operates. It just never attempts to boot up. I can't put in a system DVD because the optical drive is just in eternal eject mode.
If you have any suggestions let me know. Thanks.

I have the same situation.
I think the drive thinks it has a disc to eject or part of the mechanism is stuck and can't return to it's resting position. I was going to disconnect as you tried but now I think I'll try to disassemble the drive to see if there might be some debris jamming things up.
Please let me know if you solve the problem.

Power Mac G5 won't start up and is beeping

Dear friends,
This morning, my Power Mac G5 started to beep. When I try to restart it, it beeps some more and also makes a clicking sound like a metronome.
The computer won't start up anymore. At startup, it displays a grey screen with a little folder in the center that flashes a question mark and a finder icon.
What is wrong with my excellent computer, and how do I fix it?
Marnie

Marnie Glickman-
Could be a variety of things, but most likely your hard drive is not happy. The flashing question mark means that the system is trying to find a working disk with a valid system on it. Should be the hard drive. Isn't.
Launch from the install DVD of the latest OSX system you have. Under the Apple Menu should be the Disk Utility. Launch it and try repairing your hard drive and see if that does the trick.
If not we dig deeper into this excellent problem.
Luck-
-DaddyPaycheck

Power mac g5--won't boot, and I can't sleep

Hi all,
I'm hoping someone is awake and can help. My power mac g5, circa 2005, has always come with some problems, specifically, kernal panics. It's not bad RAM, but I have never tested the video card. Oddly enough, it seems to go down most often in the most in simple internet applications.
Today, it froze in Firefox and I cannot get it to reboot. It stalls/freezes in the gray apple screen. Called my IT friend, and he said to zap the PRAM. That brought it back up for a second, and then it froze again. I replaced the battery, no results.
I can't get it to boot in safe mode or even single-user- it freezes up as well. I certainly can't get it up long enough to load the boot disk.
It may be garbage...I can accept that...but it is holding hours of work. Will I be able to retrieve this??
Help
Message was edited by: nigelsupercat

Hi, I'm having same problem. G5 1.8 dual processor purchased March '05, won't boot. Not from cd either.
Took it to the apple geniuses and first was told it might be a bad board or processor and that I might as well just buy a new system. Well, I can't, because I still need to run some classic applications for business reasons, and because of that I'm stuck at Mac OS X 10.3.9. Anyway... I left my system with the apple geniuses and got a call 3 days later saying it was fixed @ no charge and that the 3rd party USB card was bad. They pulled it and said all was well.Great!, saving me $800 charge for a new board and over $430 for a new processor. So on the way home I buy a new USB hub get home start up and nothing! No change. Back to the Apple Store and after some testing this time I'm told it's definitely a bad hard drive. So, on the way home I buy a new hard drive. Get back, install the new HD and, you guessed it, can't format the disk, system won't boot from CD. BACK TO THE APPLE GENIUSES AGAIN! Now they tell me it's definitely the logic board. After 5 days I'm back where I started... except I have an old USB card that is most likely fine and new USB hub and a new HD I purchased because the Apple Geniuses told me they were bad! I asked them if they would apply a credit of some sort for the unnecessary purchases and my time (The closest Apple Store is 30 miles away), They politely said we appologize for the inconvenience, but no, we can't do that. I've been using Macs of all kinds since the early 1980's. And have never had one fail! Since I started looking into G5 problems, I've found many others with this startup issue. I feel there is a known issue with this series that apple is intentionally sweeping under the rug instead of issuing a recall or credit.

Power Mac G4 Won't Boot after Installing 2nd Hard Drive and Additional RAM

Hello. I am using a Power Mac G4 (PCI graphics) that I bought a few weeks ago. It was working perfectly fine until I tried to add an additional hard drive and add more RAM to the machine. After I closed the case and plugged it back in, it won't start up at all. No sound, no lights, nothing spinning, nothing. I removed the added hard drive and RAM, but it still refuses to start. I don't know what happened. Hopefully it's not a logic board failure or anything else equally bad.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The PowerMac G4 PCI forum is over here:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=586
I'll ask a moderator to move your thread. Try replacing the clock battery, and hitting the CUDAS switch.

My power mac G5 won't boot up but has red flashing light and intense fan noise.

I Have a Power Mac G5 that flashes a red light that I've never seen before. There is nothing on the monitor and the fan noise is incredible.
HAs anyone ever had this problem?

Hi Michael,
It's normal for the fans to go full speed if the OS won't load to handle them.
Where is this red light, on the logic board, or front panel?
Can you count the beeps or flashes?
1 beep = no RAM installed
2 beeps = incompatible RAM types
3 beeps = no good banks
4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)
5 beeps = processor is not usable
In addition to the beeps, on some computers the power LED will flash a corresponding number of times plus one. The LED will repeat the sequence after approximately a 5-second pause. The tones are only played once.
Note: In this case, a flash is considered to be 1/4 second or 250 ms or greater in length.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1547
LED 1—CPU A: red—contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
LED 2—Overtemp: red—contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
LED 3—Power On: red—the main power is on
LED 4—Trickle: yellow—Power Mac G5 is plugged into the wall correctly
LED 5—Open Firmware good: green—no problem
LED 6—CPU B: red—contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
LED 7—Checkstop: red—contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider

Power Mac G4 Won't startup and ejects boot disk.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for