PowerBook G4 1.67GHz Won't Boot, Doesn't Get Past the Grey Screen

The other day I was attempting to Safe Boot, and during the grey screen with the rotating cog, I could hear the hard drive spin down, the the display would turn off. The computer worked fine for the next few days, and now when I attempt to boot it (with nothing in the disc drive as well), it does the same thing. It simply shuts down before getting to the "Log In" screen.
When I used the Tiger install disc (note that it was a Tiger disc that came with our iMac Core 2 Duo, my other disc is at my parents' house), and held the C key while booting, I experienced my first kernel panic. I restarted and ejected the disc, but the computer still won't boot. I tried resetting the PRAM by restarting and holding CommandOption+PR, and I've even let it cycle a few times with no luck. I also did what was suggested on an Apple support page, where I remove the AC adapter plug, remove the battery, hold the Power button for 5 seconds, re-insert the battery, reattach the AC adapter, and try starting that way, and that didn't work either.
I have no idea what the problem is, I've never had an issue with the computer before at all. Any suggestions?
(I tried posting this in the Tiger forums, but it was suggested that I post here instead)

Ah, I believe I do have the a TechTool CD that came with my old iBook, perhaps I'll give that a shot.
I first noticed the issue when trying to Safe Boot because I was attempting to install the Flash 9 player. Apparently many people are having issues with it, and it was suggested to me on the Adobe forums that I try installing it in Safe Mode (the install software hangs at "Items Remaining to be Installed: 4").
I'll bring my PowerBook to my parents' house this weekend and see if I can give it a shot with the correct disc. I'll try to post back here to let you know if it worked out!

Similar Messages

  • X2200 won't boot, doesn't get past sun splash screen

    Hi All,
    I am having a problem with a x2200. I am unable to enter the BIOS by pressing F2 at the splash screen. Also, it will not boot from any attached devices. I am able to access the ELOM just fine. I have tried to upgrade and downgrade the BIOS but according to the ELOM only the BMC version is ever updated. I have also tried removing the memory from the system, but the ELOM reports that the memory is still present which I find very strange.
    In the event log the following error is shown several times:
         BIOS/POST Watchdog timeout cause STR_HARD_RESET
    Does anyone have a suggestion of something else to try? or need more information about the problem to render a suggestion?
    Some additional information:
    currently BIOS Version : S39_3B13
    BMC Version : I have tried 1.91, 2.70 (corresponding to the BIOS version), 2.91, 3.20
    FYI, This is a brand new x2200 that has sat for about a year and half that I am now just getting to, so it is out of warranty.
    Thanks for the help, cheers
    Dan

    Dan-MN wrote:
    Hi All,
    I am having a problem with a x2200. I am unable to enter the BIOS by pressing F2 at the splash screen. Also, it will not boot from any attached devices. I am able to access the ELOM just fine. I have tried to upgrade and downgrade the BIOS but according to the ELOM only the BMC version is ever updated. I have also tried removing the memory from the system, but the ELOM reports that the memory is still present which I find very strange.
    In the event log the following error is shown several times:
         BIOS/POST Watchdog timeout cause STR_HARD_RESET
    Does anyone have a suggestion of something else to try? or need more information about the problem to render a suggestion?
    Some additional information:
    currently BIOS Version : S39_3B13
    BMC Version : I have tried 1.91, 2.70 (corresponding to the BIOS version), 2.91, 3.20
    FYI, This is a brand new x2200 that has sat for about a year and half that I am now just getting to, so it is out of warranty.
    Thanks for the help, cheers
    DanHi, I've had the exact same problem.
    Replacing RAM sticks in an X 2200 M2, from 2 x 2 GB DDR2 to 4 x 512 MB.
    I had a monitor plugged to the machine, but no display. LED's were green and "OK".
    I could connect just fine to the SP web interface, so I checked the "event log" from there. I got this message each time the machine tried to start:
    BIOS/POST Watchdog timeout cause STR_HARD_RESETThe SP still found 2 x 2048 MB RAM, but there were four DIMMS in use in the server. Even though the server had 4 x 512 MB (also original "Sun" RAM, from another Sun Fire X2xxx machine).They were connected just as stated on the large barebone lid sticker.
    Nor did it help me, clearing the CMOS.
    After connecting the original RAM sticks again, the server started just fine.
    I am running the latest SP firmware and latest BIOS version for X2200 M2.
    /Kenneth

  • My MacBook Pro has been having difficulties at startup.  It sometimes locks and doesn't get past the white screen.  It has also locked up several times and gotten a green stripes across the entire screen.  What is causing this and how do I fix it?

    My MacBook Pro has been having difficulties at startup.  It sometimes locks and doesn't get past the white screen.  It has also locked up several times and gotten a green stripes across the entire screen.  What is causing this and how do I fix it?

    You don't, take it to Apple for repair.
    This might interest you if it's too old to fix.
    My computer is not working, is my personal data lost?

  • My emac won't get past the grey screen with spinning indicator

    before i went to bed last nite it was fine. when i woke up i click on the screen and got the little rainbow ball. that lasted for about 5-10 minutes so i had to push the button. when i try to turn it on now it gets to the grey screen with the spinning indicator but won't get past that. any help would be appreciated

    An Archive and Install will preserve you user settings and data. You will need a minimum of 5 GB free on the hard drive to perform an A&I; you can reduce the space required by about 1 GB by selecting the option to install language support only for the language you use (assuming you don't need multiple languages).
    However, after seeing your other post (BTW, it'll be easier to keep track if relted issues are in the same thread), you do not want to try an A&I if Disk Utility is reporting anything about 'could not be repaired'. Doing so will would ensure problems down the road, if it worked at all. It's possible for one disk problem to mask another. Whenever Disk Utility (or any other repair utility) reports making repairs, it's good practice to repeat the repair until it reports no problems found or it becomes clear it cannot repair the disk.
    DiskWarrior has an excellent track record at repairing problems that Disk Utility cannot (especially Disk Utility versions prior to OS X 10.4.2).
    If the drive cannot be repaired, you may be able to keep it by doing an erase install with the write zeros (one pass) option. That will update the hard drive firmware record of bad disk sectors to avoid using. If there are only a few bad sectors, that may let you keep using the hard drive for several more years. An erase install will do just that to your data, through. If you have access to another Mac with either a large amount of free disk space of a DVD burner, you can try using the other Mac as host and the eMac as target in FireWire target disk mode. You can run the host's copy of Disk Utility on the eMac hard drive, and hopefully be able to mount the emac HD so that you can back up the data in your Home directory.

  • Why won't my MacBook Pro get past the login screen

    My MacBook isn't getting past the login. I log in but it stops and keeps a blank screen

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches. 
    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and  Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • My phone won't load. i  cant get past the loading screen

    my phone died last night so before i went ot bed i put it on the charger. when i woke up this morning my phone was stuck on the loading screen.im afraid i will have to restore my phone

    A Sprint phone is a CDMA phone and it will be the same as Verizon, which is also CDMA.  You will not need a sim card for a CDMA phone to work in the US - it connects to the correct network and you can only use a Sprint iPhone on the Sprint network.
    There should be a sim card slot, but this is only for use when travelling with local sim cards - if you are in the US you have to use the phone on Sprint because it is a Sprint phone and you then don't need a sim card to connect to a CDMA network which is why you probably never received one.
    If the phone won't work, then you need to return it for a full refund as has already been suggested and purchase another iPhone either from Apple or from the phone carrier that you wish to use your phone with.
    You also need to be aware of what phone you are purchasig before you do so from a source like Craiglist.
    Ultimately, you can only use a Sprint phone on the Sprint network and you don't need a sim card for that.

  • My Mac mini turns on but doesn't move past the grey screen..... HELP??

    Hi,
    I have had my mac mini for 3 months and i went to turn it on today and it wont move past the grey screen with the apple logo and the swirling icon underneath.  It had started to drop internet signal and also reacting slow and now this has happened. I have only had it three months from new and i dont know what to do. I have done a safe reboot etc and nothing has worked !! HELP!!

    Intermittent problems are by far the most difficult to identify and correct. You can run a test one time and it passes with flying colors and the next time it fails. Apple Hardware Test and Disk Utility are definitely the not the most rigerous tests available and are not nearly as thorough as the tests available to the Genius Desk personel.

  • MacBook Pro won't stop rebooting. Options to get past the gray screen?

    I made an adjustment to sharing on HD and ever since then the MacBook is rebooting again and again. Any suggestions?

    Thank you for the response. I have tried starting in safe mode and it is not taking. The cycle continues to reboot after about a minute or two. Once when I tried starting in force OS X mode holding down "X" when starting I did get the scrolling text but then the prompt asked to exit or enter a command. Not knowing what command to enter, I typed exit. This did not resolve the problem obviously. I am supposed to get a call from an Apple person later this morning. I am hoping he/she can help.
    I am not sure I know how to get to Disc Utilities if I can't get past the grey screen. Any suggestions? Should I boot off of my system discs?
    Thanks again for your response.

  • My MacBook won't boot past the grey screen.. help!

    Today I was having a problem with Safari. For some reason, it kept restarting. This annoyed me, so I restarted my MacBook. Unfortunately, it won't boot past the grey screen, with the thing spinning in the middle. I've been into disk utility and it says my HDD is fine. I restarted from this, and yet it still won't boot. Can anyone suggest what's wrong/what to do?
    Thanks in advance

    Retrieving data using Target Disk Mode:
    1) Shut down both computers
    2) Connect the two computers using a Firewire cable
    3) Start up the working computer.
    4) Once the working computer is ready, startup your MacBook with the T key held down.
    5) Your MacBook's hard drive should appear as an external hard drive on the working Mac. Drag & drop any files you want to save.
    ~Lyssa

  • My iMac starts, but won't get past the loading screen?

    My iMac starts up, but won't even get past the white screen with the Apple logo.
    It kept giving me black screens, and would not start in safety mode. After command + option + p + r, the black screens stopped coming, but it still won't get past the loading screen, if I let it load long enough the Apple logo is replaced by a "denied" symbol but that is the only thing that happens. By hitting command + d, I was told nothing is wrong. When pressing command + r and going to disk utility, it found an issue while verifying and repairing. At first it stated "invalid journal" but now it only says to reinstall everything and that the problem couldn't be solved. I cannot mount the harddrive, and Time Machine just searches for copies without getting anywhere. When I try installing OS X (Mavericks) again, the harddrive doesn't even show up. What do I do?

    The HD sounds like it has crashed, take it into your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), if you bought AppleCare this will be covered. If you don't have an Apple Store in your area and don't know of any AASPs then please click https://locate.apple.com/country to begin finding one.

  • POWERBOOK G4 14 1.33 WONT GET PAST THE APPLE SCREEN

    I have a powerbook G4 14 inch 1.33 mhz processor with 256 mb of ram. The screen will not get past the apple screen. I have tried 3 seperate hard drives none of them would boot past the apple screen. The disk drive is broken, I will be replacing it shortly to put a OS X CD or disk warrior cd in it. Does anybody know what would cause this? I reset PRAM, PMU and tried booting in safe mode. It gets to the apple and then the little circle spins and spins and it doesnt load..

    Heres some history of the computer. I orginally put a 12 gb hard drive cuz it came with no hard drive in it and it was working great, but then became slower and slower until it got stuck on the apple screen. i tried 2 other hard drives and they didnt work. i then replaced it with a brand new 60 gb hard drive. i also bought a new optical drive and put that in because the optical drive never worked. i have tried two different ram sticks. i have tried pressing shift,c,option none of that works. option makes it freeze on the boot screen. open firmware works...command S did work until recently...command v does not work...reset pram and nvram. reset PMU. I AM AT A LOSS. is there something i forgot to leave connected during the process that could be causing this? I get USB BOOT ERROR 0 1 1 in open firmware. I DOUBT its the logic board, because it makes the chime and I can get into open firmware and the start up screen.

  • TS3243 My Desktop Mac won't startup, it turns on to the grey screen flashing question file. I have been able to startup from the snow leopard install cd but once I try to repair within DU the disk never appears in the side panel. The only thing there is "

    My Desktop Mac won't startup, it turns on to the grey screen flashing question file. I have been able to startup from the snow leopard install cd but once I try to repair within DU the disk never appears in the side panel. The only thing there is "Media"... What can I do? Help!

    If Disk Utility cannot see your drive it doesn't look good.
    You could try DiskWarrior. It is expensive but can often fix directory structures where DU cannot.
    Replacing the drive is also a strong likelihood. If you don't have a fairly recent backup, then it might be worth buying DiskWarrior
    additonal notes;
    Gray screen appears during startup

  • My new iMac had the old data transferred in-store but now it won't accept the password on the first screen. How can I reset this? I can't get past the first screen as a result.

    I cannot get past the initial screen on my new iMac. Data was transferred from my old computer so when I turned it on It automatically had my name in the window and asked for the password, but none of my old passwords seem to be accepted. How can I fix this?? It's a new IMac with osx.

    Which password isn't working? The one to access the iPad or the one to get your hotmail?
    If hot mail, you go into the settings, mail, contacts and calendars and edit your hot mail account. Of if it won't edit, delete it off the iPad, then re-add it with the new password.

  • Hi guys. I've had my MacBook Pro for 2 years now. Last night it suddenly kept glitching to a dark grey screen every now and then, then it would flash yellow / blue spots, and now it won't go past the grey screen even when I reboot it.  I don't think I can

    Hi guys.
    I've had my MacBook Pro for 2 years now. Last night it suddenly kept glitching to a dark grey screen every now and then, then it would flash yellow / blue spots, and now it won't go past the grey screen even when I reboot it.
    I don't think I can access my disk anymore as I've moved across countries since I've first gotten my laptop.  it was working perfectly fine before  it kept going to the dark grey screen with a little blue on the bottom.
    If it helps, my camera light is still on, and it seems that my computer is working properly itself, but won't go past this grey screen.
    I'm a college student and am really panicking about this - can anyone please tell me what to do?
    Thank you & sorry for the long post.

    What operating system are you running on it? (iOS 5.1 is for iPhone, iPad...not a Mac).

  • I have a MacBook Pro, it recently started freezing upon startup. It would get to a blue screen and just sit there. I've tried booting in safemode to run disk repair and still doesnt help. If I do manage to get past the blue screen, it still freezes

    My mac keeps freezing upon startup. It will get to the blue screen and promptly freeze. If I manage to get past the blue screen, and open up youtube on google chrome, it will freeze before it loads youtube. I've tried safeboot and disk repair, nothing seems to work. I even tried to factory reset it but it wont connect to my internet when I reboot with power + option.. any ideas?

    This can be used to boot the machine and delelte enough files to get it to boot normally.
    .Create a data recovery/undelete external boot drive
    Read about storage drive so you can store your extra stuff.
    Most commonly used backup methods
    Also here to see how a full boot drive slows the machine down
    Why is my computer slow?

Maybe you are looking for