Powerbook G4 ~ 10.4.11 won't start

I have a Powerbook G4 15" laptop, OS 10.4.11 ... I had the "spinning" lollipop that wouldn't stop, used Force Quit, nothing.... Pushed on the "start" button to shut down...now it won't start...no lights, sound, nothing...
**battery is shot...have been using the powercord for about a year and a half
Any suggestions?

Very good additional info, thanks a bunch!
PS. I see you signed up but have never posted... is it me!

Similar Messages

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).

kauribill wrote:
" The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).
This is a directory issue that Disk Utility cannot fix. Although it manifests itself as a software issue sometimes it may be hardware based. See DiskUtility reports "Underlying task reported failure" when repairing avolume http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1901?viewlocale=en_US". You can try using a utility like TechTool Pro, Drive Genius or Disk Warrior to repair and replace the directory. Another option would be to use the Archive and Install feature to reinstall. If the problem returns after correction you may have a failing or failed HDD.
cornelius

Help! PowerBook G4 crashed on sleep, won't start after forced shutdown.

Urgent call for help: After I downloaded a RealPlayer update today, I neglected to run Disk Utility permissions repair. A little later I left my G4 PowerBook running for a few hours and when I came back and tried to wake it up, it wouldn't come out of sleep mode (white light was pulsing).
I held down the Power button for about 20 seconds but nothing happened, so I removed the battery, which also didn't force a shutdown (white light still on). Finally, after the battery had been out for 5 minutes, I replaced it, plugged the computer in again, and held the Power button down, and it finally shut down (white light went off after about 15 seconds).
I then tried to restart the computer by pressing the Power button, but now nothing at all happens--no chime; it doesn't even go to a gray or blue screen. I've searched Discussions and found a post from "Maxit" suggesting a reboot from the Install disk to someone whose screen went as far as blue and what to do after that to prevent the problem in the future, but since the computer won't draw power, I can't insert the Install disk. (I've copied Maxit's fix below.)
Is there anything I can do to get the computer at least to the point where I can reboot from the Install disk--besides wait until AppleCare and/or my local repairman wakes up on Monday morning? Thanks for any suggestions!
Maxit's fix:
Posted: Apr 28, 2006 7:17 PM in response to: Jimmcangolf
First thing I would do is to restart from the 10.3 installation Disk and rather than proceeding with the installation, go to the menu bar, find Disk Utility, open it and run "Repair." If errors show up, run again.
Then, I would boot into Safe Mode (which forces a directory repair). See this KB article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107393
This will take longer than a normal restart. Once booted, go into Disk Utility on the drive and repair permissions, then restart. Were this not to resolve your issue, then I would suggest doing an "Archive and Reinstall" of 10.3:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120
Then update the software to 10.3.9 (be sure to repair permissions after the update).
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9) 15"

Yes, the sleep light stayed on until I was finally able to force a shutdown by removing the battery for a time, putting it back, and holding down the power button.
You've asked a good question: I don't know why it didn't go black as soon as I took the battery out, or why I had to hold down the power button for almost 30 seconds before it finally did.
Maybe when the battery is drained to 1%--which is what the indicator said when I finally realized what had happened and plugged it back in--its reserves are so low that it doesn't have the wherewithal to turn itself off. Or maybe after 5 hours of hibernation it was cranky when I tried to wake it up. . Do you know why it wouldn't respond as expected as soon as the battery was removed or the power button held down?

Massive G4 Powerbook Problem!! Computer Won't Start!!

I re-booted my computer because it started runing really slowly. I was getting the colored circle symbol for a long time while waiting for it to load. So i closed out of everything and re-booted. Now it will not start back up!! In the past it has happened that I had to hit the restart button two or three times for it to finally start up, but now it will not start up at all. I get the beginning noise that it will start to load up but then the screen stays blank and nothing happens. What can I do to fix this???

You may get better and more focused answers if you post your questions in the PowerBook forums. Use this link:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=120
and then select the sub-forum that best describes your PowerBook. Should get you some help fast.
A

G4 powerbook won't start up

I have a G4 powerbook model a1104 and it won't start up. It will turn on but only go to the big white apple and it has a lined circle spinning at the bottom and just keeps spinning. Any suggestions?

Hi-
Welcome to Discussions!
You might try a safe boot.
To start up into Safe Mode (to "Safe Boot"), do this:
-Be sure the computer is shut down.
-Press the power button.
-Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
-Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
If successful, you will have forced a check and repair of your hard drive. Try a normal boot after the safe boot and login (restart from safe boot). If no further problems, you are done. If you still have problems, further troubleshooting will be necessary.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107392
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
By the way, this is the forum for Power Mac's- though the above still applies, next time, you might try the Powerbook forum:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=120
Will be looking for your results. Good Luck!
G4AGP(450)Sawtooth, 2ghz PowerLogix, 2gbRAM, 300gbSATA+160gbATA, ATI Radeon 9800 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Pioneer DVR-109, ExtHD 160gb x2, 23"Cinema Display, Ratoc USB2.0, Nikon Coolscan

OS X 10.4 Tiger won't start

Just bought a new Macbook pro running leopard.
My old powerbook G4 running Tiger now won't start.
It gets to the grey apple page, then the circular spinning gate, then after some considerable time 'starting mac os x'
thats where it stays.
Any ideas?

Target Disk Mode is described here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583
If it works, see if the MacBook Pro can see the Powerbook. If it can see the Powerbook, you can import the mailboxes with the Mail program from the other machine.
If it doesn't work, how old is the Powerbook?

Powerbook G4 won't start up

OK, I know others have had a similar issue but I haven't been able to find a solution to this and desperately need some help. My Powerbook G4 with Leopard seems to be dead and I haven't backed it up recently (yes. I know). Yesterday I installed the latest security update, this seemed to go fine other than causing an apparent problem with spell checker. Then I tried to shut it down in the usual way and it didn't work, just stuck on the desktop screen with the whirly grey wheel. After an hour I gave up and held down the power button. Now of course it won't start up, just gives me a grey screen and the grey wheel again. I have inserted the Leopard install disk and used disk utility to repair the hard drive. It said it "appears to be OK". It still won't start though. And I can't even eject the install disk now. Can anyone help??????

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
First off, this is how to eject:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2179
If this doesn't work, your machine may need a new clock battery from an authorized service center.
Furthermore, you will need to recover your data once you are able to boot off the optical drive, either using Target Disk Mode:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
Or Startup Manager:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310
with a data recovery program such as Prosoft Data Rescue II, Subrosasoft Filesalvage, or Boomerang, Boomerang. These must be purchased from an Apple software reseller.
Once your data is recovered, we can try to repair the hard drive with Alsoft Disk Warrior.
If that doesn't work, you may need to replace your hard drive.
In the future never install new software without backing your data*:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.
Message was edited by: a brody

PowerBook G4 17 won;t start after upgrading Hard disk Please help!

Hi Folks! need your help in order to diagnose aPowerBook G4 1Ghz Serial V731556CMVZ. It worked perfectly untill start to have problems with hard drive. I bought a new Seagate Momentus 7200RPM and followed the instructions ifixit.com without any problem.
After finishing, the PowerBook won't start. I can not hear any noise form HD, or SuperDrive, no startup chim sound.
I disasembly and assembly again the PB and nothing. I try to reset PRAM SHIFT CTRL ALT POWER and nothing.
It's frustrating. Please Help!

I would make sure the keyboard ribbon is squarely seeded and in the right position. That clip is extremely tiny and fragile. Any damage to it whatsoever could cause major issues. Did it fracture at all during the installation process?

Powerbook G4 12" won't start

I have a PowerBook G4 (12" aluminum). It seems like the battery has been getting weaker and weaker over time. Lately, if the power cord slips out, the computer shuts down immediately, and the LED lights on the battery show nothing when the button on the battery is pressed. Now, even with the power cord plugged in (power indicator shows orange) the computer won't start.
I have tried:
(1) removing the battery and power cord, then plugging in a powering up
(2) resetting PMU by pressing command-option-control-power
(3) resetting PMU by pressing shift-option-control-power (I have seen both suggested)
but nothing seems to work. The PowerBook has no reaction to the power on button.
Will the PowerBook work without a battery, just with the power cord?
What could be going wrong? What are my options to fix this?
Thank you.
Marc

We've seen an awful lot of posts here from people who bought super-cheapo batteries on Ebay and elsewhere and found them to be completely worthless. Most of those cost twice as much as the one you're talking about. I wouldn't consider that batttery at all. Many PB users have been happy with these:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/applelaptop/batteries/PowerBook_G412
Apple may no longer sell batteries for your machine; I'm not certain. I don't think there's anything to gain by paying Apple's higher price, but I wouldn't pay less than $60-70 for a battery without worrying that I'd be buying junk.
You've mentioned a couple of times letting your AC adapter cord "slip out" or be pulled loose inadvertently. If the plug fits loosely, it needs to be replaced. It you're in the habit of situating your machine where you or someone else commonly jerks it out of the Powerbook, that's very hard on both the cord and the port in the PB, and you should arrange things differently to prevent it.

Powerbook won't start up past grey screen

PB G4 17inch
10.4
Did a software update and now powerbook won't restart.
Stops at grey screen with Apple on it (no spinning icon underneath)
Here's what I've tried :
Inserted Tiger upgrade DVD
Started up holding down option
Both DVD and Hard Drive show up - I selected DVD and finished starting up
I ran Disk Utility / Repair Disk
At first it found a problem with a Cache count (didn't get the exact message)
It continued and fixed the problem
I repaired permissions
Tried restarting - stopped at same point
I ran the installer and reinstalled the OS
Still wouldn't start and stopped at same point
I have repeated the Disk Utility process several times - it obviously sees the hard drive, but won't start up from it...
Any ideas ?

I would not trash anything. Instead I would backup everything you can see to another hard disk. Once you have done that, let us know, and we can proceed with better troubleshooting methods. Some methods may be risky with data, but if successful then you won't have to recover anything.
It is important to always remember to backup your data:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
Disclaimer: Reference to links I make to my Macmaps.com website are a for your information only type reference. I do not get any profit from this page, and it is open to the public.

Powerbook won't start - Disk Utility error "Invalid Key Length" - help plz!

Hello
I am having problem with my Titanium powerbook. Since it was refurbished I have only been using it for internet browsing and email and I don't know why it suddenly started freezing. After a couple of freezes it stopped starting up. I don't know why, as I wasn't doing anything unusual. I have run a few checks and don't know how to proceed. Please help.
This is what I have done so far:
1. Tried to start up in Safemode. Made the startup sound but then went dead.
2. I tried Single User Mode and did fsck -fy and the results were:
** /dev/rdisk0s10
** Root file system
** Checking HFS Plus volume
** Checking Extents Overflow file.
** Checking catalogue file
Invalid key length
(4, 135)
** volume check failed
localhost:/ root# Firewire (OHCI) Apple ID 18 built-in: no valid self IDs for more than 2 minutes after bus reset.
3. No problems were detected by the Hardware Test disk.
But the powerbook still won't start up properly. I can't get past the blue screen with the 'thinking' (rotating) circle icon (pinwheel?).
4. When I try to access the computer using a firewire cable the hard disk doesn't appear on the host computer.
5. I tried Disk repair Utility from startup using a disk but got the same result as with fsck -fy.
Any ideas?

Hi, Can't. Your hard drive's directory is damaged in a way that exceeds the limited repair capabilities of Disk Utility or fsck. DiskWarrior can fix "invalid key length" errors, as this short FAQ explains. If you have DiskWarrior, use it to make the repair. If you don't, you can either buy DW, or reformat the hard drive with Disk Utility and start over. Note that reformatting the drive will erase everything on it, so if there's any important, un-backed-up data on it that you can't afford to lose, buying DW will be the better option for you.
Message was edited by: eww

PowerBook G4 - Won't Start Up - 3 Strange Beeps then just LED flashes and sudden death - black screen.

PowerBook G4 - Won't Start Up - 3 Strange Beeps then just LED flashes and sudden death - black screen.
Prior that the powerbook also couldn't start but I could see the Apple logo, so via fire-wire (holding T at start up) I backed up the hard disk.
Check via DiskToolPro the structure, defragmented. Via DiskWarrior rebuild the directory
and finally not been able to access the drive I reformatted the drive via fire-wire drive.
Re-started the powerbook holding C to boot up from DVD - nothing
Re-started again and it give me one long beep and black screen. An indication that my 1gig RAM is bad or gone (?) and the DVD is stuck inside.
Bought new one 1 gig, installed it and now I'm getting only three beeps.
I tried all, changed the slots several times and nothing.
I tried more as:
                         c -- to boot from CD (again while the DVD is still inside and I cannot get it out)
                         cmd-opt-p-r -- to Zap the PRAM,
                         cmd-opt-n-v -- to clear NV RAM,
                         cmd-opt-o-f -- to boot into open firmware … and nothing. The DVD is in and I have
                                                black screen with three beeps and flashing LED.
Do I have to replace the Logic Board?   (Anyone has a spare one ?)
But it is the faulty Logic board?
Could anyone help me out? Please.
I'm retired and I cannot afford a new laptop - and this powerbook was a great, great horse for me until that horrible set of three beeps.
Thank you in advance for any advice and help.
Martin
THE SPECS OF MY POWERBOOK:
Model Family:
Powerbook G4 Aluminum
Processor:
1.67GHz G4 (PowerPC 7457B)
Manufacturer:
Motorola
# of CPUs:
1
Codename:
Apollo 7
Display:
Size:
15.2"
Finish:
Matte
Resolution:
1280x854
Backlight:
CCFL
Base Memory:
1gig PC2700 SODIMM
Brand:
Apple
Wireless:
802.11b/g
Color(s):
Aluminum
Original OS:
Mac OS X 10.6.3
Battery:
50-watt-hour removable lithium-ion battery
Graphics:
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 (64MB)
Base Storage:
80GB 5400RPM EIDE 2.5"
Optical Drive:
8x Superdrive
Model Number:
A1106
Sales Number(s):
M9677LL/A
Machine Number(s):
PowerBook5,6
Dimensions:
13.7 in x 9.5 in x 1.1 in
Weight:
5.6 lb
Production:
Jan 31, 2005 - Oct 19, 2005
Factory:
China
Production Year:
2005
Production Week:
35 (September)
Production Number:
4240

But it is the faulty Logic board?
There was a known issue with LBs in 15-inch PowerBooks with 1.5 and 1.67Ghz processors in which one RAM slot would fail. There once was a repair extension program that fixed the problem at no cost, but it is long-expired.
The problem with seeking a used logic board for these models is that so many had their boards replaced that it increases the chances of the boards in the used/pulled markets having the same problem you have now. The replacement program also came close to exhausting the supply of new boards,
If it turns out to be a bad LB and you can't find a replacement, consider how used computer pricing works: A used computer is worth hugely more in parts than if bought as a working unit. I.E, you can probably find a working PowerBook that will cost less than the logic bard alone. It also possible to find a used MacBook Pro for less that a replacement LB.
If you tell us your approximate geographic location, we can see what's available nearby. I'm also retired, and and visiting my wife's family this week so have even more time than usual to help you search.
Regards,
Allan Jones

500Mhz Titanium PowerBook power issue (won't start up)

My 500Mhz Titanium PowerBook is having power issues, and I can't tell what's causing the problem.
We usually default to using the adapter because the old battery only holds a charge for about 30-45 minutes or so...This isn't really a problem because we only use it around the house.
Earlier today, my wife said it didn't recognize AC power, but when moved to a different outlet, it did. I came along later and moved it to the previous outlet, and again, it didn't recognize AC. I then moved it to a third outlet, and it still didn't begin charging.
After a few minutes of battery power, it went to reserve. I still tried a fourth outlet to no avail, then just shut it down at about 12% reserve. Now I can't get it to start up at all.
I've disconnected everything, tried the "60-second rest," and resetting the PMU, but the PB still won't start up.
Any suggestions?
On an semi-related note, I read this article regarding identification of power adapters:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75448#922-4323
...and I'm puzzled as to why Apple doesnt refer to the adapter model number but instead uses some other ID which I can find no mention of on my adapter. This "yo-yo" adapter has "Model No. M7332" imprinted on it and according to the article, as far as I can tell, Apple refers to it as a 922-4323 with a 922-4529 cord--numbers I can find no reference to on the adapter or cord. Am I missing something?
500Mhz PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Hi, Sluggo. Remove the main battery, plug the AC adapter into an outlet that causes the adapter's ring light to come on, and leave the powerbook that way to charge the internal backup battery for at least four hours (overnight is easy). Then put the main battery back in, give that some time to charge up at least partially, and then try starting the PB (still on AC power). Post back with results.
A weak or dead backup battery can prevent a Tibook from starting at all. A weak or dead main battery may, in some cases, divert all charging energy away from the backup battery until the main battery is fully charged — or indefinitely, if the main battery is no longer capable of taking a charge. The main battery charge-level indicator on the menu bar is usually wildly inaccurate by the time the battery is only able to deliver ~30 minutes of ordinary working time. Whatever percentage it reports is probably untrustworthy and may be pure moonshine.
With respect to different outlets producing different results in the adapter, that isn't related to the backup battery. Try a different, known-good AC adapter, if possible, and see whether it behaves the same way yours does when connected to your various electrical outlets. If its behavior is identical (not likely but possible), read the two articles linked below and consider getting an uninterruptible power supply unit to condition your AC power, which may be noisy.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302461
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=32155
If a known-good adapter behaves normally and as expected when connected to all your outlets, replace your adapter.

Titanium PowerBook G4 500mhz won't start up

Hi,
I see this is a common occurance with the Titanium PowerBooks. The last few years my battery has been nearly non-functional -- it gets maybe a minute of charge. For the last 8 months or so, I have kept the PowerBook off and unplugged to save from "vampire drain." But today the PowerBook won't start up: When I press the power button there is no effect.
The newer white power cord shows the orange, charging light, when plugged in. And this continues to stay orange even when I leave it plugged in for hours.
Again this is a 15" TiG4 Titanium PowerBook G4 500mhz. It's running 10.2.8.
After reading this suggestion: http://archive.macfixitforums.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/449628 ,
I tried resetting the Power Manager (I think this is the PMU), by first taking out the battery and unplugging the computer; then depressing the small button on the back of the PowerBook, under the input flap panel, for 15 (more like 25) seconds. Then I plugged the computer in and tried to start it up. I did this three or four times. No luck.
So I suppose the next step is disconnecting the PRAM battery? However, another thread says there is no PRAM battery in this model.
Any ideas for the next step? Taking it to an apple store is an option, but if I can user-install fix it that is fine too. I do have the star-shaped screwdriver head.
Thanks for help.

Twelve-inchers didn't have backup batteries, the rest do. See this Powerbook Medic page for some information on the early G4 machines.
You can find various sources for replacements using a Google search for "922-4361 backup battery" as a start.
You could also look to OWC for a replacement main battery.

My powerbook won't start up

my powerbook won't start up propperly. instead i can heer 5 beeps and the power indicator flashes. screen stays black. nothing! i tried to connect to an other mac with firewire but my powerbook doesn't respond. i also tried to use the startup disc but again...nothing. what next?
does anyone have an answer to this disaster?
powerbook g4 15' Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Sorry to hear about your startup problems. 5 beeps is bad...per this Apple note, it says the processor is unavailable: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58442

Powerbook G4 ~ 10.4.11 won't start

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for