Stuck at the Gray Apple Startup Screen

Question

I've got a bit of an issue here I could use some help on. Let me first start by saying that I've already researched this some on these boards, but the folks with similar issue threads didn't seem to cover my issue.
I have a PowerPC G4 with 1Ghz/1Gig Ram (I'll call it "Server" for this discussion), that I use as a storage center for my files. It has 2 hard-drives in it that segregate my jobs. I normally connect to each of these hard-drives from my work station to work.
I was gone on vacation for the past 5 days, and left only the Server turned on so I could hook up to it remotely if need be. I returned this morning, booted up my work station, and went to connect to the Server. When I did, neither of the hard drives were showing up over the network, although each was accessible directly at the Server. I decided to reboot the Server to see if they would then show up. This is where my trouble begins...
The computer promptly booted up to the gray screen. I let it sit here for about 10 minutes with no progression. I then decided to try and startup from my OSX install CD so that I could run the disk utility. Oddly, it would not boot from the CD. I tried this a few times, holding down the "C" key each time, but it would just boot to the gray screen and sit idle there.
I then decided to try booting in safe-mode. So I restarted and held down the "shift" key. This seemed to do nothing as well. I discovered online that sometimes it takes awhile for a safe-mode boot, so I have left the computer with a weight holding down the shift-key for the past 30 minutes. Still nothing. Sitting at the gray screen with the small revolving circle of lines.
I have disconnected every peripheral except the monitor and network cable. It is almost like the keyboard isn't being read. I can't eject the CD while at the gray screen, although if I mash the eject key right after the "bong" on reboot, it will eject.
I'm at a loss here and would appreciate any help or insight. I'll keep a close eye on this thread and reply asap to any who has some ideas. Thanks in advance.
Chris Zimmerman
The Nicholson Group

Answer 1

Hi, Chris.
1. For the inability to start up from a CD:1.1 Try resetting resetting PRAM and NVRAM.
1.2 Try resetting the PMU (Power Management Unit). Depending on the type of G4 you have, one of the following should apply:• "Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics/Gigabit Ethernet): Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board."
• "Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics): Resetting the Logic Board."
If you are unsure as to which model PowerMac G4 you have, start with "PowerMac G4 Models."
2. If you can then boot from a CD:2.1. Run the Apple Hardware Test that came with the affected computer. See my "Apple Hardware Test" FAQ for comprehensive advice on using the Apple Hardware Test in troubleshooting, including running the test in Loop Mode.
2.2. Run the procedure specified in my "Resolving Disk, Permission, and Cache Corruption" FAQ. Perform the steps therein in the order specified.3. As a guess to cause, a power failure may have occurred while you were away. That may have damaged either the affected Mac's hardware or corrupted its startup disk in some way. I recommend all desktop computers have their own UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to prevent such power-related problems.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
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