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Helpful answers
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Dec 26, 2012 6:30 AM in response to jpunchby BGreg,Run the Apple hardware test. Find your original OS X disks that came with the system, find the one that says in small print "AHT Version x.x" in small print on the label. Insert it and reboot holding the alt/option key down. Choose the Apple hardware test, and when prompted, choose the extended test. TechTool Deluxe and TechTool Pro can do similar testing.
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Dec 26, 2012 8:22 AM in response to jpunchby Allan Jones,If your serial number starts with "W8" it is likely a known issue that affected displays from one plant in China during the period PowerBooks were being made. If that is the case, no amount of troubleshooting will fix the problem--the display has to be replaced.
However, a little troubleshooting before considering a new display over a new computer is to attach an external monitor. If the lines disappear on the external, then the problem is limit to the display or its cabling but not the video hardware. In that case, a display replacement will be possible althought potentially expensive. If the problem continues on the external display then the video hardware on the logic board is affected and it's likely not something you want to pay for, as the expense could approach the cost of a refurbished MacBook Pro.
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Jan 1, 2013 2:07 PM in response to Allan Jonesby agent_coquette,THANK YOU!!! I do not "like" the answer obviously, but so very thankful you answered it. Mine began w/ a green vertical line down centre, for about 8 months. It eventually faded away after not allowing it to "sleep" or when "in" use I would unplug power cord to prevent overheating, I would also work in relative short stints, then close Powerbook to allow it to cool down, then plug back in to charge (while laptop is closed). Lines went away, now over a year "line- free"...... I have two vertical (one green, one red) lines on right side only. GREAT........... <sigh>
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Mar 10, 2013 8:51 AM in response to jpunchby jvd-nls,Now my wife has a Powerbook 15" with also a screen full of vertical lines, just since this morning. The Powerbook body is more warm than normal. I am wondering what happened to you people having this problem, Did you find out what caused the problem? Did you soleve it and how did you solve it?
Would be great to know!
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Mar 10, 2013 11:09 AM in response to Allan Jonesby jvd-nls,I have indeed, however do not have an other display at hand. So I'll try to run a hardware test, to see if this gives any answer about the cause.
Also I checked the serial number and it indeed starts with W84, however it's a 15 and not 17 inch screen.
The least I hope that it's the logic board causing the problem.
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Mar 10, 2013 6:32 PM in response to jvd-nlsby Allan Jones,The W8 problems even extended to other models, like some G5 iMacs. W8 is the code for one factory that installed a lot of bad displays. I doubt the hardware test will pick up anything if the lines are the only problem with the computer. There is no easy fix--you need a new display.
Good news is It's a problem with the display itself and not the logic board (based of others' experience). The bad news is that replacement displays are expensive on both the parts and labor sides. It's up to you to decide how much you wish to invest in a computer whose latest version are now nearly 7 years old. Right now the cheapest thin would be to find a used monitor with a DVI connection and use it, basically turning the PowerBook into a desktop unit.
By the way, if you let us know your approximate geographic location, people may be able to point you to some trusted service providers. Apple Stores will not work on computers more tham about five years old, so you'll need a third-party service center.
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Mar 12, 2013 3:15 PM in response to jpunchby jvd-nls,Hi Allan,
Thanks for your reply.
I was adviced to make a screenshot of the Powerbook and send this screenshot to my other Mac.
The suggestion was that in case the lines would not show in de screenshot opened on my other Mac, it would likely be the cebeling or the screen
In case the lines would show up in the ecreenshot on my other Mac, the problem is in the Logicboard.
Now I am not shure if these conclusions are correct so can you say anything sencefull about these suggesntions?
Are they correct?
Btw I excecuted the above and the lines show up in the screenshot when opened on my other Mac.