MRAMERICA

Q: iBook G4 Won't Display Boot Menu.

My iBook G4 displays the flashing question mark folder and even when holding the 'C' key down nothing happens. I have no install CDs and can't replace the hard drive. Is there any solution?

iBook

Posted on Jun 20, 2013 7:07 PM

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Q: iBook G4 Won't Display Boot Menu.

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  • by BenRector,Helpful

    BenRector BenRector Jun 21, 2013 6:17 AM in response to MRAMERICA
    Level 3 (569 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 6:17 AM in response to MRAMERICA

    Hi there,

     

    The flashing question mark indicates that your Mac can't locate a volume to start up from. It may be an issue with the Hard Drive. Holding the C key is only an option when booting from a CD/DVD. Have you tried booting whilst holding the Option (alt) key? This should give you options as to what volume to boot from.

     

    If this doesn't work, it's possibly a failing Hard Drive & in order to determine, you will need a disc to boot from in order to access Disk Utility.

     

     

    Hope that helps.

     

     

    Ben

  • by MRAMERICA,

    MRAMERICA MRAMERICA Jun 21, 2013 12:03 PM in response to BenRector
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:03 PM in response to BenRector

    Thank you very much Ben! I held the Option key down which displayed a refresh button on the left and a right facing arrow on the right, but nothing in between. If I were to purchase a compatible Mac OSX disk would it display as an option? Thanks again!

  • by BenRector,

    BenRector BenRector Jun 21, 2013 12:13 PM in response to MRAMERICA
    Level 3 (569 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:13 PM in response to MRAMERICA

    No problem. It should display an option to boot from OS X via your HD (usually titled Macintosh HD). What version of OS X are you running?

     

    Once you boot from a disc, you will be able to access Disk Utility which will then give you an indication as to what the issue is.

     

     

    Ben

  • by MRAMERICA,

    MRAMERICA MRAMERICA Jun 21, 2013 12:29 PM in response to BenRector
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:29 PM in response to BenRector

    The HD currently doesn't have an OS installed, I purchased used . I've installed Linux and Windows operating systems on my HP computer many times over the years via boot CDs and USBs. Would it be possible to install OSX on my HD through a boot disc?

  • by BenRector,

    BenRector BenRector Jun 21, 2013 12:38 PM in response to MRAMERICA
    Level 3 (569 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:38 PM in response to MRAMERICA

    So are you looking to install Mac OS X on your iBook G4? If so, the latest version you could install is 10.5 (as long as your Mac meets the requirements below) & to do this you would need a Retail Version.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/sp517

     

     

     

    Ben

  • by MRAMERICA,

    MRAMERICA MRAMERICA Jun 21, 2013 12:43 PM in response to BenRector
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:43 PM in response to BenRector

    Yeah, I was hoping to install 10.5 or earlier I just didn't want to buy the OS if it couldn't be installed to the HD.

  • by BenRector,Solvedanswer

    BenRector BenRector Jun 21, 2013 12:47 PM in response to MRAMERICA
    Level 3 (569 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:47 PM in response to MRAMERICA

    As long as your Mac meets the requirements & as long as the Hard Drive is ok you will be able to install. Remember, you can't install a version that is earlier than what it originally shipped with.

     

     

    Good luck.

     

     

    Ben

  • by MRAMERICA,

    MRAMERICA MRAMERICA Jun 21, 2013 12:50 PM in response to BenRector
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:50 PM in response to BenRector

    Thank you Ben, You've been a huge help!

  • by BenRector,

    BenRector BenRector Jun 21, 2013 12:57 PM in response to MRAMERICA
    Level 3 (569 points)
    Jun 21, 2013 12:57 PM in response to MRAMERICA

    No problem...always pleased to help.

     

     

    Happy Mac'in 

     

     

    Ben