Tristris389

Q: iMac G4 graphical bug

My iMac G4 1GHz model has weird graphical problems where there will be colored lines by the taskbar and on safari. I don't experience problems anywhere else. My iMac runs Mac OS 10.5.8 leopard. Do i have to do a fresh reinstall of the OS?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 1 GHz 1.25 GB RAM

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 5:07 AM

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Q: iMac G4 graphical bug

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  • by K Shaffer,Apple recommended

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 28, 2016 1:55 PM in response to Tristris389
    Level 6 (14,259 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 28, 2016 1:55 PM in response to Tristris389

    You may be able to try and see if a reset of the Power Management Unit (PMU) can help

    since the reset can affect the information set in the chip, and some of that may be related

    to the graphics processor...

     

    • Resetting the iMac (Flat Panel) Power Management Unit (PMU) - Apple Support

     

    Another reset that may affect the display and graphics is the PRAM (parameter random

    access memory) reset; the instructions on how to perform that, are exactly the same as

    those for NVRAM reset. So here's a link that says NVRAM that will reset the PRAM.

    The other support article was depreciated and replaced some time ago with this...

     

    • How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    Also at some point the clock battery on the logic board will no longer support holding

    settings of the PRAM and power management unit between power disruptions or

    periods of storage. Or at some point when the battery no longer holds 3.6V. It then

    would need replaced. http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAA36VPRAM/

    An example of the correct 1/2AA 3.6V Lithium cell is shown ^ here, at fair price.

     

    Be sure to make and keep a suitable external backup of your work files in archive.

     

    There may be some hardware issue, since the model is vintage/obsolete. A service

    provider who could deal with these is also becoming rarer; as experienced techs

    with hands-on are decreasing in number.

     

    If you need instructions on how to access the battery replacement, or other, ask.

    Good luck & happy computing!