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Jan 4, 2008 8:12 AM in response to Quincy Minorby jpl,Quincy,
That is an odd problem, especially since a replacement logic board made no difference; as far as I know, the memory controller is on the logic board. This leads to several conclusions:
1. You actually have 64MB and 32MB memory modules. A 64MB module in the bottom slot was the standard configuration from the factory.
2. You have incorrect memory modules for the Lombard.
3. You have a bad microprocessor card.
I would suggest this: Buy either a 128MB or 256MB module from OWC and test. The 128MB can be had for $17 and the low-profile 256MB for $38. If you buy the 256MB, make certain it is for the Lombard and also spend the few extra dollars for the low-profile...it can be used in either slot. If the known-compatible memory makes no difference, then another microprocessor card would be the next step.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iBooks-PowerBooks/G3-Lombard/
The early iMac, Wallstreet, and Lombard require special architecture on the 256MB modules due to their Grackle memory controller; incorrect 256s will only read as 128s. However, this does not apply to 128s or smaller and is not your problem (although it would certainly appear so).
I would not spend the money for a G4 500MHz upgrade card...move up to a newer machine if greater speed and capability are necessary. The Lombard and Pismo are great machines but at 8+ years, save your dough for a newer/new laptop. -
Jan 4, 2008 9:02 AM in response to jplby Quincy Minor,jpl, you sound like a marketing guru! You have mentioned upgrading several times. ha ha, thanks for the info. Believe me if the memory or new processor card doesn't work I will be upgrading. -
Jan 8, 2008 9:10 PM in response to Quincy Minorby Quincy Minor,So I ordered the low-profile 256 from OWC, and now the system won't even boot into OSX. It gets to the boot screen and says waiting for network configuration then it freezes. I removed the HD, Pram, modem, keyboard, mouse one at a time. I tried the memory in both slots. I even tried to boot from the OS9 CD which worked fine until it asked what drive to install and I had no HD installed. With the panther CD the log file says using cache and the installer said reading packages everytime it froze. Both CD's show the system recognizes 256 ram. I even tried battery and adapter. Does this show anything new? -
Jan 9, 2008 8:16 AM in response to Quincy Minorby jpl,Quincy,
There is an issue with some Lombard microprocessor cards when running OSX regarding RAM and the top memory slot.
Question: When you first installed the 256, did you remove the old memory cards, then place the 256 in the top slot?
Just to speed things up and see if all the hardware is good, I would try this:
-replace all the hardware (it should be good);
-place the 256 in the bottom slot and leave the top empty;
-reset the PRAM as you are starting up:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
-immediately press the shift-key after releasing the PRAM-reset keys so you will boot into Safe Mode.
Safe Boot/Mode will only load the necessary files to start up plus will run First Aid. If successful, restart normally.
A working Lombard with a good OSX installation will run fine with just 256MB in the bottom slot if it has the microprocessor card with top memory slot issues. Let's see if the above will get you running. -
Jan 9, 2008 8:50 PM in response to jplby Quincy Minor,I removed the old memory cards and placed the 256 in the bottom slot, I also tried it in the top. I tried everything you said, but when the desktop is loading in safe mode it freezes. -
Jan 10, 2008 9:08 AM in response to Quincy Minorby jpl,Quincy,
Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. The only thing I can suggest at this point is to install 9.x, if possible, and see how the 'book performs with the 256MB in the bottom slot. You can easily drag the 9.x System Folder and Applications (MacOS 9) folder to the trash when necessary. The only issue with this recommendation is the possibility that the MacOS 9 HD driver is not installed; if this is the case, you will not be able to boot to 9.x after installing it on the HD and you cannot install the HD driver after OSX is installed.
If you can install and run 9.x successfully, try booting again to the OSX CD. If it fails, is this the same OSX CD which you used to install OSX?
If the OSX CD does boot, first run Disk Utilities against the HD and if no help, try reinstalling OSX.
Edit: Reinstall 9.x after OSX:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106294
Message was edited by: jpl -
Jan 11, 2008 8:30 AM in response to jplby Quincy Minor,A funny thing happened. I have been able to succesfully boot into safe mode several times. However, after about 5 minutes it will freeze up. It still won't boot into OSX. I have disconnected PRAM, and keyboard but no luck. I'm starting to wonder if the hard drive is failing. Would this cause the computer to freeze? How can you tell if the HD is failing? I have not been able to run disk utility yet because it will freeze in that program. -
by Grant Bennet-Alder,Jan 11, 2008 8:48 AM in response to Quincy Minor
Grant Bennet-Alder
Jan 11, 2008 8:48 AM
in response to Quincy Minor
Level 9 (61,016 points)
DesktopsMac OS 9 Drive Setup (available in the "Utilities" folder on any System CD) contains a function called "Test Disk". This reads every block to assure that all can be read correctly. If run after a "Write Zeroes" (which erases all your data) Test Disk forces the drive controller to substitute spare blocks for any blocks found defective during the test. -
Jan 11, 2008 9:55 AM in response to Quincy Minorby jpl,quincy,
Please follow Grant's suggestion of testing the HD; if found to be good, consider what follows.
I am beginning to think you may have one of the bad microprocessors for which the Lombard is known. The Lombard will run perfectly with the maximum RAM (2x256) of 512MB in 9.x, but exhibit these symptoms with any version of OSX and memory in the top slot:
-failure to boot the OSX disk;
-if the disk boots, failure when installing;
-if the install is good, failure to restart to the HD;
-if it restarts to the HD, random freezes.
I think at this point it will be helpful to check the version number of your CPU, but you need 9.x to run this utility. I am not sure if a booted 9.x CD will run the utility but give it a try first if 9.x is not installed. Download 'PPC Checker' here:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/G3CARDS/PPCchecker/
If it reports this...
PowerPC 750L (LoneStar, Rev2.2) Copper G3 PVR = 0x00088202
...you have the troublemaker.
I realize you have been running OSX with memory in both slots but these were small modules. I may have been misled by this fact and should have suggested you buy the low-profile 256MB for the lower slot. However, every suspect microprocessor behaves in different ways and yours may run OSX with small modules in both slots. PPC Checker will reveal whether you have the bad CPU. If it turns out to be so, see if the memory vendor will swap your standard height module (approx. 2.0" from pins to opposite side) for a low-profile 256MB (1.5" or less). These microprocessor cards will run fine with just a 256MB in the lower slot and the top empty.
Again I am sorry I did not suggest the above sooner...it may have saved you a lot of work.