No RAM banks passed memory testing?

Question

Level 1

8 points

No RAM banks passed memory testing?

I was running Firefox and everything froze up, even the mouse was stuck. I tried to force quit, but it didn't work. So, I turned the computer off, and when I tried to restart I get nothing. The fans start up, but the screen remains black and I hear 3 loud beeps.

I looked this up and it means *no RAM banks passed memory testing*. I have no idea what that means, but I need to fix it ASAP since all my schoolwork is on this computer. With limited computer knowledge, is there a way I can fix this myself? (i.e., mashing special sequences of keys while putting my feet behind my head and chanting OM?)

The nearest Apple store is soo far away... This has never happened before, and I haven't had any problems since I bought the thing almost 3 years ago.
Maybe I'm just due?

Powerbook G4

Posted on Apr 1, 2008 7:44 PM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,552 points

Apr 2, 2008 7:18 PM in response to haharobots

Welcome to the Apple discussions.

First, remove anything attached externally to your Powerbook.

Reset your PMU: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449
Next, reset PRAM: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

Can you boot now?

If not, next you should reseat (take it out and put it back in) the memory. Can you boot now?

Next, you can try replacing the memory (take both out if you have 2 and get one replacement to see if it works). Can you boot now?

If these steps didn't work, this is likely a logic board issue. There are some vendors who will repair the memory slots, or Apple will replace the logic board (Apple doesn't repair your logic board). Some Apple stores have a flat rate (around $325+) to repair anything wrong with your Powerbook.

If may be that an Apple Authorized Service Provider is closer to you, which you can find at http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/

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Answer 2

haharobots Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 4, 2008 5:36 PM in response to BGreg

Awesome! Reseating the memory did the trick. I thought that would be outside my realm of capabilities, but there's a tutorial here:

http://www.macinstruct.com/node/86

I spent about 5 bucks on a screwdriver, and not hundreds on new RAM and service fees. Yay!

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