g4 powerbook will not reformat hard drive

Question

Level 1

5 points

g4 powerbook will not reformat hard drive

I just purchased a refurbished powerbook g4 alum I replaced the hard drive but can not reformat hard drive the drive was working fine in an ibook g4 and it works in a g4 titanium. the utility disk sees the drive but states error -20 when itry to erase and format the drive everything else works fine.

powerbook g4 alum., Mac OS X (10.5.7), 867mhz

Posted on Sep 21, 2009 10:05 AM

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Answer 1

kmac1036

Level 4

2,370 points

Sep 21, 2009 10:30 AM in response to ATPTWC327

try resetting the PRAM & PMU on the machine

PMU: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431#faq10
PRAM: Hold Command Option P R keys at startup until you hear the chime a 2nd time.

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Answer 2

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Sep 21, 2009 7:12 PM in response to ATPTWC327

ATPTWC327:

Error code -20

-20 writErr Driver can't respond to Write call

The HDD is shot. Get a new one.

😉 cornelius

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Answer 3

ATPTWC327 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 22, 2009 9:21 AM in response to cornelius

Hard Drive works fine in my g4 titanium 500 mhz.

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Answer 4

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Sep 22, 2009 9:39 AM in response to ATPTWC327

Hard Drive works fine in my g4 titanium 500 mhz.

Try formatting it on the titanium. You can format it there and install and see if it works in the 12".

😉 cornelius

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Answer 5

ATPTWC327 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 22, 2009 9:53 AM in response to cornelius

HDD is formatted running 10.4.11 on the Titanium, but when I move it to the powerbook it is not recognized, When I try to reformat it using 10.4 disc it is not recognized, when I use disk utility is shows the hard drive but when I try to erase and reformat it still says error -20.

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Answer 6

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Sep 22, 2009 10:10 AM in response to ATPTWC327

ATPTWC327:

when I use disk utility is shows the hard drive but when I try to erase and reformat it still says error -20.

As noted earlier error -20 is a write error. The HDD must be able to respond to read and write calls to be functional. Place the HDD in the Titanium PB again and download and run SMART Utility - 2.0.2. If all systems pass the tests then the drive is sound and you have a more serious issue with the PB G4 12-inch.

😉 cornelius

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Answer 7

ATPTWC327 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 23, 2009 9:56 AM in response to cornelius

Well the hard drive passed all tests, works fine in 2 older powerbooks and one ibook thanks to those who allowed me to install it on their books, now I have to figure what to do with limited resources on how to get this powerbook up and running. It's hard to keep up with the times when u can't afford a powerbook with no issues. Any idea on how I can find a hard drive cable as ifixit does not have any, and I've been told it could be the logic board. Anyone have a working powerbook g4 for sale dirt cheap. NEED HELP CAN'T SURVIVE GOING TO LIBRARY TO USE A PC, PC'S SUCK.......

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Answer 8

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Sep 23, 2009 10:19 AM in response to ATPTWC327

ATPTWC327:

It would have been easier had it been that the HDD was bad. With the PB G4 12" it could be the ribbon cable, or the logic board. I suspect that it is the latter. However, it would be easier to test the ribbon cable with a different one. Here is the cable on eBay. If that does not do the trick you are looking at a logic board.

😉 cornelius

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Answer 9

ATPTWC327 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 30, 2009 11:16 AM in response to cornelius

Well I got a new ribbon and the hard drive is still showing error -20. Is this going to cost alot or should I save again another 3 months and get a different powerbook. I am on a fixed income and as much as I would like a macbook I just can't afford anything more than $250.00. someone give me suggestions please.

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Answer 10

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Sep 30, 2009 11:27 AM in response to ATPTWC327

ATPTWC327:

A replacement logic board will cost you more than the computer is worth at iFixit. You may get it on eBay for less, but I wouldn't take the chance. Sounds like you should start saving for a new computer.

😉 cornelius

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