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John61254

Q: Powerbook G4: three small beeps and no start-up

My son has a Powerbook G4, purchased in July of 2004.
I believe it's a 1.5GHz processor, with 512 RAM, running (I think) Tiger.
It was working fine, but yesterday he went to start it up and all he gets are three small, but distinct, beeps, followed by silence and a black screen. The small white power indicator in the screen latch button then blinks four times, holds solid (white) for a few seconds, blinks four more times, etc.
I've tried a PRAM reset. No go.
Anyone know what these three beeps mean and what, if anything, we can do to get up and running.
thanks

20" intel imac /17" macbook pro/iphone 3G, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jul 10, 2010 3:56 PM

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Q: Powerbook G4: three small beeps and no start-up

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  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Jul 10, 2010 4:01 PM in response to John61254
    Level 10 (312,625 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 10, 2010 4:01 PM in response to John61254
    Remove and reinsert the computer's RAM. If that doesn't work, use different modules.

    (52696)
  • by Texas Mac Man,Helpful

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jul 10, 2010 6:11 PM in response to John61254
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jul 10, 2010 6:11 PM in response to John61254
    Anyone know what these three beeps mean


    See *Power On Self-Test Beep Definition* http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1547 The blinking LED is also described.

    I believe that the RAM is not being recognized. Has the PB been dropped. To reseat the RAM, look at the instructions at this link. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/PowerBook

     Cheers, Tom

  • by John61254,

    John61254 John61254 Jul 10, 2010 6:23 PM in response to Niel
    Level 4 (2,515 points)
    Jul 10, 2010 6:23 PM in response to Niel
    Bingo!
    Took out the RAM (which was the original factory install) and placed it back in the same slot.
    Started up (it didn't start right up the first try, but I did a PRAM reset and then it worked).
    I have a feeling he dropped or bumped the machine and may have loosened the card (though it seemed ok in the slot). Or perhaps just years of dust made for a bad connection.
    At any rate, it seems to be working normally now.
    Since he has only one 512 RAM card now, perhaps it would be wise to buy a second card. Then, not only will the machine run better, but if the original card shells again, the new card should (hopefully) keep him going.
    Thanks a lot to both of you who responded.
    I love these forums!
    Have a problem, post it, and within 30 minutes, problem solved!
    Have a great day!