I have my old original 2003 i Book, I got it out to erase so I can discard it, all I get on the screen is a small file square with a question mark in it, flashing. I want to make sure it is erased, I dont have my original disc.
Thank You, Marianne
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Earlier Mac models
Hi,
This means that the computer cannot find a valid system. There may be several reasons for this.
You could try to press and hold the Shift key at startup to see if there is any change. You could also try to press and hold the four keys Command(Apple), Option(Alt), P and R immediately at startup (hold until a second startup sound can be heard, if any).
You would need an appropriate bootable tools CD (system disc) in order to (securely) erase the hard disk.
Do you have another Mac with a FireWire port? If so, FireWire target disk mode could be used to gain access to the internal hard drive of the iBook.
If nothing else helps, you may have to open the iBook and remove the internal hard drive (try a web search for details). The removed hard drive can be connected to another Mac (or possibly a PC with software for Mac disks) in an attempt to read the contents (and/or erase the hard disk). For this you would need a universal USB bare drive adapter such as the example at https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/U3NV2SPATA/). Alternatively, keep (or destroy) the hard drive and recycle the computer.
Hi,
This means that the computer cannot find a valid system. There may be several reasons for this.
You could try to press and hold the Shift key at startup to see if there is any change. You could also try to press and hold the four keys Command(Apple), Option(Alt), P and R immediately at startup (hold until a second startup sound can be heard, if any).
You would need an appropriate bootable tools CD (system disc) in order to (securely) erase the hard disk.
Do you have another Mac with a FireWire port? If so, FireWire target disk mode could be used to gain access to the internal hard drive of the iBook.
If nothing else helps, you may have to open the iBook and remove the internal hard drive (try a web search for details). The removed hard drive can be connected to another Mac (or possibly a PC with software for Mac disks) in an attempt to read the contents (and/or erase the hard disk). For this you would need a universal USB bare drive adapter such as the example at https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/U3NV2SPATA/). Alternatively, keep (or destroy) the hard drive and recycle the computer.
You're welcome! Thank you for the report. In this case, if you want to make sure that the everything is properly erased, you could of course remove (and keep or destroy) the hard drive. Removing a hard drive from an iBook is not very easy, though. If one knows where the hard drive is located, one could just drill a few holes from the outside, but one would normally want to avoid damaging an old computer in good optical condition. You may be able to find someone who could repair it as a hobby project. It could also be used for parts. An iBook and its accessories (such as the power adapter) may have a limited financial value.
Thank You Jan, I did try your 1st 2 options, but no luck. I really just want to e waste this iBook, I did erase it a few years ago, but can't check to see if it is still cleared off. Thank You for your help. It is in really perfect condition and only used a couple of years, but I have all my new Mac equipment and no longer need it.
Thanks for your help. :)
2003 iBook shows a square with a question mark inside when turned on
