iBook G4 will not boot

Question

Level 1

4 points

iBook G4 will not boot

I know, giving it a shot. I just want to wipe the drive and do a fresh install. Thought it would be a fun side project, I was wrong.

Normal boot goes into the question mark/icon folder. (No available boot image). I tried all boot commands, nothing. Not even recovery mode.

Booted from install disk, started the install automatically. When it asks for install drive, none selectable. From disk utility, I have one drive (physical drive) and one install drive. Disk Utility has all options greyed out except permisions. Both return errror "Error: No valid packagesb(-9997)

Hoping booting from CD would let me erase, partition, etc. I would live to give you specs, but can't even get that far. Install disk is grey with no version listed.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Nov 8, 2023 4:46 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

23,401 points

Nov 8, 2023 6:10 PM in response to ottervgb

Hi,

Recovery mode was for later Mac computers.

Do you know whether the install disc was the one for this exact iBook G4 model? Is there not any text/number on the disc?

If you take a close look at the iBook's case (a magnifying glass may be needed), any additional text, model number, et cetera? Please do not post a serial number.

The iBook G4 has a FireWire 400 port. With access to another Mac with FireWire, it is possible to use FireWire target disk mode (the T key is used on the target computer to enable this mode). This can be useful for hard disk inspection/repair, system installation operations and file transfers. The FireWire port would also allow booting from an external drive.

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/index-ibook.html

Reply

Answer 2

ottervgb Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 8, 2023 6:36 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Pretty sure they are the correct discs. I found them in a stack of AOL Free Internet disks. I kid. This is the only iBook I have owned. Discs are labled iBook g4 Software and Restore disc x of x. DVD version 1.0 2Z691-4925-A. Trademark date is 2004.

Back label is tested by FCC, Apple trademarks, etc. Olny pertinant info is Model A1055

Forgot about Firewire. That could work. Think I have a backup drive somewhere.

Reply