Why must I zap PRAM at each boot?

Question

Why must I zap PRAM at each boot?

Every time I boot I get the grey screen with the apple and nothing else. If I zap the PRAM, (Control, Command, P, R) a lot, about 200 seconds, I can get it to boot. An added complication is that I have to use an imic for sound as the sound ports are damaged so I can not hear the start up tone, thus requiring guess work as to when the PRAM is zapped. Any ideas on how to not have to zap the PRAM every time I boot? Thank you for your time.

TiBook G4 1GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 9, 2011 6:20 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 9, 2011 10:58 PM in response to Anand Keathley

You might try this one fix, which is to reset the non-volatile memory, or NVRAM using open firmware.

To boot into open firmware, hold down the cmd-option-O-F key combination at power on until you get a white terminal screen with dark lettering. Type the following three commands:

*reset-nvram <cr>*
*set-defaults <cr>*
*reset-all <cr>*

The last command will cause a reboot. It may do some good, it may not.

If it doesn't help things out, then the next thing to look at would be the backup battery. Unfortunately, Panasonic quit making the 3.7 volt CGL3032 six years ago, which is a problem. You can get pulled battery/circuit board assemblies, but unless the battery has been replaced with something newer, it's likely going to be weak or non working.

Adventuresome folks can get [a replacement battery|http://www.ifixit.com/PowerBook-Parts/PowerBook-G4-PRAM-Battery/IF154-1 22], which requires some soldering skill, to replace the original.

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Answer 2

DonH49

Level 6

16,704 points

Apr 10, 2011 7:49 AM in response to Anand Keathley

you could also try a power management reset.

search apple support for the how to...

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Answer 3

Apr 10, 2011 10:00 AM in response to DonH49

Smokerz wrote:
you could also try a power management reset.

search apple support for the how to...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431

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