I have a great PowerBook G4, but I have a growing number of vertical streaks appearing on my screen. Suggestions? A software or hardware problem? If hardware, can I replace the screen myself (I am pretty handy). Any suggestions welcome. Thanks, Mike in Virginia.
PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.6)
First, point of clarity, you don't have OS X 10.6 installed on your Powerbook. Max possible is 10.5.
If you have the original OS X disks that came with your system, you might run the Apple hardware test to see if it spots any obvious hardware problem. Insert the disk that says in small print on the label 'AHT Version x.x'. Reboot holding the alt/option key down. Choose the Apple hardware test, and when prompted, choose the extended test. While the extended test is running, you might push the command and L keys, to loop the test, as sometimes it can take several runs to find an issue. If you have either of the TechTool programs, they can do similar testing.
If the AHT says everything is OK, I would see if you can hook up an external display, to see if you have the same vertical streak issue. If so, it's a video hardware issue. If not, it's likely a screen issue. To see what's involved with replacing the screen, should you decide to do that, see http://www.ifixit.com/Browse/PowerBook_G4_Aluminum . Choose your system then choose display or LCD.
There is a massively long thread in here somewhere about vertical streaks on G4 PowerBooks having a serial number beginning with "W8." Apparently they all came for the same plant, as the leading ser # characters at that time were codes for the place of manufacturer.
Allan,
Thx for the info. I tried to find the thread, but could not. Can you offer any help there?
Also, I visited the Presto plant several times in Lewiston. You certainly live in a beautiful place.
Mike in VA.
Hi Mike,
The massive thread is here:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/967815?answerId=5088804022#5088804022
I stopped reading it when it exceeded the length of the Encyclopedia Britannica, but I don't recall anyone getting a satisfactory resolution to the problems. As I understand, these were discreet lines, often colored, that were one to two pixels wide, and alway vertical. If yours is not "W8" serial number, you probably have something different afoot.
I think you visited Lewiston Utah--I see there is a Presto facility there. We're in Idaho, about 100 miles south of Spokane WA, smack on the WA-ID border. Still a lovely place to be, with some of the mildest winters in the inland Northwest. We moved here from Dallas TX nearly 25 years ago and never looked back. Love it here!
Streaks on Screen
