Leo Earle
Level 1 (45 points)

Q: Powerbook monitor not turning on, emits engaged telephone sound

Hi, my Powerbook G4's monitor doesn't turn on anymore.

 

When I turn on my laptop it no longer plays the Apple theme but it does make the normal computer revving up noises (including the fans starting) and the light on the button for opening/closing the lid flashes. Strangely, on startup the laptop also emits a ringing sound, just like a telephone's engaged tone. BUT, the monitor/screen/display stays blank.

 

Sometimes when I startup (e.g. 1 in 100 times) the monitor does turn on however.

 

I tried searching on Google for ideas but none of the answers mentioned the strange telephone engaged tone I experience. Some mentioned starting up using the Apple startup disk but there is a music CD in the disk drive that I can't eject.

 

Cheers,

 

Leao

PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on May 6, 2012 8:29 AM

by Leo Earle,Solvedanswer
Leo Earle Leo Earle
Level 1 (45 points)
A:

Hi,

 

I solved the problem. The chimes/engaged tone meant the RAM wasn't in place. I opened up the RAM compartment, took the RAM out, blew on it, put it back in again, screwed the compartment back on again and now the computer works fine. Note, I did all this with the laptop unplugged and the battery ejected. My laptop must have received a heavy knock that put the RAM out of position. Look at some youtube videos on how to replace RAM on Powerbooks, the same process as reseating it, in order to do it safely.

 

Leao

Posted on May 8, 2012 7:57 AM

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Q: Powerbook monitor not turning on, emits engaged telephone sound

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  • by Shawn Grinter 2,

    Shawn Grinter 2 Shawn Grinter 2 May 8, 2012 5:57 AM in response to Leo Earle
    Level 3 (964 points)
    May 8, 2012 5:57 AM in response to Leo Earle

    I think it's the "Chimes of Death" sound - i.e. there is a hardware fault.

     

    Probably a tri[p to a repair shop I'm afraid unless you can try booting from some other device. Even then if it's say a RAM or Motherboard fault you'll still be SOL.

     

    Regards,

    Shawn

  • by Leo Earle,Solvedanswer

    Leo Earle Leo Earle May 8, 2012 7:57 AM in response to Shawn Grinter 2
    Level 1 (45 points)
    May 8, 2012 7:57 AM in response to Shawn Grinter 2

    Hi,

     

    I solved the problem. The chimes/engaged tone meant the RAM wasn't in place. I opened up the RAM compartment, took the RAM out, blew on it, put it back in again, screwed the compartment back on again and now the computer works fine. Note, I did all this with the laptop unplugged and the battery ejected. My laptop must have received a heavy knock that put the RAM out of position. Look at some youtube videos on how to replace RAM on Powerbooks, the same process as reseating it, in order to do it safely.

     

    Leao