Apple Hardware Test

Depending on which iBook you have, the Apple Hardware Test may be on a different install disk or a completely separate disk of its own. It may not be included on the original Mac OS X install disk (1). On the label of your disk, does it have an "AHT version XXX" written anywhere? You'll need to find the disk with this written on it.

It sounds like you're holding down on the option key at startup correctly. If you're certain you have the right disk, you might "zap the PRAM". This will make the Mac forget what drive is selected for the Startup Disk. Put the disk in the drive, restart and hold down on the Apple-option-p-r keys all at the same time. Wait until you've heard the startup chime for the third time and then let go of the keys. Now you can hold down on the option key only (you should let go for just a moment first). Sometimes this is enough to get other possible startup volumes to appear in the Startup Manager window.

-Doug

If you put the disk in, restart and hold down the option key, do you see any more icons now? You should actually see three hard drive icons (one for your internal hard drive, one for the Mac OS X installer and one for the Hardware Test) and then the "rescan" button and the "continue" button. If you're only seeing one icon, that of your internal hard drive, then it seems that startup disk may not be the correct install disk for your iBook, there's something wrong with your disk or there's something wrong with your optical drive.

-Doug

I've found the disk utility in applications>utility>disk utility. Is the correct program that i've to use ?

What are you looking for? Yes, there is a Disk Utility installed on your iBook. You can use it to "repair disk permissions" and to "verify disk" but you will have to restart from your Mac OS X install disk to be able to use the Disk Utility to "repair disk". The Disk Utility will check your file directories to make sure the Mac can find all the files on your hard drive. It will not check hardware like your AirPort card or your RAM. bvill was looking to test the hardware with Apple's Hardware Test. That is different from the Disk Utility.

-Doug

I can not find the Apple hardware test either. I have the exact same things on my computer as you have. Can anyone help us?

The Apple Hardware Test is not something you install, but is run while the Mac is booted from the disc containing the Test.

It is usually on one of the original grey-labeled system install discs (usually Install Disc 1), or possibly on a totally separate disc of its own in that same set of discs.

Besides looking for the name in large letters on a disc on which it is the only item included, look on the grey labeled discs among the fine print usually just to left or right of center for "AHT" or "AHT version."

The Apple Hardware Test has NEVER been on any black-labeled Apple install disc.

Message was edited by: myhighway