mackydread
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: G4 15in Powerbook 1.5ghz

I have a G4 15in Powerbook 1.5ghz which I wanted to use just to transfer files on photography locations, the battery was not charging at all so I was advised to do this reset;


1. If the computer is on, turn it off.

2. Reset the power manager by simultaneously pressing and then releasing Shift-Control-Option-Power on the keyboard. Do not press the fn (Function) key while using this combination of keystrokes.

3. Wait 5 seconds.

4. Press the Power button to restart the computer.


Now after doing so the machine will not turn on at all!


Any help or ideas anyone?

iPhone 4S, iOS 8

Posted on Oct 19, 2014 4:05 AM

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mackydread

Q: G4 15in Powerbook 1.5ghz

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  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Oct 19, 2014 9:28 AM in response to mackydread
    Level 8 (35,321 points)
    iPad
    Oct 19, 2014 9:28 AM in response to mackydread

    Most PowerBooks now have a dead internal backup battery that can cause the computer to fail to start if the main battery is removed or discharged, even when the computer is connected to wall power. Been there; done that.

     

    If the main battery is old, it is likely dead. They have a finite life that is definitely as long as current Apple notebooks.

     

    Try this: Turn off the PB and remove the main battery from the computer. Attach the charger to the computer and let things sit for 24 - 48 hours. Sometimes this will get just enough charge in the rechargeable backup battery to get a startup when you reinstall the main battery and connect to wall power.

     

    Admittedly this is a long shot but your other option are not good at this point. About the only internal backup battery replacements you can

    find are either for only 17-inch models with 1.67Ghz processors or are used. Used batteries are as appealing to me as used chewing gum! This also requires a fairly extrensive teardown to access and replace. Apple no longer sells new main batteries so that throws you to the wolves in the nasty after-market battery arena where more garbage is sold than working batteries. Figure even teh cheapest aftermarket battery will cost US%0 or more and I thin you see the issue.

     

    In the long run, assuming the files you need are easily accessed (i.e., don't require an application to export them), the least expensive option is to open up the PowerBook and remove the hard drive. You can then attach the bare drive to another Mac with a simple bare-drive adaptor like this:

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/U3NVSPATA/

     

    Then you have unfettered access to the files from a modern Mac.