PowerBook G4 will not start
Have tried safe mode and a start from CD but all I get is the Apple logo and spinning gears. Any help will be appreciated.
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Which OS X is installed on your Mac?
4 replies
Probably about 9.6. It's a old G4 Powerbook used by the kids.
The AppleCare disk with TechTool Deluxe is OS 9.1
Do you have the original grey-label Apple install-restore disc that shipped
with the computer and not some other disc included with AppleCare plan?
The disc for the computer would have its name on it. Or if you had installed
a later OS X version than the one it shipped with, that DVD could be used.
Unless you are trying to restore an old pre- OS X system. The early G4
portable Apple computers could start in Mac OS9.x until PowerBook3.5.
For details you could check your product information against the database
at http://everymac.com for your model info, in early PowerBook G4 series.
A retail Tiger 10.4 DVD should be able to start the computer, and use its
Disk Utility to see about checking the hard drive; or use its tools to setup
a replacement drive if the internal one has failed. It should be replaced
if not already; that is a consumable. Tiger is the last OS X it could use.
There is a fair chance the old computer's original hard disk drive has failed
or some other issue is causing the symptoms you've witnessed. Some old
iBook or PowerBook G4 models may've had hardware issues w/ logic boards.
Is this is your PowerBook G4 (with old MacOS9.1 as a main system, + early OS X?
OVERVIEW
Introduced January 2001
Discontinued October 2001
Model Identifier PowerBook3,2
Model Number M5884
EMC 1854
Order Number M7952LL/A (400 MHz) M7710LL/A (500 MHz)
Initial Price $2,599 (400 MHz) $3,499 (500 MHz)
Support Status Obsolete
Weight and Dimensions 5.3 lbs., 1" H x 13.4" W x 9.5" D
PROCESSOR
Processor PowerPC 7410 v1.3 (G4)
Processor Speed 400 or 500 MHz
SOFTWARE
Original OS Mac OS 9.1
Later OS Mac OS 9.1 and Mac OS X 10.1.1 (5M45)
Maximum OS Mac OS X 10.4.11
Hardware Test AHT (PowerBook) 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3
{info from http://mactracker.ca database download application}
It may help to identify the unit, since there are several but they vary somewhat.
Good luck in any event...! 🙂
PowerBook G4 will not start