Mark_e
Level 1 (18 points)
Desktops

Q: Powerbook G4 12" keyboard not working after Leopard install

I just sold my powerbook G4, it was working fine running Tiger. Just before i sold it, I wiped the drive and did a fresh install of Leopard.

 

I didn't test it fully, just assumed it worked. The buyer just got the laptop and says the keyboard doesn't work. The right hand side keys produce numbers, and the left hand side keys don't work at all..

 

Sounds like a software issue to me. I assume powerbook g4 12" could run leopard? Is there settings he can change?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 5, 2016 11:59 AM

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Q: Powerbook G4 12" keyboard not working after Leopard install

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 5, 2016 7:33 PM in response to Mark_e
    Level 8 (38,071 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 5, 2016 7:33 PM in response to Mark_e

    The numbers thing sound like the FN key is being used (like it's being held down).  On the laptop keyboard, there are alternate functions printed on the keys, activated by pressing the FN key.  For example, there is a numeric keypad that uses the right side of the keyboard, when the FN is activated (and the left side probably does not work during that time).

     

    Ask the buyer to try restarting the Mac to see if the problem remains.

     

    Leopard is supported on Macs with a G4 (or better), at 867 MHz (or faster), and at least 512mb of RAM.  The Leopard installer does not allow installation on an unsupported system.

     

    NOTE:  If you put Leopard on it, you should have provided the installation disc to the buyer along with the Mac.  Owning the Leopard installation disk is what give the user a license to use Leopard.  And it also lets the buyer do a clean reinstall, when needed.  Otherwise, you should have used the original installation disc that came with Mac, and provided the original disc(s) with the Mac.

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC May 5, 2016 8:09 PM in response to Mark_e
    Level 5 (7,448 points)
    Notebooks
    May 5, 2016 8:09 PM in response to Mark_e

    Kenechi is onto something

    keyboard.png