How do I troubleshoot a powerbook g4 Model a1104 that boots up and displays an alternating smiling face/question mark in a blinking folder? I know very little about the internal condition of the unit except that it does turn on and makes the normal startup sounds and displays the flashing symbol. I was told it probably has either the 10.4 or 10.5 os software installed.
PowerBook, unknown
All that means is the directory or the system is improperly installed. It can't find the operating system.
Directory issues such as these can be really hard to diagnose without the proper installer discs. You can try single user mode to see if it sees any operating system. But short of that, you really should bring it to someone who has the 10.5 retail installer discs to see if they can connect it to a working system to see if it is visible at all.
Is there any critical data on it?
powerbook g4 startup problems
