From: "Tim" <tjp314@pacbell.net>

Date: May 17, 2008 1:47:46 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Sorta OT:  Powerbook G4 won't startup

Milton:

Okay, I held down the command=option=O=F keys, and I have a prompt!

Now what do I do?  ;oD

-Tim.

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Milton Aupperle <milton@...> wrote:

Hi Tim;

On 17-May-08, at 1:21 PM, Tim wrote:

Hi folks:

I was out in my shop machining the backplate on my ancient Champion

lathe so I could put a better-condition southbend chuck on it.  That

worked, but I still can't hold the part I need to machine!  So, I'm

going to work on fixing the powerbook today.

I didn't know you could zap the pram on later macs.  I tried that, and

it seemed to do it's thing, meaning I heard the startup chime twice

when I held it down long enough to (I had the sound turned off

before).  But it still just shuts down.

It can't load anything from the hard drive like the OS, so it quits  

then.

You could also try re-booting while holding down the

Command Option O F

keys which brings up the Open Firmware command line editor (for G3,  

G4 and G4 macs - won't work with Intel BIOS in x86).

http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn1061.html

That would at least let you know if the CPU is working.

I'm going to see if I can find the original system disks for it and

try that next.

If it works, then it definitely means the CPU / Motherboard are  

probably okay and the Drive needs replacement.

I seem to remember reading that changing the hard drive is difficult

with these later G4 powerbooks.  Is that true?  If not, I'll hie

myself on over to Fried Electrons and see what they have for a

replacement.

Try searching Google with the phrase "replacing hard drive in G4  

Laptop" I turned up a lot of links, like

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/powerbook_g4/PB_G4_HD_upgrade/ 

pb_g4_hd_upgrade.html

HTH..

Milton J. Aupperle