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TICKET ARCHIVE -> 17" Powerbook Won't Boot

wfurman - Jul 28, 2005 - 4:00 pm

I have a 17" Powerbook with startup problems since I bought it about eighteen months ago. I could usually get it to start after disconnecting everything and letting it sit for several hours, though it would often take a half hour or more to boot. I've used the various key combos, etc recommended for the problem and ran Cocktail last time out. For now, all I'm getting is chimes and a black screen. It has OS 10.3.9 and firmware 4.2.9.

DeltaMac - Jul 28, 2005 - 9:14 pm

18 months with boot problems?
What has Apple told you about this, or have you ever tried getting this checked out?

If not, have you tried the Apple Hardware Test CD that shipped with your Powerbook to test for possible hardware problems?

What you are describing (long, long boot times) sounds typical of a failing hard drive.
If you mean starting in single-user mode (cmd-S), what is the result when you run fsck -fy ?
Do you see any problems when running Disk Utility to try to repair the disk?

Let me know how it goes.
- Dale

wfurman - Jul 28, 2005 - 10:50 pm

Yes,18 mos. The problem wasn't so bad that I couldn't live with it. There were so many reported problems and fixes online that I assumed there was nothing special about my own problems. Also, the nearest (far away) Apple center said that a repair probably would cost more than it would be worth.

When I'm having this problem, CDs usually don't boot, or even eject. I've got Disk Warrior stuck in the drive now. So I've never run the Apple Hardware Test CD.

I've never been able to boot into single-user mode, but have had the open firmware screen a few times. Mac-boot used to work, but lately it only leads to a kernal panic.

I don't recall any repairs other than permissions being made or indicated by Disk Utility. A failing hard drive would be nice, especially if I could replace it myself as I have with other Macs I've had. Or maybe a clean reinstall, if I could ever get the Jag install disk to run.

Something that may be interesting here is that I've always had an Internet Connect problem — something like "Device is either missing or not connected, etc", that I had the feeling was somehow related to the startup problem.

DeltaMac - Jul 28, 2005 - 11:17 pm

A 17" 1.33 GHz powerbook requires minimum 10.2.7 to boot, and that should be the original disk that shipped with it. If you are trying another Jaguar install disk, such as a commercial 10.2 install, then you won't boot with that. It must be 10.2.7 or newer. If your 17 PB is older, then you will still need the original disk, and 10.2 installer can't boot with your system. If you are using your original shipping restore DVD, then of course that should work.

I don't know how much more help I can be, as you could certainly have had warranty service at some point, Do you have Applecare extended warranty? You should take advantage of that, anyway. You almost certainly have a hardware problem now.

If you continue to have a black screen, you can check for external video using the adapter that came with your system to connect to a VGA monitor, or plug a DVI display directly into the port.
Will a CD eject if you hold the track pad button during boot?
The only other way to get a stuck CD out is to disassemble the PB, and open the CD drive itself.

Let me know if I can help you with anything more.
- Dale

wfurman - Jul 29, 2005 - 7:05 am

This morning I managed to get the open firmware screen again. It reads "Invalid memory access at %SRR0:000 14000 %SRR1 14000000 Boot ROM built on 2/18/03". I did a mac-boot with the "C" key down and was able to run Disk Warrior, which made several repairs, mostly of "overlapping content". When I quit DW, the screen just went black instead of restarting, so I shut down manually and am back at square one now.

If all this is no help, do you know how I might go about shipping the PB to Apple for repair?

Thanks a lot for your efforts.

-Warren

DeltaMac - Jul 29, 2005 - 7:45 pm

Invalid memory access - will mean that you either have faulty memory, which can be replaced easily, and fairly cheaply - or a bad boot rom/processor, which will mean replacing the logic board, not a cheap proposition. Take this to an Apple Auth service, and prepare for a several hundred dollar repair. You should be able to call AppleCare, and arrange this yourself, for a flat-rate repair that will set you back about $400.
a cheaper idea - google for 'powerbook repairs' - there are several companies that specialize in repairing powerbooks. Take your time and compare prices for services offered. Most would provide a phone number to call for questions. You will be lucky to get fixed for less than $400 (but you're not buying a new one, either)
Good Luck!
- Dale

wfurman - Jul 29, 2005 - 8:53 pm

Thanks for the info, Dale. I already tried removing the RAM that I added, but didn't think to try removing the other, original module. Worth a try, anyway. Then off to the races...