G5 boot problems - open firmware problem?

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midiwife

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Having problems booting a G5 dual 2.7GHz machine into anything other than OSX (10.4.6).
i.e., I can't boot with any modifying keys down.
I want to run Applejack from 'single user mode' but cmd-s won't work.

I already booted into Open Firmware via holding in the power button till OF appeared and then did:

reset-nvram

then:

reset-all

and I was able to boot into single user mode thereafter and run Applejack.

Unfortunately, the problem has returned but now, I can't even boot into Open Firmware even. Modifying keys cause non startup altogether - sometimes a black screen, sometimes grey screen.

Plus there's no apple on the splash screen when the mac does startup into OSX.

Worrying - any ideas? http://www.macosx.com/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif
 
You might have a bad keyboard. Are you using your original Apple keyboard?
Yes or No, you should try a different keyboard to see if that helps.
Try booting to your Apple Hardware Test - some part of the logic board may be failing.
If you have added more memory, try removing that and then try booting to single-user. Faulty/failing memory can cause some strange problems.
 
Hi DeltaMac,

Seems unlikely - given that holding the power button in isn't even making it go to OF. It's the original keyboard, but I will of course try one of the other keyboards in the lab for a stab at it.
Booting to Apple Hardware Test? Does that involved using the original OSX install disk?
No change to the memory but looking through a similar thread here, I'll try removing one of the 2 DIMMS when I'm back in on Tuesday. Never know.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for your very prompt reply.
 
You G5 won't boot with only one memory chip - memory must be installed in pairs. If you have more than one G5, you could swap out a pair just to test.

I don't know how you would get the power button to do anything except power to the system. The power button, by itself, can not provide any assistance getting to single-user mode, unless your hardware is faulty.
Have you tried a PRAM reset? (Option-cmd-P-R, reboot holding those keys, and continue to hold those 4 keys until you hear minimum of 2 boot chimes.)
Yes, your Apple Hardware test will be on one of the original restore disks, and will be listed on the label, with simple instructions for booting to that test.

If you have multiple Macs, especially identical systems, you should have a copy of the current Apple Hardware test, which you should be able to get from an Apple retailer. You might even ask about a copy of the Apple Service Diagnostic disk, which is a much more comprehensive test. These are only provided to Apple specialists, but if you have a large number of Macs, it's a good one to have around - if you ask nice...
 
Thanks again DeltaMac,

Sadly, I can't use any key modifiers on startup - so no chance to zap the pram as you describe.

Holding the power on button in should eventually take you to the Open Firmware prompt (black letters on white screen).

I can't remember where I read this which is annoying as it's not mentioned anywhere else I've been looking today.

I'll try and get hold of the Apple Service Diagnostic disk you mention - our supplier was pretty ropey at the outset and I didn't even get the original install disks myself. In fact, we cloned all our macs from one original installed system.

Incidentally, I'm hoping it's not suspect that the only mac showing this problem is the one that's connected to the outside world via the web.
 
midiwife said:
Sadly, I can't use any key modifiers on startup - so no chance to zap the pram as you describe.

Holding the power on button in should eventually take you to the Open Firmware prompt (black letters on white screen).
Click to expand...

Are you connected to the G5 through a KVM switch? That would probably prevent the startup key modifiers from working. It would also explain the 'missing' grey Apple at boot.
If so, disconnect from that, and do not plug the keyboard into an external USB hub, but connect the keyboard directly to the G5. If the KVM is the problem, then a direct connection should allow you to do what you want.

The power button definitely should not 'eventually take you to the Open Firmware prompt'. If that is happening then you have other problems. Again, the question about the KVM or USB hub. Connecting the keyboard properly to the G5 should get the startup to work properly.
When you have the startup problems sorted out, then you could connect to the KVM again. Keep in mind that not all keyboard/computer functions are compatible with all KVMs.
 
Hi again,

No, the keyboard's just connected in the regular fashion to the back USB socket on the Mac. I've disconnected any other USB items to try to establish if it's that but it doesn't seem to be.

As to the power button issue, I've refound the article I quoted from above.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302001

From this article it's not looking good for me.
 
Try Resetting the PMU

You should contact your supplier and insist on getting the discs for all the machines you purchased. They are part of the purchase price, and shipped with each machine from Apple.

If the supplier won't give you the discs, I would contact Apple about this.
 
Hi Bob,

Yes I tried this already as well! Seems like I've been around the houses.

The startup disks may have gone to a previous IT manager - it's one of the hassles of being in a college - I'm in charge of what I do but new gear gets handed over in the first instance to the IT team. I've been trying to track them or even one set down in my college but so far without luck.

Thanks for your input though,

Kind regards.
 
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