ibook spinning ball all the time

[MF1]

Hi all, I have an ibook 2ghz Intel core 2 duo running 10.6.4 with 2gb RAM. When I turn on it will be fine but after a shorthand whileI get thespinning ball, this may last 10 mins then go and I use for another min or so and it comes back. Strangely I can normally access the finder though. It has got new RAM and the hard drive was replaced not long ago. Also I formatted the hd and done a clean install. I think it may be hardware related, does anyone know any software I can download for free that will test hardware. Also any other ideas most welcome.

Cheers

 

[Giaguara]

Apple Hardware Test is included in the intel based Macs already installed (with older ones you'd need to use the install disc). Boot the Mac holding down letter d at startup. Select the language, and do the test in loop mode (ctrl+L to loop, no menu mode for it), running the extended test for at least a few hours or all evening.
It will stop either when it finds an error, or when you unloop it (same shortcut) after the round it's doing.

There is also memtest for Mac OS X http://www.memtestosx.org/joomla/index.php

 

[MF1]

Hi, I have tried rebooting holding down the D key but it just boots up as normal. I can boot from the system disk which is a generic and original Mac OSX Snow Leopard Disk which gives me disk utilty, but nothing happens if I hit Control + L?

Strangely, when it was playing up a short while back I booted from the CD to give me disk utility and it took an earth to boot up. When it did it would not see the HD. I turned off and and reseated the ram and also noticed on this model the HD is there. I took that out and have placed back in. Then rebooted from the CD which happened much quicker. Also it now saw the HD. I run the disk verify which came back as fine. Also ran repair permissions, it repaired a few but nothing major. I am wondering if the HD can work it self loose slightly. This laptop is used by my daughters who are always running around with it.

Would still like to run the loop test though if you know a way

Cheers for your help.

 

[jbarley]

Hi all, I have an ibook 2ghz Intel core 2 duo running 10.6.4 with 2gb RAM.

Are you sure you have an Intel ibook?
If so, hang on to it because it'll be worth a fortune to collectors down the road.