PB G4 Mac osx 10.3.9
- Thread starter adrenolin
- Start date
DeltaMac
Tech
Boot to single-user mode: restart, while holding Command and S. You'll get a screen with text scrolling down.
At the prompt, type fsck -fy
then press return. That will run a quick hard drive directory check. If that finds any errors, run the same test again, until no problems are found.
Then, type mount -uw /
and press enter again. Be careful that you have a space between the -uw and the last /
Then type exit, and press return again. Your Mac should then restart, so hold your shift key until you see both the grey apple, and the rotating gear under that apple. You can then release the shift key. You'll boot to Safe Boot mode, which prevents certain startup software, and you will get a login screen for that boot, even if your Mac normally logs in automatically.
Does your Mac then go to a normal desktop? Then, try a normal restart.
This process may get you going again.
If not, you'll need your installer CDs, or another set that will allow you to reinstall OS X. Come back here, and someone will help you decide what you need to get.
At the prompt, type fsck -fy
then press return. That will run a quick hard drive directory check. If that finds any errors, run the same test again, until no problems are found.
Then, type mount -uw /
and press enter again. Be careful that you have a space between the -uw and the last /
Then type exit, and press return again. Your Mac should then restart, so hold your shift key until you see both the grey apple, and the rotating gear under that apple. You can then release the shift key. You'll boot to Safe Boot mode, which prevents certain startup software, and you will get a login screen for that boot, even if your Mac normally logs in automatically.
Does your Mac then go to a normal desktop? Then, try a normal restart.
This process may get you going again.
If not, you'll need your installer CDs, or another set that will allow you to reinstall OS X. Come back here, and someone will help you decide what you need to get.
DeltaMac
Tech
The last couple of lines in single-user mode should show you the commands to type in, as I described them.
If not, what is the last line that you see there?
If you press return a couple of times, you should see the prompt.
If you simply type something, do you see what you type?
If that doesn't seem to work for you, just restart, and try the Safe Boot (holding the shift key)
If not, what is the last line that you see there?
If you press return a couple of times, you should see the prompt.
If you simply type something, do you see what you type?
If that doesn't seem to work for you, just restart, and try the Safe Boot (holding the shift key)
bbloke
Registered
Hello adrenolin,
I've seen a few people post elsewhere with similar experiences. Unfortunately, some people talk of reinstalling OS X, applying OS X updates, or needing the OS X installation media. My first thought would be to ensure you have your data backed up, if possible. Do you have access to another Mac? If so, you may be able to access your PowerBook's hard drive by using FireWire target disk mode:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1661
I've seen a few people post elsewhere with similar experiences. Unfortunately, some people talk of reinstalling OS X, applying OS X updates, or needing the OS X installation media. My first thought would be to ensure you have your data backed up, if possible. Do you have access to another Mac? If so, you may be able to access your PowerBook's hard drive by using FireWire target disk mode:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1661
DeltaMac
Tech
Does safe boot let you startup?
Another possiblity is verbose mode.
restart while holding command-V
Release the keys when the text starts to scroll. This will look the same as single-user, but should continue, listing some of the system services as they load. If it simple gets to some point, and stops - or continuously repeats a line, or a series of lines, then return with what you see. The last line or two (especially if they repeat continually) would be enough, I think.
That error message that you see "etc/mac_init failed, errno 2" likely means that at least some of your boot software is corrupted or missing. You will need, as a minimum, a reinstall disk to fix this.
The shop that replaced your logic board may be able to help you with a system reinstall. The shop should also open your PowerBook to look for damage from that liquid spill.
BTW - it's quite common for a liquid spill to cause major problems after a few days, or even a few weeks after the original event. If your problems are partly the result of corrosion, then it's likely the logic board will need to be replaced - again. The logic board has a large number of tiny components and connections that are easily damaged by a liquid spill.
Another possiblity is verbose mode.
restart while holding command-V
Release the keys when the text starts to scroll. This will look the same as single-user, but should continue, listing some of the system services as they load. If it simple gets to some point, and stops - or continuously repeats a line, or a series of lines, then return with what you see. The last line or two (especially if they repeat continually) would be enough, I think.
That error message that you see "etc/mac_init failed, errno 2" likely means that at least some of your boot software is corrupted or missing. You will need, as a minimum, a reinstall disk to fix this.
The shop that replaced your logic board may be able to help you with a system reinstall. The shop should also open your PowerBook to look for damage from that liquid spill.
BTW - it's quite common for a liquid spill to cause major problems after a few days, or even a few weeks after the original event. If your problems are partly the result of corrosion, then it's likely the logic board will need to be replaced - again. The logic board has a large number of tiny components and connections that are easily damaged by a liquid spill.
bbloke
Registered
No problem! 
Once you've got your laptop backed up, then any subsequent tinkering with it is less risky. For example, here are some similar experiences:
http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=314639
http://barry.wordpress.com/2006/09/10/os-x-not-so-fool-proof/
Not having an original OS X installation CD/DVD can make things difficult, however, but you may be able to get away with another route, such as using the desktop Mac's Disk Utility to check your laptop's disk (while connected using FireWire target disk mode) or you may be able to try using the 10.3.9 Combo Update again:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2464
Good luck!
Once you've got your laptop backed up, then any subsequent tinkering with it is less risky. For example, here are some similar experiences:
http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=314639
http://barry.wordpress.com/2006/09/10/os-x-not-so-fool-proof/
Not having an original OS X installation CD/DVD can make things difficult, however, but you may be able to get away with another route, such as using the desktop Mac's Disk Utility to check your laptop's disk (while connected using FireWire target disk mode) or you may be able to try using the 10.3.9 Combo Update again:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2464
Good luck!