powerbook G4 firmware/ "mac-boot"

[Lisa Meunier]

Hello -
I recently purchased a powerbook G4 mac osx 10.4. I have already returned it once where I got it due to the computer not starting at all without going to the "Firmware - enter "mac-boot" screen. Well, it started up this time and we were able to get through the start up options and use it a few hours. My daughter went to "file- shutdown" and the laptop shut down fine. A few hours later, it powered up again on its own (she noticed the apple was glowing so she opened the laptop) and it was on the "Firmware - enter "mac-boot" screen" again. We haven't done anything with it since the screen came up so I was wondering.... why is this happening in the first place?? Are we doing something wrong? I understand the procedures to try to reset the open firmware settings using "reset-nvram" and will try that. (it didn't work the first time we had the laptop which is why we sent it back) -So, just in case that doesn't work, does anyone have an explaination for this issue? Is it common? Thanks

 

[Lisa Meunier]

Has anyone replied? Anyway, we got the computer to start by just taking the battery out and unplugging it - then pressing the start button. When we turned it on again, it worked. NEW PROBLEM - The computer SHUT ITSELF OFF and beeped. My daughter said it won't turn on again. I will check on it. Any reason why THIS is happening? Please respond.

 

[Doctor X]

You have to give the Gurus time . . . the are frightened by sudden noise.

You need to give all the details of your computer--go to "About This Mac" under the "" sign, then clicketh on "More Info." Note what your OS is--10.4 to 10.4.11. This will all help the Gurus when they stir and enter into the sunlight.

Until then, where did you purchase this from? A reputable dealer? It would seem that the easiest thing to do is have them take it back and give you another computer.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE GREY INSTALLATION DISKS THAT SHOULD ACCOMPANY ANY MAC!!111!

This will allow you to boot the computer on the disk and do some basic diagnostics. If you have it, try that, go to Disk Utility and check the volume. You can also perform the long hardware test--there is a thread or two on that on this site.

--J.D.