Flashing question mark appears on the screen
Note: This system will only boot the Mac OS X system that shipped with this computer or later. It does not support booting into Mac OS 9.
1.Start up from the software install and restore DVD that came with the computer (hold down the "C" key during restart).
2.When the Installer opens, from the Installer menu, select Open Disk Utility.
3.When the Disk Utility opens, on the left hand side, all disk and volumes are listed. If you don’t see the internal hard drive, the system is not recognizing it. Skip to step 4. Otherwise, select the First Aid tab and follow the instructions to verify the hard disk, and repair if needed. Restart the computer.
4.If the hard drive is not recognized, check the hard drive flex cable for damaged connectors (connector peeled off the flex cable, for example), and if bad replace the hard drive flex cable.
5.Reseat the hard drive flex cable. If still not recognized, replace the hard drive.
Important: If the computer is under warranty and data recovery is required, refer to
Knowledge Base article 31077: DriveSavers: Hard Drive Data Recovery & Warranty Implications, for important information.
6.Reinstall system software using the software install and restore disc.
Note: Don’t forget to install both the Mac OS X and Applications and Classic software. This operation is completed with two separate installs. Restore disc images are available at http://service.info.apple.com. Select “Disc Images.”
Computer begins to power up, the blowers and hard drive are spinning, pressing caps lock key and LED turns on, but there is no startup chime or video
1.Reset the power manager by using the keyboard sequence. Wait five seconds before continuing. Press the power button to start the computer.
Warning: Resetting the power manager will permanently remove a RAM disk, if present, and all of its contents. You will also need to reset the date and time (using the Date & Time system preferences pane).
2.Replace the logic board.
Hardware Symptom Charts | PowerBook G4 |
