At startup, a dialog box comes up stating: “kernel panic” in Mac OS X or “Built-in memory test has detected an error” in Mac OS 9

1.If there are two RAM cards installed in the expansion slots, remove top card and restart.

If symptom repeats, replace bottom card with known-good RAM card.

If symptom does not repeat, replace top RAM card with known-good RAM card and restart.

Error Beeps

The computer automatically performs a power-on self test when it is turned on after being fully shut down (not a restart). This section describes what to do if beeps are heard during the startup.

Note: The PowerBook G4 has two memory expansion slots and accepts 1.25-inch (or shorter) PC-133 compliant, SO-DIMM memory cards; there is no RAM on the logic board itself. Refer to Memory Card Replacement instructions for removal and installation.

Computer beeps once at startup

1.One beep means that no RAM is detected.

Note: There is no RAM on the logic board itself, so the computer will beep if no memory is installed in at least one of the RAM slots.

2.Put the original RAM that came with the computer back in, or put in known-good and compatible RAM and restart.

If symptom does not repeat, replace RAM card(s).

If symptom repeats, replace logic board.

Computer beeps twice at startup

1.Two beeps means that EDO memory is installed in the RAM expansion slot. The PowerBook does not accept EDO memory.

2.Replace RAM card(s) with known-good and compatible RAM and restart.

If symptom repeats, replace logic board.

Computer beeps three times at startup

1.Three beeps means that no RAM banks passed memory testing.

2.If a RAM card is installed in the upper expansion slot (if not, skip to next step), remove it and restart.

If symptom does not repeat, replace RAM card.

If symptom repeats, replace RAM in lower RAM slot with known-good and compatible RAM card and restart. If symptom repeats, replace logic board.

Error Beeps Symptom Charts

PowerBook G4 (1GHz/867MHz) Troubleshooting - 5

Page 119
Image 119
Apple G4 manual Error Beeps, Computer beeps once at startup, Computer beeps twice at startup