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TICKET ARCHIVE -> How do I flash the ROM?

FrannyC - Feb 5, 2008 - 5:04 am

I have a problem with a G4 Quicksilver (733mhz, 40GB/1GB), approx 6 yrs old. Running OS9.2 and 10.3 (which has now become corrupted in the process of trying to fix the machine!)

The mac doesn't power up often; the power button lights up when depressed but the machine doesn't come on and the light goes out instantly when I stop pressing it. It probably powers up 1 in 50 times of trying and if I have to restart it turns off instead of rebooting.

I've spoken to various tech people including Apple and the problem points to replacing the power unit (everyone tells me that it definitely won't be a battery problem which was my first thought). BUT someone told me that they had a similar problem and had it fixed by "flashing the ROM". I'd rather try that before forking out on a new power unit but can't find any info on how to do it (someone else did it for them so they can't help me).

Can anyone help? I'm also having trouble with my backup device (which is just typical!!) so I can't do a full backup of the G4 before trying it, so I'm wary of doing anything too risky which might lose my data.

I've already reset the PRAM (as directed by the Apple support site) but that hasn't worked.

DeltaMac - Feb 5, 2008 - 6:20 am

Your Quicksilver G4 does not have any downloadable firmware updates. That's the BootRom flash that someone might have told you about. There's some for other models of the PowerMac, but not for your QuickSilver.

Your symptoms definitely sound like a failing power supply, and that should be a good fix.

- Dale

FrannyC - Feb 5, 2008 - 11:15 am

Thanks Dale, I really appreciate the quick response.

My friend had said that all they had to do was press a button inside the machine for a couple of seconds which doesn't sound like what you're describing at all. Maybe they're getting their facts mixed up... does that make any sense to you?

Fran

FrannyC - Feb 6, 2008 - 2:12 pm

For some reason I've had a "waiting patiently" email saying that I haven't yet responded to your earlier posting and that my enquiry would be closed. As you can see, I have responded so I don't know what's happened (that's technology for you!). I really would appreciate feedback on my second posting if at all possible... thanks!

DeltaMac - Feb 6, 2008 - 3:12 pm

Just to answer your question - pressing the reset button inside your Mac may get it to start up, but if your power supply is failing, that reset button is unlikely to help.
Lots of people report the system asking for a response, and I don't have anything to do with how the response system works. Sorry for your inconvenience. It's an adjustment to the software that operates these forums, and I'm sure that the support people are doing the best that they can. You can come back here to check if there's a real response waiting....
- Dale

FrannyC - Feb 7, 2008 - 3:57 am

Thanks again Dale. I really hope it didn't appear that I was pushing for a quick response - I just didn't want my question closed prematurely.

This site is a great find and I know I'll be back to pester you again...

Fran