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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Kernel Error prevents full boot?

br1ansk - Feb 28, 2008 - 8:03 pm

I am using a powerbook G4 12" 1.5ghz with 512ram. When I try to boot, I get the apple logo, then a brief flash of something and then a black screen with a pointer in the upper left. The pointer stays there but a second version of the pointer is moveable.

After letting the black screen sit for a while I get this:
System Failure: cpu=0; code=00000001 (Corrupt stack)
Latest crash info for cpu 0:
Exception state (sv=0x13522000)
PC=0x000B2370; MSR=0x00001030; DAR=0x1EC7BFD0; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00A85e7C; R1=0x1EC7C010; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 – Data access)

Then it goes through a series of backtraces…

Then more backtraces then:

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task
Mac OS version 9A581

Kernel version:
Darwin Kerned Version 9.0.0: ….

Then it seems to repeat the first system failure message.

I believe the HD and OS is good because I can boot in T mode and actually reboot my tower using the PB as the startup disk. I can essentially use the drive and OS successfully on another computer.

I also can't boot from a CD/DVD although I know the drive is fine because I used the drive (in T mode) to load a fresh version of the OS. Onyx thinks everything is great (again, through T mode). I even took the extra RAM out with no different results. I'm stumped...
-Brian

DeltaMac - Feb 28, 2008 - 9:03 pm

I suspect you have a hardware problem of some kind, probably a memory error. Keep in mind that you can't remove all your memory, as you have some built-in. You're running Leopard, which requires a minumum of 512MB, so if you remove your extra RAM, you don't have enough left (256MB) to give your system a good chance to boot. Target mode is probably working OK, because you don't need system memory for that to work. All you need is a working hard drive, and a very minimal working hardware for target mode. Your PowerBook is not much more than an external hard drive when in that mode.

Have you tried the hardware test that's on the restore disk that shipped with your Powerbook? You should find it one Disk #1, with simple instructions on the disk label for booting to that test. If you have that, run the extended test, and come back with the results.
- Dale

br1ansk - Mar 1, 2008 - 10:00 pm

I started a thread in the forum about this. There have been some good ideas and I suspect the RAM on the board is bad. Is this replaceable without replacing a major component? Thanks for your help!
-Brian

DeltaMac - Mar 1, 2008 - 10:12 pm

I suspect you are right. The Hardware test that I mentioned might help you decide if the on-board memory is bad.
The memory is soldered onto the logic board, so the logic board has to be removed in any case. I have heard of repairs on the board, but I couldn't tell you where to go for that.
A cheaper suggestion would be be to try a different memory chip, replacing the extra memory that you have. Same failure (or same failure with that memory not installed), should convince you that the logic board has failed. It's not going to be cheap to fix...
- Dale

br1ansk - Mar 2, 2008 - 12:36 am

Thanks again Dale. Can you think of a way to run a hardware test when I can't boot to this CPU at all? I've got a set of panther disks that should run on just 256meg. Unfortunately, 10.5 doesn't like to reboot with those disks for me to load that OS on the PB and install. The only OS I can load right now is 10.5 so it is hard to work with. I have a spare drive I might install in my tower, to load panther and then boot to that to make the eventual load.

One of the guys in the forum suggested holding down the alt key while booting and that seemed to work except for the fact I don't have an OS on the drive. I'll keep banging away at it. Let me know about the hardware test in T mode if that is possible...
-Brian

DeltaMac - Mar 2, 2008 - 6:26 am

You don't boot to the normal system to run the hardware test.
It runs totally from the CD through open firmware.
Are you saying that you tried that test (with the restore disk that lists that test on the label), holding the option key after power on, and choosing the hardware test from that boot screen?
Do you even get that far? With the restore DVD in the drive, what you do see on that Option-boot screen?

Unless those Panther disks are the disks that came in the box with that PowerBook, and are grey, then your PowerBook won't boot to that set at all. That PowerBook model came with OS X 10.3.7 at the oldest, and no Panther install on a black CD will boot your PowerBook. You would need any Tiger installer.

- Dale

br1ansk - Mar 2, 2008 - 11:41 am

That's part of the problem - I don't have the restore CD. I've been using install disks and 3rd party stuff like diskwarrior bootable. Good tip on the Panther CD - I didn't even think of reverse compatibility issues. I don't have the tiger disks. I'm still holding out hope that this is a simple problem that I am just not (YET!) equipped to deal with.
-Brian