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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Rebuild a Mac G4

rict - Aug 25, 2005 - 1:38 pm

Problem: on boot we have a blank screen except for a single folder which alternates between a question mark and a smiley face.
We assumed the Hard drive was at fault and mamaged to get all the data off. Hard drive making odd noises.

Tried to reinstall the OS (on a ned haard drive and the faulty one) but getting nowhere.
Have never build a Mac before. Assumed you just put the CD in and at least get somehwere. Have followed some instructions about holding down "C" etc. too
Help!

Have significant experience of building PCs, BIOS, drivers etc.

bobw - Aug 25, 2005 - 1:45 pm

Hi David

You ask the question in the OS 9 system, so I'll answer accordingly.

Put the OS 9 CD in and hold the C key down while starting. It should boot off the CD. After the window appears, open the Utilities folder and open Disk First Aid. Use that to reformat the drive HFS+. If this goes well, when it's done formatting, quit Disk First Aid fron the Menus. Then double click on the System installer and see if the system installs okay and you can restart normally into OS 9.


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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

rict - Aug 25, 2005 - 4:25 pm

We tried holding down C and it has no effect.

bobw - Aug 25, 2005 - 4:46 pm

David

Exactly what model G4 do you have?
Is the OS 9 CD a full install CD?
What does it say on the CD?
Is the CD drive the original drive?
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

rict - Aug 27, 2005 - 4:44 am

PowerMac G4 model no. M5183

The CD says Mac OS9 Featuring Sherlock 2. It says "to start up from this CD, hold down the C key as the computer starts up" SSW version 9.1 Z691-2746-A

The CD drive is the original drive but we have also tried replacing it with a standard CD-RW (one we normally put into PCs)

thanks

David

bobw - Aug 27, 2005 - 8:20 am

Hi David

Sounds like either the CD is bad, the drive or Logic Board.
Make sure the cables on the drive are secure.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

rict - Aug 27, 2005 - 8:47 am

OK thanks.
We have 2 copies of the CD. Connections to both CD drives we have tried are fine.
Most likely to be the board. Are they easily sourced?

bobw - Aug 27, 2005 - 9:04 am

David

This company has the boards;

http://www.welovemacs.com/g4grlobo.html
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

bobw - Aug 27, 2005 - 9:16 am

David

Just a thought, are you sure the keyboard is good?
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

rict - Aug 29, 2005 - 4:13 pm

We considered that but only have one. Will try to source another. Presumably it has to be an Apple one - can't use one from a PC?

rict - Aug 29, 2005 - 4:13 pm

We considered that but only have one. Will try to source another. Presumably it has to be an Apple one - can't use one from a PC?

bobw - Aug 30, 2005 - 8:06 am

David

I would try a keyboard from a PC. Some of them will work on a Mac.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support