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General discussion

Kernal Panic on my 2005 G4 PowerBook!

Feb 4, 2011 11:40AM PST

My 2005 G4 PB has been Flawless up to the last week, when I started getting a 'kernal panic', with a Freeze & a Message in different Languages, saying that I must RESTART.
Actions that I have tried so far:
* ran Disk Utility (Repair Permissions)
* ran TechTool Pro (Full Scan) > Nothing found nor detected.
* RESTARTED > C Key > with Install Disc - Everything OK.
* RESTARTED > Option key > Install Disc > ran Hardware test, once, Everything Ok, No Need to Re-run again.
* ran ClamRav Anti-virus > Clean as a whistle!
* Removed the LOWER RAM Memory module > thought that that was it, until it HUNG again, with the same message.
* Any other Suggestions & SOLUTIONS appreciated.
* email me at fotozar at a o l dot come.
* thanks for stopping by
Thanks for stopping by

Discussion is locked

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Kernel Panic errors
Feb 4, 2011 9:30PM PST

Kernel panic errors are almost always a result of a hardware failure, and usually RAM, CPU, or video card in my experience.

Assuming there's only one memory module installed, and you've since ruled that out as the source of the problems, pretty much everything points to you needing a new logic board. And since your system has almost certainly now landed on the Vintage list, that is only possible if the system was purchased, and you currently reside, within the state of California. Not that it would be worth it economically given your basic MacBook would run circles around that thing. Depending on what model you have, you would probably be looking at around $700-$900US to repair that thing, and a new MacBook runs at about $1,000US. Even if you had a 17" model, the resolution on a 13" MacBook will probably be comparable, and the LED backlighting will look like the difference between crystal clear water and a mud puddle compared to the PB display.

It's probably time to accept that your laptop has had it, and repairing it just isn't worth the expense. I don't see any active extended repair programs for PowerBook G4s either. There was one for the memory bank being bad, but that wouldn't be causing your problem anyway. None of this is what you likely want to hear, but it's about the only answer there is.

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Kernal Panic on my 2005 G4 PB Part 2
Feb 5, 2011 10:37AM PST

Thanks for your response. Here's my set-up: 2005 G4, 15-inch LCD, 1.25 Ghz, 2 GB RAM.

The only other info that I didn't mention is that I had the PB connected to my 2010 AirPort Extreme Base Station, via Ethernet, and never had any problems.
I was moving the PB into another office, so I bought a Wireless USB Dongle (AirLink N) so I could get Wireless 'N' service.

*The only thing I did was to go to the "Utilities" Folder and found the 'old' Airport App, which looks like a 'Pyramid' and then I "deleted" it.
I did install the AirPort Extreme Base Station App, in it's place.

Not sure, is it possible that by Deleting the old Airport App > caused the 'Kernal panic'?
Because it seems that 90% of the time when I went to turn on the Airport and Select my Wireless Network, it would Freeze!
The other thing that I also noted is that ... every time I put the PB to SLEEP Mode and then opened it up, I ALWAYS lost my Wireless Connection and had to repeat my steps again.

* You mentioned that it could be the Logic Board, but after running TechTool and the Hardware Test (Extended), the Results were that the Logic Board was fine, so before I venture into deeper waters,
I probably now need to take it to a tech.
Thanks,

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Well
Feb 5, 2011 9:51PM PST

Well, in light of the new info you've provided, it's possible that the software for the new wireless card is the problem, but it could also just as easily be that the USB port is bad and sending strange signals to the OS which it doesn't know how to handle.

And TechTool is not made by Apple, so I don't put any real faith in it as a diagnostic tool. Apple Hardware Test is also pretty useless. It's just basically a RAM tester and it checks some sensor readings. It's not terribly comprehensive. It's really only designed to find obvious problems. There's also plenty of times I've run the big boy diagnostic tools only service techs can get from Apple, and it's claimed that the system is just fine. But yet certain problems persist. So you can't always rely solely on a diagnostic program.

Since Mac OS X is a protected mode OS, kernel panics can only be caused by kernel extensions (drivers) or bad hardware. Only software that has direct access to the hardware can do this, and the whole point of protected mode operating systems is to limit the number of programs with that level of access. If you want to try removing the software for this wireless card, or seeing if there's a newer version that will work with whatever version of OS X you're running, that would be something quick and easy to try. You could also try doing an archive and install operation. That's pretty much the only way you're going to rule out the software option and know it's actually hardware related.

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PB Kernal Panic saga ...
Feb 6, 2011 6:40AM PST

Yeah, I don't believe that it's the AirLink software, as I just added that last, and it was 'freezing' still up to that point.
The PB Looks and feels brand new and had been operating flawlessly up to this point.
Since I have run every type of Diagnostic program that a User has available, now, I will have to hire a Tech to pin point this issue.
If I have to buy a new logic board that's not a whole lot of expense to me, and I can install it myself.
Other World Computing has some great deal's on boards.
Thanks anyway ...

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Be careful
Feb 6, 2011 10:12AM PST

Be careful buying a board third party, because it can be difficult to make sure you get the proper one for your system.

Also, don't think that because you've worked on PCs in the past that it will in any way prepare you for working on Apple systems. Apple absolutely LOVES using all kinds of odd screws. Just as a case in point, I work on Apple systems, and the people on either side of me at work deal only with Toshiba. The Toshiba people basically only need PH1 screwdrivers, and on rare occasion a T6 Torx. I need at least a half dozen or so screwdrivers. PH000-PH2, Torx Plus 6 (a pentalobe design), the pentalob bit used for the new MacBook Airs, Tri-Lobe 00, 3 and 4mm ball head hex bits, 2.5mm hex, and finally T5, T6, T8, and T10 Torx. I'm quite probably forgetting a few as well. I suppose that's probably closer to a dozen. Some of these are extremely difficult to find short of buying them from Apple.

It's also VERY easy to bend the aluminum cases on PB's. It's always easy to spot the systems that have been worked on by someone who didn't know what they were doing because the area around the optical drive is almost universally bent.

The decision is yours, but unless this PowerBook has some kind of sentimental value for you, I'd say it's not economical to repair it.

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Kernel Panic Powermac G4 12", FIXED
Sep 28, 2011 11:16AM PDT

I have worked on this problem on and off for 2+ years. I think I finally fixed it.
Problem is related to solders separating on motherboard due to excessive heat production.
Follow these steps in order.
1. Place computer on an ice-pack.
2. insert OS disc (leopard)
3. Use disc utility and erase/reformate, hard drive.
4. Install OSX Leopard. (while on ice!)
5. immediately install( purchase on-line) "G4FanControl" or similar software, which will allow you to reset the temperature at which,the cooling fan will go on.
6. Set all temp. parameters to below 45 Celsius.
&. Install all updates. Particularly, AirPort Utility update5.5.3.
7. Remove ice.
8. Let me know if it worked for you.

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how does this prevent the ongoing problem
Sep 28, 2011 9:47PM PDT

with the bad solder joints?
This problem is well known and can be fixed with a soldering iron and some skill in using it.

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I was going to ask
Sep 28, 2011 11:14PM PDT

I was going to ask if we needed to do the hokey-pokey and turn ourselves about on the odd number of rings from the local church bell at midnight and noon on every second tuesday of months with more than five letters in the name.

And how is it a "subtle" difference between a PowerMac and PowerBook? One is a big mid-tower unit that sits on the floor, the other is a laptop. That's a mighty liberal definition of subtle you have there. Silly

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But it achieved its purpose,
Sep 29, 2011 7:09AM PDT

it certainly attracted your attention.

irony or sarcasm, take your pick!

Wink
P

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Kernel Panic POWERBOOK G4 12"
Sep 29, 2011 7:21AM PDT

Yes it IS a Powerbook, not a powerMac. You are right.
It works so long as you manage to cool the laptop, by sourcing the fan to run more frequently. It IS a Band-Aid solution.
If you can, find the particular solder point, and have the tools and the skill to correct it, then I would say,go for it. Instructions for a similar solder problem in ibooks, G4, are available on line.