Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

terrible problem of my mac!!! help!!help!!!help!!!!!!

by rabbit22 Dec 2, 2005 8:02AM PST

My mac is G4 power book 1.5 GHz, 512 mb ram. bought in Sep.2004

Recently, it was dead twice, first time, I can't go to system when I stat it, it just stop in the grey apple, and a circle was spinning, my friend fixed it by reinstall the OS X.

then, after 2-3 days, there were a black transparent square appear in the screen, always ask me to restart computer, it happened 3-5 times, and then ,when I star it, it still ask me to restard it, my friend fixed it with format everything and install the OS Tiger.

But now, my screen always have some very small black dots, or dots line and solid line, around some icons, and it changes the place all the time. it really scare me, and I don't know what I can do with it. i really need your help!!!!! bow

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Nasty
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Dec 2, 2005 9:44PM PST

A few questions:
Have you, or did you, install extra RAM into this "PowerBook"
This question may sound strange. Is the machine a Powerbook or an iBook? The specs on the iBook come close to what you have mentioned and there is a known video problem with them.
Assuming it is a Powerbook, you could have a few things going on here.
A stick of RAM is defective and is causing this problem, the HD is not behaving itself, the Logic board is defective.
Have you tried Zapping the PRAM? Holding down the Apple key + Option + P + R before you hear the first chime. Hold down until the fourth chime and then let it start as normal.
Remove any extra RAM that you have installed and try restarting.

P

- Collapse -
thanks
by rabbit22 Dec 3, 2005 2:26AM PST

Thanks a lot for you help,

I did this ''Apple key + Option + P + R'', it looks good at maybe 30minuts, but when I ''sleep'' it, and open it again, it has problem again.

My mac, is Powerbook G4 15'' 1.5 GHz. I didn't install any extra RAM, now it just has one 512MB ram as the day I bought it.

So, as you mentiond, 1. I can try do change my RAM first (actually I supposed to buy 1GB ) . 2. Change the Logic board( it sounds terrible), is it very expensive to change Logic board?(I have no warranty now,bad) 3. what I can do if HD isn't behaving itself? Can I ask apple service to change it, how much about it?

thanks a lot.really thanks!!!!!!!!!

- Collapse -
Ok
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Dec 3, 2005 9:32AM PST

Don't let it sleep for a while and let us know if the problem returns.

Yes, replacing the logic board (Motherboard) is expensive. AppleCare is really the way to go with a Powerbook or iBook.
The HD can be replaced fairly easily for a reasonable price. Look for a third party vendor for this.
The Logic Board is the LAST OPTION

P

- Collapse -
bow
by rabbit22 Dec 3, 2005 3:12PM PST

thanks a lot,

I will try the methods you as you said, wish I can fix it out.
thanks again.

Back to Mac OS forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info