[Twinkie]

Hi, My girlfriend managed to drop my prized iBook G4 while it was switched on. Ever since then it has become incredibly unstable, with the coloured circle coming up a lot, often leading to crashes. Weirdly, this seems to happen most of the time in Word or software that I have installed since owning it - Safari and Mail work fine.
Not knowing too much about this, would it be reasonable to suggest there's a problem with the hard drive? Is it repairable with software (preferably shareware!), or should I back up my files and take it to a doctor?
Thanks for any comments.

[seanc]

I would definitely say backup your files and replace the hard drive.

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by seanc

I would definitely say backup your files and replace the hard drive.

Ditto, back it up and take it in.

[eeeaa]

Being that you are looking for a free solution...

You can try replacing the hard drive yourself, but don't attempt this if you are not comfortable taking apart your iBook.
You can get guides at iFixIt.com, and buy a hard drive for your iBook cheaply from an OEM online. Here: http://www.mymacblog.com/index.php/a...ew-hard-drive/

It isn't the hardest thing you will ever do in your life, but it's not something that should be recommended to someone not comfortable with taking electronic devices apart. You could destroy your iBook, but, if you are careful, and take your time (give yourself a few hours, like 4), you can replace the drive yourself, and only pay for the hard drive (less than $150). In the end, you can get yourself a larger hard drive out of the deal, or spend even less money and get a smaller drive, like the one you have.

However, if you have an iBook still under warranty, you might be able to pursuade Apple to replace the drive for you. If they notice that it was dropped, however, you can forget about that. Get a price on the replacement from them first, and then decide.

[Twinkie]

Thanks guys, will back up all my photos and files tonight and take it into the Apple Store tomorrow evening to see what they make of it.
There'sa chance that if it was due to the drop the household insurance will cover it.
Cheers,
JB

[eeeaa]

Originally Posted by jwbown

Thanks guys, will back up all my photos and files tonight and take it into the Apple Store tomorrow evening to see what they make of it.
There'sa chance that if it was due to the drop the household insurance will cover it.
Cheers,
JB

Hey, if you could post whether or not the home owner's insurance covered your loss, once you know, that would be great. I'd never thought of that before, but it's something to consider in the future, in case I drop mine. I rent, but I wonder if my renter's insurance would also cover this type of thing (?).

[mikochu]

I'd definitely replace your girlfriend. lol, j/k

[lilford]

How mean! lol