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terrapinz420 · Oct 17, 2006, 08:30 AM

So I just completed an upgrade of an old G3 Ibook 14" 700mhz, replacing a dead LCD and installing a new (hitachi 7200rpm travelstar) harddrive.

I was under the impression that I would start it up with a software restore disc in the optical drive and be able to format the HD and then install os X. When I boot up with the disc in the drive (and holding down the "c" key) all I get is a gray screen with a small folder in the center that alternates between a "?" and the Mac faces logo. Also worth mentioning that maybe one of 10 times I try to restart it I get a 4 second +/- long beep and the light below the trackpad (by the lid latch release) flashes rapidly 10 or so times - I'm assuming this is an error code of some sort...

So, before I tear it apart again trying to find the problem does anyone have any ideas. The optical drive is defenitely spinning up, and it sounds like the hard drive is spinning up as well...

I believe the icon I'm seeing indicates a HD problem- hopefully just that it is not yet formatted and not a problem w/ the install. I don't understand why I can't get past it booting from a disk though. Its possible there was problem reconnecting the optical drive or keyboard? The optical drive does spin up so I am assuming it is reconnected properly?? its possible the keyboard connection is bad so I can't boot from disk (using command/apple&s at boot up does nothing either).

Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this other then trial and error??

hookem2oo7 · Oct 17, 2006, 08:32 AM

what version of OSX is it? is it on a DVD?

terrapinz420 · Oct 17, 2006, 08:44 AM

I've tried from the 10.4 install dvd and the 10.1 restore cd...

anyone know what the sound/flashing light error code I'm getting occasionally means, or where there may be a list of the error codes?

ChasingApple · Oct 17, 2006, 10:27 AM

Tried holding down OPTION while booting and then choosing the OS X disc?

ibook_steve · Oct 17, 2006, 12:24 PM

The long beep and flashing LED may indicate a problem with RAM. Take out any installed SO-DIMM and see how it behaves using just the internal RAM.

Steve

houltmac · Oct 17, 2006, 12:56 PM

From memory that sounds like a RAM error. Check you have your RAM in properly and if possible that it is working. It could always be the logic board and that's where the AHT comes in handy.

terrapinz420 · Oct 17, 2006, 06:18 PM

Hmmm.... holding down the option key brings up a blue screen with a "fwd" arrow and a "reload" type of arrow. Neither of which does anything when clicked... At least this seems to tell me the keyboard is working.
Still can't seem to boot from any install/recover cd/dvd. Optical Drive spins so I'm assuming it is connected properly and it was functioning prior to the dissasembly.

Anymore ideas why it wont boot or how to make it boot from the disc? Anyway to connect it to another mac via firewire or usb and format the HD from a recovery cd on that mac? (anyone remember what the key command is to recognize another Mac as an external HD?

ChasingApple · Oct 17, 2006, 08:07 PM

Seems to be it isn't reading either drive. Looks like your going to have to open her back up and make sure everything is connected right. ifixit has walkthroughs on how to assemble everything properly. Here is the link to your exact machine.

iBook G3 14" Disassembly: iBook Parts

Sure does look like a bear to get in there, a lot can go wrong!