[edsweb]

After receiving and installing an update for NetBarrier I have had a major problem with my 15" powerbook.
Cannot start or login. Screen is black apart from a horizontal blue and grey line 2 thirds down screen.
Cannot start up from installer disc (doesn't show on screen). Have zapped PRAM twice which regained my chime which had also been lost.
Have restarted with shift key depressed and also apple/command. Don't know what else to try. Help please - it's a long weekend coming up.

[ghporter]

Have you tried to restart with your OS disc in the drive and holding the ALT/Option key? Which OS version are you running?

[seanc]

If you really do have a 15" PowerBook (not a MacBook Pro), take out the RAM in the bottom slot, if you have any.

[edsweb]

just tried it....disc spins but screen stays black but without the horizontal blue/grey lines.
thanks anyway. any more suggestions?

[edsweb]

??take out the RAM?? How do I do that? I am only a novice when it comes to this kind of problem.

[seanc]

Installing PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15" 1-1.5 GHz RAM - iFixit

[edsweb]

Took RAM out...... put it back in..... No change....This is not really a GOOD FRIDAY

[seanc]

How many sticks do you have in there? If only one have you tried it in a different slot?

[edsweb]

Moved it from bottom to top slot - still no change. Thanks for your suggestions. Do you have any more?

[seanc]

Actually, seeing as you have horizontal lines, it could be the screen cable.

Can you hook your PowerBook up to an external display?

[edsweb]

I have a ProNitron 19/400 but I wouldn't have a clue as to how I would hook up

[seanc]

Assuming it has a VGA connector and your PowerBook has a DVI connector, you need a DVI to VGA converter.

[edsweb]

Can I simply take the monitor cable out from the back of my G4 desktop and plug it into the socket on the RH side of my powerbook?

[seanc]

If it has the right connector, yes. But like I said, I suspect you will need a converter.

[edsweb]

I fear I'm going to have to get the 'expensive people' to look at this since I don't know what a converter is. I would hate to cause serious damage to my beloved Powerbook.

[seanc]

A DVI to VGA converter is very cheap, it just plugs onto the end of your current screen connector, which I am assuming is VGA.

[edsweb]

The connector looks the same

[seanc]

Plug it in then

[edsweb]

If the current lead from my monitor to G4 fits into the powerbook am I going to do any damage?

[seanc]

No you will not do any damage.

[edsweb]

Tried the cable - worked OK. Unfortunately all that came up on screen was the grey screen to start and the my Apple screensaver - No files or anything else.

[seanc]

Ahah, it's working then.
Unfortunately, it sounds like your PowerBook is set to span the screen, so it's using the extra screen as more space.
We need to enable mirroring, which will show what's on the PowerBook screen, on the external screen.

I believe pressing F7 on it's own, or FN + F7 will change that mode. Try it and wait a few seconds between presses.

[edsweb]

F7 worked. All folders came up on screen. I was able to repair permissions but when I tried the installer disc to do a disc repair it wouldn't show on screen.

[seanc]

The installer is trying to use the internal Powerbook screen.
I'd say you need a new screen cable, which connects the PowerBook LCD and the logic board.

[edsweb]

Guess I'll have to get to the Apple reseller and spend some heavy cash.

Thanks for all your help - it's been an education.

Happy Easter