[beyondmars2020`]

I have a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz, 17 inch, 10.3.3) that only starts up in Verbose mode, even after re-initializing the hard drive and re-installing Panther.

On an unassisted startup attempt, the computer "bongs," the SuperDrive and hard drives startup and then stop, then everything shuts down. The computer never makes it to the grey screen.

The same happens when I try to startup in Safe Mode, Open Firmware mode, etc. I cannot boot into Firewire disk mode, cannot boot from another drive, nor can I boot from the optical drive (except once). I did get it to boot into Single User mode once, but I don't know what to do with that.

I tried erasing my hard drive and re-installing Panther from the original disks (somehow, the computer did startup from the optical drive once, after dozens of unsuccessful tries), but the problem has persisted.

I also removed the extra RAM card I had installed and reset the PRAM with no change. There are no other installed or connected peripherals.

As I mentioned before, I cannot get into Open Firmware mode.

A TechTool Pro scan shows no hardware or software errors.

After starting up in Verbose mode, the computer launches OS X successfully. In fact, I have been living this way for the past year, but now I'm trying to upgrade and need to start the computer in Firewire Disk mode, but cannot get it to work.

Here's what nvram-p gives:

fcode-debug? false
skip-netboot? false
prev-lang:kbd en:0
load-base 0x800000
logger-base -1
pro4-savename Macintosh HD
scroll-lock true
oem-logo
boot-screen screen
pro4-device fw/node@10b9210060915a/sbp-2@c000/@0:3,\\:tbxi
diag-switch? false
oem-banner
output-device screen
use-generic? false
logger-size 0
diag-file ,diags
screen-#rows 40
oem-logo? false
diag-device enet
default-server-ip
default-server-mask
little-endian? false
aapl,tdm-units
mouse-device mouse
input-device keyboard
virt-base -1
boot-script
default-gateway-ip
auto-boot? true
selftest-#megs 0
boot-args
real-base -1
ram-size 0x40000000
use-nvramrc? false
real-size -1
virt-size -1
boot-file
console-screen screen
boot-volume 3
input-device-1 scca
default-client-ip
real-mode? false
nvramrc
default-mac-address? false
boot-device pci2/ata-6@D\@0:3\\:tbxi
output-device-1 scca
pci-probe-mask -1
oem-banner? false
screen-#columns 100
boot-command mac-boot
default-router-ip



What can I do to solve this problem (ie. to get the computer to be able to startup normally again, without needing Verbose mode?)? Does this sound like a hardware issue since the fresh install of Panther did not work?


Thanks for your help!!!

[CharlesS]

Oh, that's gonna be tough if you can't boot into Open Firmware mode. Hmm...

Have you tried resetting the PMU yet? According to these docs, you should be able to do so by shutting down your PowerBook, pressing Shift-Control-Option-Power, waiting five seconds, and then pressing the power button to reset the computer.

If that doesn't work, I'd insert a bootable disc (such as the install disc), and try changing the Startup Disk to the external disk in the Startup Disk preference pane. Then, change it back to the hard drive. This way, if any of the firmware boot settings were corrupted, they may get overwritten.

[beyondmars2020`]

Yes, have tried both resetting the PMU and changing the startup disk. No luck.
Yes, not being able to get into Open Firmware mode is indeed troubling.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your help!!!

[CharlesS]

Just curious - if you set the Startup Disk to the install disc, then does it let you reliably boot from the install disc if you use Verbose Mode? Or does that only work with the internal hard disk?

[beyondmars2020`]

The Verbose mode startup only works for the internal hard drive.

If I setup the Startup Disk to be the original Panther disc, or a bootable external Firewire drive, the computer will not startup. If I use Verbose mode, it will boot up using the internal hard drive.

Baffling...

[CharlesS]

Wow.

I'm not sure what to say - you may need to bring the machine in for service. It sounds like it could be either hardware or a really severe firmware problem. If zapping the PRAM, resetting the PMU, changing the boot settings, and even reformatting and reinstalling the OS didn't fix it, then something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Are there any other pieces of third-party hardware you can think of that you may have added to your PowerBook at some time? Any AirPort card or other such thing?

[beyondmars2020`]

the computer came with a factory-installed airport card.
i also added a stick of 3rd party RAM when i first got the computer.
interestingly, i've been living with this problem for about a year.
the rest of the computer works fine, but now i'm upgrading to a macbook and need to figure out how to get it to boot into firewire disk mode, as well as just want to solve this problem in general...