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Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 09:08 AM

Not as easy at it sounds. For some reason it goes into extended desktop mode rather than mirroring when it finally boots from startup cd. Any thoughts?

Edit: I should add, I just replaced the HD, so its a blank HD in there too.

hemant · Sep 28, 2007, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ

Not as easy at it sounds. For some reason it goes into extended desktop mode rather than mirroring when it finally boots from startup cd. Any thoughts?

Edit: I should add, I just replaced the HD, so its a blank HD in there too.

Which model powerbook is it. Some had a shortcut key (try fn + F7) to switch between extended and mirror modes.

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 09:28 AM

That sounds about right. Is pressing the fn important? Because I was jamming on the F7 like nobody's business before. (Also cmd-f1 and cmd-f2)

Edit: Oh sorry - PowerBook G4 800

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 09:47 AM

Hmm... fn-F7 doesn't do anything.

seanc · Sep 28, 2007, 01:20 PM

Tried resetting the PRAM? I'm sure it shouldn't be spanning by default..

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 02:11 PM

Okay, reset the PRAM. No go.

cms · Sep 28, 2007, 02:47 PM

Target disk mode the Powerbook and mount on another Mac. Insert OS CD on the other Mac, begin installation process, then on reboot to begin installation, select powerbook HDD from selection of disks to install on.

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 03:05 PM

I had that idea as well, unfortunately target disk mode only works with OS X already installed.

cms · Sep 28, 2007, 03:10 PM

Not so. You can mount an unformatted hard drive via target disk mode as long as the drive is good. You say it is a brand new drive, so should be fine. Hold down the T key on the Powerbook as it chimes. Keep holding the T key until you see the disk mount on the other Mac (orange firewire disk). You can format the drive using disk utility on the Mac running OS X, ready for installation of the new OS.

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 03:19 PM

Hmmm, it does look like I misread the technical guide. I tried this on my Power Mac G5, but I'll try this again on the G4 and see what happens. Thanks.

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 04:02 PM

This did not work, but it has raised a few questions. First, I checked the Firewire port of the computer(s) I attempted to connect to in System Profiler, and it noted that an unknown Apple device was connected. However, it has failed to mount in (m)any attempts.

It's possible I didn't install the HD correctly, but honestly, I don't see how, as the only real concern would be the IDE cable which I double-checked before closing up the case.

Art Vandelay · Sep 28, 2007, 04:54 PM

Check the jumpers on the drive. If they aren't configured correctly, it won't work.

Dakarʒ · Sep 28, 2007, 05:29 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen, it was the IDE cable. I somehow managed to miss a row of pins when I attached it to the drive, and when I double-checked, it looked fine from above (When I pulled it back out, then I saw the problem).

Thanks for everyone's help. I'll still be using that target disk trick to do the installation, so this wasn't a complete waste. Have a nice weekend.

newsushi · Sep 29, 2007, 03:17 PM

Step one: Connect the External Monitor
Step two: Press the power button on the Powerbook
Step three: Close the lid on the powerbook
Step four: ???
Step five: Profit

At least that's how I run mine in clamshell mode every day (i.e. the laptop's monitor is "turned off" and the external monitor becomes the main (and only) monitor.

Or does that not work on machines with no operating system ...

Dakarʒ · Oct 3, 2007, 01:47 PM

Okay, reconnected the HD, had to fix the jumper like Mr. Vandelay alluded to (set to optional instead of master totally messed with the PB). I was able to pretty quickly install Leopard over firewire. Booted up, set to mirror, and we are in business again. Currently on my home network and hooked into my entertainment center.

Thanks again, everyone.