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spikes2000 · Jan 19, 2007, 02:16 AM

Hello
I got all these files in my old powerbook G4 and needed to move them to my new macbook pro.
Unfortunately the powerbook's main logic board is defective. So the computer doesn't power up. Sometimes when i get lucky it actually comes on for a moment then turns off on its own.
Anyway i was asking if someone could please help me with a tip about how to moves files in such a situation.

Thank you so much

John T.

MrN79 · Jan 19, 2007, 03:47 AM

I'm assuming the powerbook is not under warranty?

Take the powerbook HD out, install it into an external enclosure, at least you'll be able to get files that way, but i'm not sure what else (such as ical files, etc).

spikes2000 · Jan 19, 2007, 04:27 AM

thanks for your response.
the powerbook is no longer covered by waranty. I was actually hoping that there would be some ways to get it to boot at least for a short period just to set it as target mode.
thank you
John T.

solofx7 · Jan 19, 2007, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by spikes2000

thanks for your response.
the powerbook is no longer covered by waranty. I was actually hoping that there would be some ways to get it to boot at least for a short period just to set it as target mode.
thank you
John T.

i am not an expert or anything, but since the unit does not power up, the only option appears to be going to take the drive out and putting it in an external enclosure.
i did this. all i can say is be careful with the internal workings of the laptop as it is very sensetive. if you are not familiar with it, it may be worth it to pay apple to do it...

tinkered · Jan 19, 2007, 03:04 PM

the ifixit guides are excellent. I used one to help me replace the drive on my old Pismo recently and I was in and out in 20 minutes. The hardest part was finding a hardware store with the small screw drivers I needed. Although, if I had been more patient I could have just ordered them from ifixit.

MrN79 · Jan 20, 2007, 07:46 PM

iFixIt is an excellent resource, you might want to check out powerbookmedic.com too.

Like tinkered said, you'll need special screwdrivers, i've replaced the HD in my PowerBook and it took me about 45 mins.

Good luck...

deathandtaxes · Jan 20, 2007, 08:37 PM

I've replaced HDs many times. Good 'ol Sears used to sell a package of small screw drivers that work well. If your PB is the aluminun model, not titanium, all you need is a small Philips and one small hex. Since your PB is essentially dead, you don't have to be too careful. If you don't have an external enclosure, you can swap the old drive into your new computer, then connect it to some backup system to retrieve the old files. Then swap back into your new computer. It's a pain, but better than losing files. Are you sure it won't boot in Target Mode? Hold down the T while it boots, then connect to another computer using a Firewire cable. My PB failed recently from a faulty logic board but it would still boot in target mode and it was easy to recover files.
Good luck.

spikes2000 · Jan 21, 2007, 04:09 AM

I guess trying the target mode booting is best and easier.
So i guess i have to get me a firewire cable since i planned to get one earlier anyway.
Again thank you so much guys

mergemedia · Jan 22, 2007, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by spikes2000

I guess trying the target mode booting is best and easier.
So i guess i have to get me a firewire cable since i planned to get one earlier anyway.
Again thank you so much guys

I would look into an external drive case for the PB Hdd. eBay or newegg.

SierraDragon · Jan 22, 2007, 12:21 PM

Do NOT boot your PB even one more time! Your hard drive and data are at serious risk. Remove the hard drive and install it into an external Firewire 800 drive.

I had the exact same symptoms and waited too long. So far reasonably priced solutions have been unable to access my data. Note that even if Apple will repair it Apple insists on wiping the hard drive without recovering data as part of the repair.

-Allen Wicks