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Ryan
2004-07-06, 15:22
I can't get my Powerbook to boot to any OS. I've tried all the stuff at Apple's site, but none of it helped.

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to install OSX without being able to boot off the CD? I can use Firewire Target Disk mode and see the HDD.
oly
2004-07-06, 15:29
have you tried resetting the pram? if you can get the HD to show up in FW Target mode then it's not a HD issue but more likely a CD/DVD hardware issue. suggestion is to clone your current system over using a program like Carbon Copy Cloner (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/7032). It depends on what kind of setup you want on that machine. If you want a fresh install then you'll have to clone from a fresh install, but if you dont mind it copying your current setup (on whichever machine you're viewing it in target mode) then do that. Hope it works. Good luck.

P.S. if anything, just do this to confirm that it is a cd/dvd drive hardware problem b/c you'll be able to boot to the system from the HD and see if a cd/dvd works in the drive.
Ryan
2004-07-06, 15:33
I've tried resetting the PRAM dozens of times, but it doesn't work. I had forgotten about CCC. I'll try that now.
ATS
2004-07-07, 08:16
Won't boot as in, exactly the same as if it's turned off -- not even a startup chime? Or does the screen light up, and something appear on it?
Ryan
2004-07-07, 12:48
Won't boot as in, exactly the same as if it's turned off -- not even a startup chime? Or does the screen light up, and something appear on it?

Sorry, I should have clarified.

I get the grey Apple logo with the progress indicator, but it just spins in circles indefinetely.

I was able to get it to boot off a FW drive, but I can't get it to work again.
FFL
2004-07-07, 13:19
I've tried resetting the PRAM dozens of times, but it doesn't work. I had forgotten about CCC. I'll try that now.Make sure to also use Open Firmware to reset NVRAM, it's slightly different from the startup PRAM reset.

If you can get the disk mounted on another Mac in Target Disk Mode via FireWire, then run Disk Utility to repair the drive.
Ryan
2004-07-08, 01:39
I just reinstalled OSX onto the PB using FW Target Disk mode, but with no change. I called Apple and I'm sending it back to them for repair. Its still under warranty.
FFL
2004-07-08, 02:09
Yep.
Sounds like you went through all other possible options. Ya know, the same thing happened to a client's 12" PB a few weeks ago... hmmm
Ryan
2004-07-08, 11:20
Does anyone know if you have to buy AppleCare when you buy the computer? Or can it be added later?
darshu
2004-07-08, 12:12
Does anyone know if you have to buy AppleCare when you buy the computer? Or can it be added later?

You can buy AppleCare at anypoint of time while your original 1-year warranty is valid.