i just got an apple ibook g3, 500mhz, 15 gig hd from a friend of mine. when it turns on, the screen is blank except for a folder in the middle that flashed a face and a question mark. also one time it changed to a screen with a circular arrow and a straight arrow. anyone know what i should do to make it boot up? im not too good with macs and its running os9.2 i think.
2006-12-19 07:53:41 · 2 answers · asked by failurbydsign427 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The folder with the flashing question mark means that your computer can't find a system folder. A couple of things you can try: Hold down the Apple+Option+P+R keys as soon as you hit the power on button.
Do not let up on the four keys until you have heard the startup chime 3 times. This will reset the P-Ram. Also you could try holding just the option key while booting to see if more than one boot volume exists. If the previous methods don't reveal success then you will have to boot from a system cd and use the utility to repair the hard disk or re-install the system folder.
2006-12-19 10:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by johndeereman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a bad hard disk, and unlike PCs, you get something like this on your screen when it is trying to boot up - you might try and find a local Mac repair shop in your area and see if they will do a free estimate for the repair while you wait - Macs are relatively easy to diagnose so a good repair shop could probably tell you pretty quickly. Good luck.
2006-12-19 08:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋