Yet another iBook G4 kernel panic...

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Hello everyone!

I have been getting the ever so common kernel panic on my iBook G4 1.33 Ghz. It happens sporadically, sometimes within minutes, sometimes hours. I believe it is either the firmware, RAM, or airport (worst case). I removed the aftermarket RAM and so far no problems, but this does not mean much. Here is my panic log:

Sun Jul 13 23:39:45 2008
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8C00): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 000000000068B45C, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 42000000, dar = 00000000397A1000
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 00000000fff00000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x000954F8 0x00095A10 0x00026898 0x000A8C00 0x000A7E90 0x000ABB80
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x2DB0B000)
PC=0x0068B45C; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x397A1000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x0068B4E0; R1=0x1778BB70; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x0068B4D0 0x006AE820 0x0069FE10 0x006CC334 0x006CC2E0 0x006AF434
0x006B38AC 0x006C8094 0x002D1B8C 0x002D0A54 0x000A9714
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x689000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b6000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x48d000
Exception state (sv=0x2D264500)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.11.0: Wed Oct 10 18:26:00 PDT 2007; root:xnu-792.24.17~1/RELEASE_PPC
*********

I noticed "airport" was mentioned. Does this mean the problem is with my airport card? All I need is a verification.

Also, I am not wanting to buy a new computer at the moment. I do not use bluetooth, so I can deal without it. The question is, will a USB WiFi dongle allow to me continue to use my computer's wireless?

Thanks!

EDIT: I just reset the firmware after I left the computer for a bit and when I came back it was off, so I assumed it freaked again.
 
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Thanks!

I need to mention, my iBook has the Airport on the logic board whereas the walkthough is an older style with the separate slot. Is this a big issue?

I will try to Hardware Test again (I tried the one on my install discs, it detected nothing).

I will return soon with an update!

EDIT: I believe the test you linked to is the same one I performed, which detected nothing. Any other ideas? I am willing to turn off airport and use a WiFi USB dongle if that will actually work.

Thanks again!

EDITx2: I am going to try looping the hardware test overnight, the guide said that may be of some help.

EDITx3: Sorry for the constant additions. I have noticed I am getting the "freezing" issue where my mouse cursor freezes but the rest of the computer seems normal (i.e. closing programs, power button brings up exit menu, etc.). Any ideas? I am starting to think this is a hopeless cause... :(
 
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If you can't disconnect it, then try turning it off. The freezes are probably related to the kernel panic. It seems to be intermittent.

I would defininately try another source for the Internet. Either wired or another wireless method. Make sure it's the card and not something else. (i.e. Logic board)
Go to Afterthemac.com if your looking to buy a wireless USB adapter. They're cheap and work well. (around $50 for G compatible network)
 
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Thanks! I now know why I used to frequent this place so much a few years ago. :) Apologies for my terse posts, I am always on edge dreading the restart message!

It has been working fine for the last 2.5 hours, but this means little given the recent times it has worked (max of 5 hours or so, min of 2 minutes).

I will pick up one of those adapters, it is a lot cheaper than a new MacBook! I can easily justify a new laptop after 3 years of hard use, but I prefer the form of the iBook. :Smirk:

Any thoughts on how to be certain it is not the logic board? I have done the Hardware Test and the diagnostic tool on the Applecare CD with no negative results, but I have heard that all positive responses does not necessarily mean things are okay.

I am guessing from your post that I can in fact deactivate airport and still use a USB WiFi adapter? I have never used any sort of external wireless before so I want to be certain. :)
 
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Thanks! I now know why I used to frequent this place so much a few years ago. :) Apologies for my terse posts, I am always on edge dreading the restart message!

It has been working fine for the last 2.5 hours, but this means little given the recent times it has worked (max of 5 hours or so, min of 2 minutes).

I will pick up one of those adapters, it is a lot cheaper than a new MacBook! I can easily justify a new laptop after 3 years of hard use, but I prefer the form of the iBook. :Smirk:

Any thoughts on how to be certain it is not the logic board? I have done the Hardware Test and the diagnostic tool on the Applecare CD with no negative results, but I have heard that all positive responses does not necessarily mean things are okay.

I am guessing from your post that I can in fact deactivate airport and still use a USB WiFi adapter? I have never used any sort of external wireless before so I want to be certain. :)
Yes, you'll need to disable the card, before using any other wireless option. If not, it can cause some damage. You can do it thru System preferences/Network or if you have the icon in the menu bar, from there.
I have one of those USB adapters myself and they do work well. I even configured some window machines to use it.:Smirk:

The report referred to these...
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily


So we just need to verify if it's just the card, or part of the (hardware) network. I would try an Ethernet cable for now, see if you have any more kernel panics. (with the card disabled)
It seems the logic board is ok, at least from the testing. Run it overnight, as you mentioned before.
 
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what is a kernal panic...
 
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Thanks again!!

I am starting to run it now, and I will check back here later on tomorrow evening after work.

I really appreciate all the help. While I am an avid Mac user for several years now, I know little about the inner fairies that live inside. :)
 
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Nothing worse than disgruntled fairies... ;)

You're welcome and good luck! :)
 
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Progress! Well, sort of. The 8 hour long hardware test detected no issues, but another interesting thing happened. After restarting my computer (not in safe mode), Airport is gone. There is no icon in the bar, it says it is turned off in the Network pane, and it is greyed out under "Network Port Configurations".

I am currently using an ethernet cable, and so far, so good. I guess it is safe to assume that it was indeed the Airport card and nothing else?

I read these steps to deactivate the Airport:

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?p=1456753

Should I do this? I would like to ensure that Airport does not ever turn back on somehow.

I suppose I am good to get a USB WiFi adapter, unless someone has a different opinion. :)
 

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