iBook G4 won't boot-- grey screen

[cherish592]

I've seen other posts on the topic but was wondering what ended up working for this issue!

My iBook g4 suddenly won't start, leaving me with a grey screen and occasionally an apple logo or an apple logo and a spinning "loading" icon (gear shaped?)

So far here is what hasn't worked:
-Booting from disc 1 of the Mac OSX CDROMs (pressing c)
-Booting with and waiting for the three chimes

I also ran the hardware test and it said I have a "mass storage error"



any ideas??? thanks!!!!!!

 

[iLEFTOVERCRACK]

i beleive you have a kenal panic....not good
i have no idea how to fix it...
i had one because i deleted a start up folder

 

[cherish592]

i also have a slight buzzing in the hard drive, and when i do the hardward test i get to the introduction and cannot press continue.

anyone else know what a kenel panic is??

thanks!!

 

[D3v1L80Y]

It sounds more like a HD issue and not a kernel panic. Try this:

Boot from your OS/Restore CD and go through the motions of installing the OS. If your HD doesn't appear in the list of drives to install to, then you will likely need your HD replaced. If you are still under warranty/APP this is a covered repair.

If the HD does appear when you are trying to install the OS, or if you still cannot boot from a CD, it is likely not the HD that is the problem, though I would suspect that is not the case.

Either way, give Apple a call and see about getting a dispatch sent to you so you can send it in for repair.

 

[cherish592]

where could i find an OS/restore CD and what would it look like? i tried the first disk in the 8 disk set that i got with the iBook originally. i get to the second question and then it freezes (can't use the menu bar or click continue)

if i don't have APPCare (i got my iBook through powerDV), then how much would it set me back to take it in to a local apple store?

 

[D3v1L80Y]

where could i find an OS/restore CD and what would it look like? i tried the first disk in the 8 disk set that i got with the iBook originally. i get to the second question and then it freezes (can't use the menu bar or click continue)

if i don't have APPCare (i got my iBook through powerDV), then how much would it set me back to take it in to a local apple store?

The Restore CD should be grey. It should be labeled as Software Restore.
When did you get your iBook? If it was less than one year ago, you are still covered under the initial warranty. If you go to www.apple.com/support there is a place where you can enter your serial number to see if you are still under warranty or not. If it is under warranty, it shouldn't cost you anything. I had to have the HD in my iBook replaced and it took all of 4 days to send it in, get it replaced, and shipped back to me.

 

[cherish592]

so far the software restore won't boot the computer (though earlier it booted somewhat on the "OSX install" disc).

I got it from powerdv (www.powerdv.com) last september. On the apple website it says i can find the serial number through the apple menu. Seeing as I can't turn my computer on, where else might i find this number?

thanks so much!!

 

[D3v1L80Y]

It should be under the keyboard. Just pull the tabs over the function keys and it should lift off.

 

[cherish592]

OK, I got everything registered with apple.com, and it looks like I do have a warranty. Should I just call 1-800-APPLE (the number on the website) or is there a better way to call them to send in the computer?

I've been trying to do the software install but still no luck. Mabye it is one of those kernal panic things like in the first reply.

Anyways, thanks for all the help today.