Thread: Apple Computer - OS died or idiot user?

See if it boots up when you Restart holding down the Shift Key.

1. Is it supposed to be running Classic OS or OSX?
The G5 can run either of these OSs. Also with OSX it can straight boot in Classic mode.

2. Also did you load the OS or was it preloaded?
Again if it was preloaded some apps/libs/controls may not have been loaded due to the original configuration. Also preloaded systems may want to do things that your setup does not provide.

3. Do you have access to a normal monitor? if so use that and the monitor plug and test the machine.

I am running an old G3 and G4 and both don't seem to have real hang ups. the G3 has a bit of a SCSI problem occasionally but minor.

Also open the box and check for the quantity of dust. try to clean any/all out. Your problem may be a stuffed plug on the mother board. Not a nice thought.

A G5 won't run Classic. If you can tell me what OS version you have, i.e 10.4.1 I can give you TechTool Pro and Diskwarrior that should/might sort things out for you, don't worry they are originals and old versions to what I have now and no longer have use for.

It might be also just as easy to take it to somewhere like Nextbyte and ask them to do a clean out. I sometimes take my G5 Quad for yearly maintenance. If it's a mother board, it is a cheap thing to replace, either way for a litle bit of $ you'll end up with a solid machine.

I might also be able to give you an original of OS Leopard if I can find it. It's one full version of the OS back from what I am using now but it's better than nothing, and from it you could do a clean install which might also get you out of the woods.

Any idea what G5 it is?

springwater - thanks... so thats the 'restart in safe mode' I now know about. No llluck.

Anyway - got the case opened, its filthy. I've cleaned it, but the Apple help desk say that it seems to have dropped the OS from the hd.

cultana - thanks, it seems to be a hardware/dirt/gremlin issue.

I'll see if the bloke I got it from has the original install disk and,if he has it, I'll try reinstalling the OS... failing that, I'll hit up Waldo for his OS if he can find it and see if I can get the local IT business to run a diagnose and repair on it.

Waldo, I'll pm you if I need to ask for the OS.

Thanks for all your help... I'll close this thread off as a 'got me to a starting point' one.

again, very many thanks, greatly appreciated.

thanks all, I reseated all the components, let it sit on power for a while... seems to work fine. Getting very impressed with the Apple stuff... except for the "where is my Right Click' function on the mouse.

Apple's help menu should have a "Microsoft conversion section" for fools like me.

Originally Posted by Clinton1

except for the "where is my Right Click' function on the mouse

If you have the white mouse with the track ball in the middle, go into System Preferences and click Mouse and you'll be able to set left and right buttons.

nope, its the one with the red light and single clicker, a clear cover.

Mac impresses me... needing to learn a new system doesn't.

don't suppose you know a good itunes/ipod rippper? The apple helpdesk person suggested one that is a bit dodgy.

I'm behind the times on that as I don't have an iPod.

Have a search at Mac OS X Software Updates and Mac OS X Downloads - VersionTracker and you'll find something. It's a great resource for finding lots of things.

A G5 is a bit ancient in computer terms but it should still work OK. I have been using Macs for a couple of years now and although I'm not an expert, may I suggest trying a couple of things:

1. Ensure all peripherals are connected properly and try starting it without internet connection.

2. If you have trouble starting it, next time you switch on, immediately press " Command (Apple key) , Option, P, R all together until you hear the start up chime sound twice. That will reset the P-ram and if all else is well, it should start.

3. If it doesn't, repeat step 2 after having disconnected the power from the wall for about a minute.

4. If you still have difficulty, you should try booting from a MAC Operating system disk. If you have access to newer software (preferable), boot from the disk and install it.

5. If you do get to a readable screen in any of the above, run the disk utility and select "repair disk permissions" for the hard drive.

6. If you do get the system to boot and connect to the internet, run the Apple software update program - there are bound to be a host of new fixes to iron out the bugs you are experiencing.

7. If you are still experiencing difficulties, you cannot rule out a hardware fault. Most common are memory problems but depending on the use (or abuse) of the machine before, it could have other damage. I have heard of hairline cracks in the motherboard causing things to go haywire.

Let us know how you get on.

Originally Posted by Clinton1

thanks all, I reseated all the components, let it sit on power for a while... seems to work fine. Getting very impressed with the Apple stuff... except for the "where is my Right Click' function on the mouse.

Apple's help menu should have a "Microsoft conversion section" for fools like me.

I should have read the whole thread first - I didn't realise you got it going!!

Mac OSX can run windows as well as Mac. You can boot up in windows using "Bootcamp" or do what I do and use a program called "Parallels" . You can have both windows and mac running at the same time and drag files between the 2.

However, I would suggest learning Mac routines without referencing microsoft habits. The Mac system is way more intuitive and user friendly and Microsoft routines are confusing.