Dead iBook

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Mike O'Connor - 24 Nov 2005 02:39 GMT

This older iBook has all working hardware but its hard disk is hosed. I
can't seem to revive it. It's a 14" iBook model A1007. It ran OS 10.2
well, before the incident. Disk got hosed via an incomplete erase and
install of Panther, so I'm not sure what's on the disk at this point.

When I boot it, it goes to the hard disk for a sec, then comes up with
"panic(cpu 0) Unable to find driver for this platform 'PowerBook4,3'"

OK, the disk is messed, but I can't seem to make the book boot from the
CD (with a Panther or Tiger or DiskWarrior disc in it) by holding down
C, and I can't get it into target mode by holding down T, or giving me
boot options by holding down Option. No matter what, it goes to the disk
and then yields the above.

1) Am I trying the right things, i.e. holding the right keys for this
model.

2) What to hold to erase the PRAM? Haven't tried it, not sure if it
would affect anything.

3) Yikes! Ideas for reviving this thing?

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matt neuburg - 24 Nov 2005 04:33 GMT

> This older iBook has all working hardware but its hard disk is hosed. I
> can't seem to revive it. It's a 14" iBook model A1007. It ran OS 10.2
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> 2) What to hold to erase the PRAM? Haven't tried it, not sure if it
> would affect anything.

Almost certainly erasing PRAM and/or open firmware settings (nvram)
should work. You can find instructions for both at Apple's support site.
Basically you want to hold command-option-O-F and then, when you get a
prompt, type reset-nvram, and then reset-all:

<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42642>

Then zap the pram:

<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238>

Now try to start up from the CD with the C key; it should work now. m.

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Tiger - http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/tiger-customizing.html
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Mike O'Connor - 24 Nov 2005 07:18 GMT

> > This older iBook has all working hardware but its hard disk is hosed. I
> > can't seem to revive it. It's a 14" iBook model A1007. It ran OS 10.2
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
>
> Now try to start up from the CD with the C key; it should work now. m.

Unfortunately it won't go into Open Firmware with Cmd-Opt-O-F.

The keyboard hardware clearly works. Aside from the fact all hardware
worked before the disk got hosed, the Caps Lock light turns on and off,
as does the num lock light, and the CD eject key works. Also
Shift-Control-Opt-Power turns the machine off instantly, as opposed to
power alone which must be held down for a few seconds.

However no key combo seems to do its function: C, T, Option, Cmd-Opt-O-F.

The startup sequence is: Bong. Folder icon with question mark flashes
fast. Folder icon with smiling Mac flashes fast. White screen with
Apple. Disk drive activity heard for a second. Crash-splash ("You need
to restart your computer" graphic) with text:

panic(cpu 0) Unable to find driver for this platform 'PowerBook4,3'
Latest stack backtrace [...]
Darwin Kernel version 7.5.0:
[...]
panic: we are hanging here...

Why it ignores the apparently working keyboard and tries to start from
the hosed disk I dunno. As an early 14" iBook, perhaps it is too early
for target mode or Open Firmware to be in there?

The CD: Though it was spinning up and reading before, there was a crash
in mid-install, and while CDs spin up for a moment when inserted, it
won't boot from any disc.

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David Empson - 24 Nov 2005 11:48 GMT

> Unfortunately it won't go into Open Firmware with Cmd-Opt-O-F.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> However no key combo seems to do its function: C, T, Option, Cmd-Opt-O-F.

This might mean that it has had a password set in Open Firmware, which
locks out all alternative means of booting.

I've never tried using this feature, but my research of various web
sites suggests that even with a password set, you can still get into
Open Firmware with Cmd-Opt-O-F, though it will prompt you for the
password.

Here is Apple's article on this feature:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106482

There is a poorly documented feature to bypass the open firmware
password: turn the computer off, remove or add some RAM, turn on again
and reset the parameter RAM with Cmd-Opt-P-R. (I've seen some
suggestions that you need to do multiple parameter RAM resets, but I
doubt it.) Next boot into Open Firmware with Cmd-Opt-O-F then do
set-defaults, then reset-all. After you shut down again, you can
restore the original RAM.

I found this article which describes the details (under the heading
"Bypass Open Firmware Security"):

http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2005/0,4814,103889,00.html

Signature

David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz

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Mike O'Connor - 25 Nov 2005 00:50 GMT

> > Unfortunately it won't go into Open Firmware with Cmd-Opt-O-F.
> >
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
>
> http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2005/0,4814,103889,00.html

I think you guys have hit upon the answer. There must have been an open
firmware password set. I didn't know that could keep you from zapping
PRAM. The unit wasn't responding to any key combo, even PRAM-zapping. So
I followed the info in the article in the second URL you posted.

I removes the RAM board and AirPort card. According to the article,
changing the physical amount of RAM allows you to zap-PRAM even with a
password set. This did work. I zapped PRAM, did set-defaults and
reset-all and after that was able to boot from a CD.

I'm installing a fresh system on it now, looks good so far, thanks a
million!

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matt neuburg - 25 Nov 2005 17:44 GMT

> The unit wasn't responding to any key combo, even PRAM-zapping. So
> I followed the info in the article in the second URL you posted.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> password set. This did work. I zapped PRAM, did set-defaults and
> reset-all and after that was able to boot from a CD.

Thanks for posting back; this confirmation of David's solution will be a
useful addition to the archives. m.

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Fred McKenzie - 25 Nov 2005 02:44 GMT

> and reset the parameter RAM with Cmd-Opt-P-R. (I've seen some
> suggestions that you need to do multiple parameter RAM resets, but I
> doubt it.)

David-

Fortunately Mike has a working computer now.

Back when the Mac OS was 7.something, someone on the 1-800-SOS-APPL help
line told me to reset the PRAM by holding down the CMD-Opt-P-R and wait
for 5 startup Bongs. That may have been over-kill, but I think you have
to hear at LEAST 2 bongs or the reset may not occur.

Fred

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matt neuburg - 24 Nov 2005 16:34 GMT

> > > This older iBook has all working hardware but its hard disk is hosed. I
> > > can't seem to revive it. It's a 14" iBook model A1007. It ran OS 10.2
[quoted text clipped - 38 lines]
>
> However no key combo seems to do its function: C, T, Option, Cmd-Opt-O-F.

But you didn't say Cmd-Opt-P-R (zap pram). Also, I agree with the other
poster - it does sound as if open firmware is trying to lock you out
through something like the password feature. m.

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Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / November 2005

Dead iBook