iBook G4 not starting up

Hey guys, a friend of mine has this iBook G4 with Leopard, but it doesn't start up anymore.

It shows the apple logo, and then the small rotating thingie, and that's where it freezes.

Is there anyway I can check what's wrong, or any way I can get all his stuff out of that computer?

Or any advice on what the problem could be?

Thanks a lot!

 

Not completely sure but I know all start up problems I have seen with G4's have been from a damaged logic board.

 

Sounds like a damaged logic board, but could also be a damaged HD. You could try resetting the PRAM (hold down Command-Option-P-R before and during boot until restart) and PMU ( http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449).

If that doesn't do it, you could either try removing the HD and connect it to another Mac and see if it can boot from it (Intel Macs support booting from USB and Firewire), or, if you have a spare Firewire 6pin to 6pin cable available, you could connect your iBook to the other Mac in Target Disk Mode ( http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583) and run some tests from there.

 

Thanks Budding.

I'll try all of those tonight and let you know.

One question, though:
- Would Target Disk Mode allow me to backup my friends stuff onto my Mac?

Cheers!

 

If it works, yes it would. Target Disk Mode turns your Mac into an external hard drive. So, you will not only be able to backup the contents of the Mac in Target Disk Mode, but also put files on it (such as a new Operating System *hint*)! So, you will in essence have a not very portable £800 (at time of purchase) 5400rpm external FireWire HD. w00t(?)