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live4ever

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
My 15.2" 1.25ghz Powerbook (all stock the SD model) will only boot if I hold down the command key after the chime (but only sometimes). If I don't press it the SD will engage and then the HDD will spin up but then the HDD will spin down. I also am unable to boot from an external FW400 HDD (by holding down Option key)***this is something I need to do***.

It still does this after I wiped my Panther install and re-installed Jag (I have the upgrade discs) for a while, then I erased and installed Panther (now running 10.3.4) and it still does want to start on its own - so I don't think it's a software issue ('cause of the 2 fresh installs of Jag & Panther).

However I think it might be something stored in the PRAM or NVRAM and I'd like to know some other ways to reset them.

I can't reset the PRAM (cmd-opt-P-R) because it shuts down right after I hit the power button or boot into Open Firmware to manually try and reset it.

So, is there something else I could do (a manual button or something)?

Please Help,
-Thanks
 
if its still under warrantly take it to the apple store or repair center see if they can sort it out; no need to fix it yourself if you can have ti done by trained technicians
 
Well the problem was the logic board (it getting fixed now). Anyone else have this happen to them? Right now I'm waiting for a new screen, the 1st replacement (for white spots) was damaged during shipping to the dealer.
 
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