G4 won't reboot-stuck on "PreferenceSyncClient"

[sandiegomike]

My G4 laptop is stuck on the spinning wheel with a placard that says "PreferenceSyncClient" did not exit normally. No response to the "ignore" or "restart" options on the placard. I forced a shutdown with the on-off button several times but the computer is still hung up. No luck on the Apple website support. I will appreciate any suggestions.
Mike in SanDiego

 

[spinne1]

Remove the battery. After a while put battery back in. Then use AC adapter. Then put OS X install DVD/CD in optical drive. Reboot holding down the C button. Reinstall OS using Archive and Install. All hopefully should be well after that. If not, you likely have a logic board, ram, or hard drive issue.

 

[sandiegomike]

Thanks to spinne1

Thanks spinne1. I will give the procedure you describe a try. Are my stored files and siftware at risk during this process?

 

[spinne1]

Thanks spinne1. I will give the procedure you describe a try. Are my stored files and siftware at risk during this process?

No, but without backup ALL your files and software are at risk all the time.

 

[sandiegomike]

Successful Re-Install

spinne1 - thank you for the explicit directions. I followed them and got a successful re-install. We have .mac (now MobileMe) backing up our G4 and G5 but I recently purchased an external hard drive just to be assured of full backup. (BTW my wife was born in Paris, TN and her uncle, Buddy Kennedy, lived in Hermitage for 40 years. A beautiful place.)
Mike