Powerbook 15"

[Nj1210]

I need all the help i can get on this tricky one..

I have a 15" 1.5Ghz Powerbook G4,
and 3 days ago, it loaded up with a folder with a question mark?
i tried to alt boot it from the leopard disc, and i have a padlock with a code that needs to be entered

I have no idea what this code may be, and it is long out of protection plan, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[iSaint]

The folder with a question mark means it cannot find the hard drive and is unable to boot. It doesn't sound good, that's for sure. Worst case: hard drive is dead. Best case: a ribbon or connection is bad.

There are fix it yourself sites. Here's one.

An Apple Genius will diagnose for free, then quote you a 'fix-all' cost. In other words, Apple will fix it no matter the problem for about $300. They fixed my G4 iBook for about that and I was pleased with the result.

EDIT: Try resetting your PRAM per these directions before you decide it's broken completely.

 

[joegomolski]

Powerbook 15

This has happened to me.

In my case the problem was solved by reinstalling the operating system. Best to use the erase and install option. Provided you have a current backup.

If you don't have a backup, then try the archive and install options. This way all the contents of your hard drive will be found in the previous system folder.