iBook G4 Stuck on blue screen

[Surfrider]

When I try and start from an install disc, I get a "you need to re-start your computer" screen, overlaid over that is a whole bunch of code type messages....and when you re-start, it chimes goes thru the usual start up routine...goes to the blue screen...have a cursor but nothing else.

When I boot in safe mode, nothing happens, I've left it on for 4 hours, nothing.

Tries fsck, went thru the whole deal, looked like it repaired stuff but it didn't re-boot and start normally.

I bought another one, but I'd sure like to fix this one, it's not mine!

It's an iBook G4 133 OSX 10.4.11

[PeterW]

Using the newly purchased iBook and the OSX Install disk, install the OS onto an external hard drive and boot the borrowed iBook from it (hold down the Option key at boot time and select the external drive). Report back with the results.

[Surfrider]

I have regular 10.4.10 install discs. Not the retail ones if that makes a difference.

I have a new mini I could use in target mode I suppose. Never done it. No Firewire on the mini, can I use an Ethernet cable between the Mini & iBook?

[GGD]

Surfrider wrote:
I have regular 10.4.10 install discs. Not the retail ones if that makes a difference.

I have a new mini I could use in target mode I suppose. Never done it. No Firewire on the mini, can I use an Ethernet cable between the Mini & iBook?

Not sure what "regular 10.4.10 install discs" are.

Are they the ones that shipped with the iBook? if not, that kernel panic that you're getting when trying to boot from them could be due to the disks and have nothing to do with the condition of the iBook.

You should be able to use the two iBooks to test with. If one has a system that actually boot, put that one in Target Disk Mode, and boot the other one with the Option key down and try to select the drive of the other iBook as the boot device.

[Surfrider]

Connecting them with a Firewire cord?

Aha, re: the install disc.

[GGD]

Surfrider wrote:
Connecting them with a Firewire cord?

Yes, once one of them is in Target Disk Mode (T key pressed at power-on)

Surfrider wrote:
Aha, re: the install disc.

So, where is this disc from? It might even be from an Intel Mac.

[Surfrider]

Might be, I don't remember where it's from.

[Chakravartin]

Surfrider wrote:
When I try and start from an install disc, I get a "you need to re-start your computer" screen, overlaid over that is a whole bunch of code type messages....

Kernel panic.

Might be bad or mis-seated RAM.

Might be that you have the wrong installer disc. What color is the label on the DVD? ... Is there a brief code printed on the front of the DVD -- a part number -- and if so then what does it say?

Have you confirmed the minimum OS required for that G4?

...

As others have suggested, Target Mode should at least allow you to check the drive for directory damage with the Disk Utility ("Repair Disk") while the iBook is tethered via FireWire cable.

Unfortunately, this will not permit you to check the drive's self-reporting mechanism (SMART) to see whether it has had a mechanical failure, but checking it with the Disk Utility might still be useful.

[Surfrider]

It's weird, it acts like normal until the desktop detritus is supposed to show, then, no go.

It's like it's smirking at me...

[Catzilla]

Surfrider wrote:
I have regular 10.4.10 install discs. Not the retail ones if that makes a difference.

I have a new mini I could use in target mode I suppose. Never done it. No Firewire on the mini, can I use an Ethernet cable between the Mini & iBook?

Mac Mini? They all have FireWire.