Specifications

PowerBook G4 (12" 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 7
Hard Drive Symptom Charts
Hard Drive
Hard drive will not initialize
1. Boot from Software and Restore DVD. Under the File menu, select Disk Utility, and
see if the hard drive appears on the list.
2. If no hard drive is found in Disk Utility, verify the hard drive cable connections.
3. Replace hard drive cable.
4. Replace hard drive.
Important: If the computer is under warranty and data recovery is required, refer to
Article 31077: Hard Drive Data Recovery & Warranty Implications, for important
information.
5. Replace logic board.
The internal hard drive does not spin
1. Disconnect any connected peripherals.
2. Try known-good power outlet.
3. Try known-good power adapter and power cord.
4. Boot from Software and Restore DVD.
5. Verify Disk Utility does not recognize the hard drive.
6. Verify cable connections.
7. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift-
power.
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the "fn" key when resetting the
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
8. Replace hard drive cable.
9. Replace hard drive.
Noisy hard drive
Some sounds such as ticking or a rotational noise are normal. Refer to Knowledge Base
article 30593: PowerBook: Hard Drives and Noise.