0

Score

Avatar
markus weiher
21.4k

Asked

PowerBook Al 1GHz - 4 Beeps at Startup

History

received today a AL Book

seller said that it beeps 3 times, but unfortunately - it beeps 4 times (light flashes 5 times) - so the boot rom should be faulty

is there any way to fix this problem?

Edited by

machead3

Post Answer

1

Score

Avatar
lemerise
16.2k

Answered

Accepted Answer

Permalink • History

The boot rom is not on the hard drive but in a flash memory module on the logic board (just like the integrated memory modules). The boot rom is an instruction set that the computer use before loading the OS. I think the boot rom can only be modified by a firmware update.

thanks for the reply the problem would be, that there is no firmware update listed (or i'm to blind to find it) was there a ASD for the 1ghz or was the ASD starting at the 1,33 (but then would the ver. # 2.5.7 would not make much sense) - a simple yes or no answer to this particular question would be enough

markus weiher,

If the boot room module itself is faulty I think that means a logic board replacement. If the boot rom image is corrupted maybe it can be reflashed but I really don't know (Google search..). Also the boot rom module might be physically replaced by a working one (salvaged from a dead board) again I don't know if it can be done....Sorry

lemerise,

ok thanks, i will try something with the ASD, also found some firmware images - but first i will read a little bit more about that - in the morning, it's almost 12:38 am - bedtime ;-)

markus weiher,

to "close" this question: i sold the powerbook - the buyer has a good logicboard for the beautiful case (no scratches or something else) - well, some things can not easily fixed - the only way would have been an otherwise toasted board, swapping the chips would have been the easiest way to fix it

markus weiher,

1

Score

Avatar
mayer
121.8k

Answered

Permalink • History

Here's Apple explanation of the different startup beeps: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1547

Good info + Ralph

rj713,

right, but can the 4 beep problem be fixed ?

markus weiher,

First thing I would do is zero out the hard drive to eliminate boot block problems

mayer,

I replaced the hdd - same beeping there is nothing on the screen, wont boot from the setup disk (optical drive is ok, took one of my spare drives)

markus weiher,

What's your status on ASD issues? I have the 3S123 with updates 2005.06.07 & 08. Have anything to trade? Contact at mayer@door.net

mayer,

0

Score

Avatar
nick
12.3k

Answered

Permalink • History

here is some info on the signs and a explanation

I know that problem, but i find it hard to believe that there is simply no way to fix a "minor" problem like that

markus weiher,

The chip is on the logicboard abd you cant swap that only you need a whole board

nick,

The swap should be the easiest job, i have the tools and a'm able to use them - getting a otherwise fried board is the problem.

markus weiher,

Add Your Answer