Usually a clicking/scratching noise is a clear indicator that the hard drive is bad. Furthermore, the blue screen with the folder and blinking question mark means that it cannot locate the required system files needed to properly load the OS. My professional opinion is that the hard drive is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. You might also have to reinstall the OS as well, but its worth a shot attempting to clone your drive and then loading it on your new HD. You can use our PowerBook G4 guides to replace the hard drive. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

[quote|Walter Galan]Usually a clicking/scratching noise is a clear indicator that the hard drive is bad. Furthermore, the blue screen with the folder and blinking question mark means that it cannot locate the required system files needed to properly load the OS. My professional opinion is that the hard drive is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. You might also have to reinstall the OS as well, but its worth a shot attempting to clone your drive and then loading it on your new HD. You can use our [link|http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/PowerBook|PowerBook G4 guides] to replace the hard drive. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck![/quote]

Thanks Walter-

Okay so it's most likely the HD. I'v looked at the instructions here and on youtube and I think I can pull it off. After installing a new HD (the cheapest one i found is $89), assuming all goes well with that, will I need a start-up disc? I have no discs for this computer.

Thx

[quote|benjo ]Thanks Walter- Okay so it's most likely the HD. I'v looked at the instructions here and on youtube and I think I can pull it off. After installing a new HD (the cheapest one i found is $89), assuming all goes well with that, will I need a start-up disc? I have no discs for this computer. Thx[/quote]

You will need the PowerBook restore disks or an OS X (preferably 10.4, you could possibly get away with 10.5 depending on your hardware) install disc to reinstall the OS again. Its best if you identify your PowerBook and attempt to acquire the restore disks for your machine.

[quote|Walter Galan]You will need the PowerBook restore disks or an OS X (preferably 10.4, you could possibly get away with 10.5 depending on your hardware) install disc to reinstall the OS again. Its best if you [link|http://www.ifixit.com/Info/ID-your-Mac|identify your PowerBook] and attempt to acquire the restore disks for your machine.[/quote]

Yeah I have 2 discs that came with my Macbook Pro. They are OS X version 10.4.8

Perhaps they will work.

Any suggestions on HD options?

Thx

[quote|benjo ]Yeah I have 2 discs that came with my Macbook Pro. They are OS X version 10.4.8 Perhaps they will work. Any suggestions on HD options? Thx[/quote]

I don't think you can use MBP restore discs with a PowerBook. I think restore discs are model specific, but its definitely worth a shot...

As for HD's, I would suggest maybe a 120 GB 5400 RPM ATA Hard Drive. But that of course is merely one suggestion.

[quote|Walter Galan]I don't think you can use MBP restore discs with a PowerBook. I think restore discs are model specific, but its definitely worth a shot... As for HD's, I would suggest maybe a [product|IF107-045|120 GB 5400 RPM ATA Hard Drive]. But that of course is merely one suggestion.[/quote]

A gal at the MAc repair shop said to never put the grey/white discs from another computer into the g4.

She says it will corrupt the motherboard. So, I still need some kind of restore disks for the g4 and i don't see any on the site here.

Thx

[quote|benjo ]A gal at the MAc repair shop said to never put the grey/white discs from another computer into the g4. She says it will corrupt the motherboard. So, I still need some kind of restore disks for the g4 and i don't see any on the site here. Thx[/quote]

What model of PowerBook G4 do you have?

[quote|Walter Galan]What model of PowerBook G4 do you have?[/quote]

a1010

[quote|benjo ]a1010[/quote]

It seems you have a PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12", but I'm not sure what processor speed you have. Currently we only have restore discs in stock for the PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" 867 MHz. If that's what you have, then you're set. Otherwise, you'll need to acquire the right set of restore disks or a copy of OS X 10.4.

[quote|Walter Galan]It seems you have a PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12", but I'm not sure what processor speed you have. Currently we only have restore discs in stock for the [product|IF153-035|PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" 867 MHz]. If that's what you have, then you're set. Otherwise, you'll need to acquire the right set of restore disks or a copy of OS X 10.4.[/quote]