RoyK

The main battery is weak, lasts only about 15 min when charged, but the computer works fine when plugged in. I needed to be careful to not let the battery run down when not plugged or the computer would shut down. If it ran down plugging the computer in for about 15 minutes would allow a bootup. Otherwise the computer has run fine. Suddenly it will not boot up as it did. However ---

I discovered that when I turn the computer off it WILL boot up IF: 1) I unplug the power cord, 2) take out the battery, 3) unplug the PRAM battery and plug the PRAM cable back in again 4) plug in the power cord -- then it will boot up. A re-start works fine without this process.

I was told by a tech guy that the logic board may be damaged by a run-down battery but I could try a new battery. I'm not convinced a new battery will do the trick. Has the logic board been damaged so that it will not work normally?

This computer works perfectly in every other way. It seems that by removing the PRAM battery and plugging it in again causes a re-set of some kind. What are we missing here?

Does anyone have an experienced suggestion to offer? I am trying not to spend money on another computer!

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Thanks for the suggestions. I replaced the main battery and it has fixed the complicated bootup problem. In fact, with the new battery my original PRAM battery functions like it should and I would not have needed to replace it. The powerbook works normally again and now I have the benefit of a longer time working with the computer running on the battery.

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Thank you for your advice. I tried your procedures and found this: I removed the PRAM battery. I can boot the system if I 1) shut the computer down, 2) remove both the powercord and the power battery (even though it is a week one) 3) plug them in, then it will boot up. As expected I need to reset the clock or allow it to automatically reset. I hope this indicates that I do not have a logic board problem.

To unplug and re-plug the power with the PRAM installed does not work, but it does work without the PRAM installed! I need to remove the power completely, THEN also remove and re-attach the PRAM and then the power before it will boot, in that order.

Now, does the above mean I have a dead PRAM battery? I wonder about the PRAM battery -- I bought one from a qualified ebay seller who said it was a tested and good battery. I don't have the equipment to test it but I wish I knew whether it is good or not. Perhaps I can take it to a nearby Radio Shack to test it.

I can live with this operation for quite a while (without the PRAM so I can finally sew up the computer again) instead of paying for a new computer. Perhaps invest in a new power battery.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question. If you have further insight about the actions/non-actions of the PRAM I would appreciate it.

It still seems to me that by unplugging and re-plugging the power that there is a reset that is taking place that doesn't take place without it.

Roy

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I had a similar problem, my powerbook like Soggymac's would not boot up. I installed another backup battery (PRAM) and it booted right up. However, every time I turn the computer off again it will not boot unless I unplug the PRAM battery and plug the cable back in again -- then it will boot up. I tried the reset by turning the computer on and holding down the Control-Option -R -P keys when it started until it restarted, but that has not helped. Does anyone reading this know what additional steps can be taken? (that is, besides never turning the computer off -- or re-plugging it each time I turn it on!)

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