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Apple's line of iBook laptops was intended for the consumer and educational markets. The iBook line comprises of the iBook G3 Clamshell, G3 12", G3 14", G4 12", and G4 14".

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Pluged in ethernet cable now iBook won't turn on.

I plugged in my ethernet cable and the screen had lines going through it, I removed the ethernet cable and the computer shut off. Now I can't get the computer to start.Prior to using the ethernet cable I had no problems. Please Help, Gwyn

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This is a shot from the hip, but I'd be willing to bet you've got the G3 video issue, and that the problem doesn't have anything to do with ethernet. Strange lines across the screen are a giveaway of the video issue, especially for the 700-900MHZ models. It's possible that plugging in the ethernet cable bumped the logic board in a way which aggravated a dormant case of this problem.

Gwyn, when you state you "can't get the computer to start", do you mean it's completely dead, or do you hear power-on noises but get a black screen? Typically with the video issue, it will power on, but the screen will be black (if it doesn't come on and show lines and strange artifacts). Here's a test: While it is off, clamp the computer with your left hand just to the left of the trackpad, applying firm pressure to the top and underside. Power it on while you are applying pressure. Don't be afraid to apply some significant pressure. If the screen lights up, there is a 99% chance you have the video issue. If you DO have the video issue, then you're basically ready for a new machine, because there is no real cost-effective and permanent fix.

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+ Good troubleshooting advice

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You have

at least two possible problems, and I have too little history to solve this in one shot.

The Ethernet port could be bad or shorting out. The VGC chip (a known source of trouble on some of these machines) could be acting up. They are both on the right side of the machine, near each other.

  1. ID your Mac. to locate the proper guide.
  2. Unplug the charger and remove the battery overnight.
  3. Open the machine, see if the Ethernet connector is broken lose or contacting other components on the logic board. (compare to picture in guide) If it is move it.
  4. If there's scorching or burn marks on the components the logic board is shot.
  5. If it looks good reassemble but do not screw down tight.
  6. Hold down the "on" button for more than 10 seconds you should here a restart/tone LET UP on the button.
  7. IF the screen flashes the LCD is working, and it boots ok then the VGC is looking good.
  8. If the screen does not flash AND the machine boots - you need to connect to an external monitor to see if the VGC works and either the display and/or cables are faulty. (If the external monitor works your VGC is OK )if not OR
  9. If still nothing happens you may have shorted out the logic board through the faulty Ethernet port =8^( and it needs replacement (IMnsHO hardly worth the $ - use those $ towards a newer Mac)

If this answer is acceptable please return and mark it.

Good Luck,

N.

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My ibook is 800 MHz G3 12" ibook. I will try your suggestions. Thanks, Gwyn

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MacHead3, is there a reset button for my ibook? Gwyn

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Here is a link to the resets. +

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

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What does VGC stand for? Are you referring to the video chip, or GPU? I've never heard it referred to as "VGC". Also, the video chip and ethernet are on the LEFT side of an iBook, not the right.

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As I understand it VGC means video graphics controller but I could be wrong. (another name for GPU I think)

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rdklinc, my computer will not turn on at all, it does not make a SOUND when I push the on button. Can I really have ruined the ibook by plugging in the ethernet cable? Prior to using the cable the ibook worked fine, booted right up no problem. I will try your suggestions. Thanks again, Gwyn

I will let you know if I can get it running again. I wanted to give it to my 4 year old grandson he loves to get on my computer.

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Gwyn, I can not see how you would have caused any damage to your computer by plugging in the ethernet cable. I am of course making an assumption that the other end of the cable was not connected to anything weird. I'd do go with what was previously suggested. You have another issue going on that is unrelated to the ethernet cable. My first instinct tells me it is the video issue that comes up with this model. I think the people on here will get you in the right direction to get it resolved so that your grandson will soon have the chance to enjoy it again. Good luck

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