Apple Hardware Test 2.0.1: PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW 800) and (17-inch 1.33GHz) Read Me

About Apple Hardware Test

Apple Hardware Test diagnoses and detects problems with your computer's internal hardware components, such as the logic board, memory, modem, video RAM, and AirPort Extreme Card. It does not check external hardware components, such as USB or FireWire devices, nor does it check for operating system (OS) or software-related problems, such as application or extension conflicts.

You can start up your computer with Apple Hardware Test in the Software Install and Restore DVD even if the machine will not start up under the Mac OS.

Version 2.0.4 of Apple Hardware Test for PowerBook is distributed with the 15-inch and 17-inch Apple PowerBook G4 computers introduced in 2003. It will not work with any other computer.

Using Apple Hardware Test
Before using Apple Hardware Test, disconnect all external devices with the exception of keyboard, mouse, display, and speakers. You should also disconnect the Ethernet network cable. Print out these instructions before proceeding with the following steps.

1. Restart your computer from the Software Install and Restore DVD, holding down the Option key while the computer restarts. Continue to hold down the Option key until a list of available bootable devices appears.

    

2. Select Apple Hardware Test and click the right arrow. The Loading icon then appears. Loading takes about 45 seconds.

    

3. When the Apple Hardware Test main screen appears, follow the onscreen instructions.

If Apple Hardware Test detects a problem, it displays an error code. Make a note of the error code before pursuing support options. If Apple Hardware Test does not detect a hardware failure, the problem may be software related.

Known Issues
If your PowerBook has more than 512 MB of RAM, the Extended Test may take significantly more time than indicated on the screen.

Your PowerBook can use memory modules or DIMMs even when the Power On SelfTest, which runs when the machine is turned on, detects part of a module as being bad. When you start up your computer, Apple Hardware Test reports failed memory modules in the Hardware Tests panel.

While the video RAM is being tested, it is normal for the screen to appear blank or turned off for extended periods of time, depending on how much video RAM is installed.

Recommendations for Resolving Problems with Your Computer

• Turn the computer off and on properly.
  

  You can often eliminate problems by turning off your computer as recommended. To turn off your computer, choose Shut Down from the Apple () menu. Do not turn off the computer by turning off the switch on a power strip or by pulling the computer's power plug. Restart your computer by pressing the power button. To restart your computer when it is on, choose Restart from the Apple () menu.

   

• Check cables, peripherals, and controls.
  

  To see if cables or peripherals are causing conflicts with your system, shut down your computer. Disconnect the cables and peripherals, such as printers, scanners, cameras and external mass storage devices. Then reconnect the cables and peripherals and restart your system. You can also adjust the controls on your monitors and other peripherals.

   

• Start up from the Software Install and Restore DVD that came with your computer.
  

  Start your system from the Software Install and Restore DVD by holding down the C key until you see the Apple logo. If the system works properly when started (booted) from the Software Install and Restore DVD, the problem may be related to the software installed on your computer.

   

• Refer to Mac Help and the Internet for assistance.
  

  Mac Help, located in the Help menu, includes a wealth of technical information. The AppleCare Knowledge Base and other resources for technical help and support are available 24 hours a day at www.apple.com/support.

   

• Reinstall the Mac OS.
  

  In many cases, a clean installation of the Mac OS fixes recurring problems. Make sure you back up the data on your hard drive before reinstalling the OS. Follow the instructions in the Read This First document in the Software Install and Restore DVD to reinstall the Mac OS.

   

• Contact AppleCare Service and Support for assistance.
  

  If the above steps don't resolve the problem, please review the service and support material that came with your computer for information on contacting AppleCare.

Copyright 2000-2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, FireWire, Mac, Macintosh, and PowerBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. AppleCare is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

July 2003