Power Mac G4: Boot Issue When 1 GB or More of RAM Installed

Apple has identified an issue affecting Power Mac G4 computers with 1 GB or more of RAM installed. After installing the memory, the computer will fail to produce a startup chime and hang during the start up process. This article provides a workaround to this issue.
When starting up the computer from a powered-off state (such as directly after installing RAM) the computer will fail to produce a startup chime and hang during the start up process. At that point, perform a warm restart by pressing the reset button on the front of the computer and it will reboot successfully.

Note: The startup chime will still not be audible.

Apple is investigating the issue in order to provide a permanent resolution. In the interim, this issue can be avoided by putting the computer to sleep instead of shutting it down.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012