Powerbook G4 Fatal error

[FernandoE]

Hello, i currently have a powerbook G4 12" laptop computer and i am experiencing issues. it worked perfectly for as long as ive owned it until today it started making a weird noise when the power is on and i move around the laptop, it seems that something is broken inside. And it wont load the OS, it gets stuck on the white apple loading screen until i press the power button.

Note: this laptop hasnt suffered any physical damage (punches falls or anything you can imagine).

Please this is an emergency, i need to get it fixed asap. THANKS!

[Yuiichi]

Hey FernandoE,

I'd really suggest taking it to either an AASP or to an Apple store to get it looked at. As you mentioned, there could be something physically broken inside, which only a technician could help you with. Hopefully you bought the Applecare extended warranty (and the computer is still under warranty!)

Hope this helps!

[houltmac]

This sounds very much like the hard drive is damaged and will require replacement. The good news is that this is one of the cheapest and easiest parts to replace; still it will require a qualified technician as it's not something that should be attempted at home. Besides, this is a best guess based on very little information, so it still requires proper diagnosis.

As Yuiichi says, take it to an Apple Store or AASP and they will be able to repair it for you, under warranty or not.

[ggeoffre]

If you did purchase AppleCare, even if the warrantee has expired, you may still have your Protection Plan CD that has a copy of MicroMat's TechTool Deluxe. You may be able to boot using this CD and run some basic diagnostics against your hard drive to see if that is in fact the problem.