[G4] * * * G4 problem

[Ronald Steinke]

On Aug 19, 2010, at 3:57 PM, Don wrote:

> When I pushbutton start, the led light comes on and
> there are four tones, then after a few seconds, a
> 'four flash' led reaction, and then the led stays
> on... only to repeat after another several seconds.

When the startup chime doesn't make its regular single chord sound, it  
is usually an indication that your RAM has a problem.
It could be that one, or all, of the modules has failed. It is also a  
possibility that there is a problem with the logic board.

The best way I know of checking the RAM modules without having a  
dedicated RAM module testing machine is to take out all the modules  
and do a restart with only one module at a time installed. Test each  
module separately this way.  If you continue to hear the four-note  
sound after testing each module, you have a more serious issue to deal  
with.

If you have access to some different modules, try installing them and  
starting the machine. If it works, you have solved the problem and can  
complete the replacing of any defective module(s).

After testing each module and getting things running, you might want  
to do a re-set of the PRAM settings and rebuild the desktop directory  
file. To rebuild the desktop file, hold down the Command and Option  
keys while starting the machine. You will see dialogue windows telling  
you the file is being rebuilt. To re-set the PRAM, hold down the  
Command, the Option, and the "P" and "R" keys all together while  
starting and continue to hold those keys down until you hear the start- 
up chime at least three times.

It definitely is not a power supply problem because the machine is  
trying to start but is finding something that isn't working properly  
during the Pre-Operating System Test and before completing the system  
software operation.

Good luck with finding the problem part.