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Archives => 2006 => Topic started by: kp123 on August 23, 2006, 04:46:48 PM

Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: kp123 on August 23, 2006, 04:46:48 PM
So I accidently plugged my Studio Display (no external power source) into my G4 (AGP) while the machine was on. Everything went dead.

Computer boots fine when the monitor is not attached. Won't do anything at all with the monitor attached.

I was told it was the video card so I bought another. Problem persists.

Any ideas? Do I need a new monitor? Any suggestions appreciated.
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: pendragon on August 23, 2006, 05:14:16 PM
Kp123

A most hearty welcome.gif to TechSurvivors. Sorry we could not have met under better circumstances.

Now, to the issue—

Some thoughts (guesses and musings): eek2.gif

1. As some display settings are stored in PRAM, you might try Zapping the PRAM

2. If you can, do a SafeBoot (restarting while holding the Shift key).

3. Without a display, how are you certain your machine is booting properly?

4. Have you tried using your display with a different computer? Results? And, have you tried a different display/monitor with your machine? Results?

5. How was it determined that you have a bad video card?

Also, please advise what size Studio Display you have and what OS you are using.

Even if the above brings you no joy, hang in there. Indeed there are folks about who do have the expertise you seek.
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: Parker on August 24, 2006, 01:08:20 AM
yes a very welcome to TS from me as well
i am parker (aka gailwin)
the oh so wise teen who thinks he knows everything
but he doesn't...

ok back on topic

yes without a monitor how do you know your machine is booting properly, since there isn't a death chime?

um... try plugging the machine into a television using the S-Video out port if you have one. If not, try attaching a regular VGA monitor using one of those ADC to VGA adapters (http://www.smalldog.com/product/41077/ss)... it's worth a shot to see if your monitor blew (plus you'd need it anyway for a new monitor so it's sort of a catch 22).

hope this helped
and again, welcome to the family!
-parker
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: MacHeadCase on August 24, 2006, 07:44:46 AM
Welcome here, kp123!  smile.gif

I wonder if you couldn't borrow another monitor to test out the faulty monitor theory or maybe try using Gailwin's trick and see if it'll work.
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: Parker on August 25, 2006, 09:36:57 AM
take it to the genius bar
they most likely have adapters there and will test it for you...
save some money...

cheers,
parker
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: bobw on August 25, 2006, 10:49:14 AM
I would try resetting the PMU before taking it in for service.
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: MacHeadCase on August 25, 2006, 11:38:26 AM
Excellent advice, bobw!

Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics/Gigabit Ethernet): Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board.
Title: G4 Won't Boot With Monitor Attached
Post by: Parker on August 25, 2006, 03:21:26 PM
QUOTE
I would try resetting the PMU before taking it in for service.

service is free
btw