TOPIC
This article provides some troubleshooting tips for a PowerBook that enters a dimmed state or freezes up while it is waking up from sleep.
DISCUSSION
Software Step 1 See if the PowerBook has gone to sleep with an external monitor attached. Select "Don't sleep" when plugged into AC power. Always use the AC adapter when external devices are attached to a PowerBook. NOTE: Some software applications may not "understand" the PowerBook sleep function. If you discover your PowerBook always freezes when it goes to sleep if a certain application is open, you should contact the software vendor for more information. Step 2 Check the hard drive for SCSI driver or ATA driver problem. Some possibilities: Step 3 Check to see if incompatible software is installed. Some possibilities: To test for incompatibility, remove the software and then get an update if the removal solved the problem. Step 4 Check for older third party products, which should be updated. Consult third party developers for updates. Step 5 Reset PRAM by holding down COMMAND-OPTION-P-R after the startup tones. Once you hear the tones again, release the keys. Step 6 If a PowerBook seems to hang for about 5 minutes when waking from sleep, check to see if TCP/IP is set too "active". If this is the case, and the unit is unable to make an Internet connection, there may be a pause when waking and during startup as well. If TCP/IP is set to "active", set to "inactive" and check "load only when needed." If none of the preceding steps help, the System may be corrupt. Perform a clean install and run Disk First Aid (See Clean Install article). Software and Screen Dimming If the PowerBook has an external display attached and dims the display, some programs lock up when the PowerBook tries to use the external monitor again. The solution is to set the PowerBook not to dim when plugged in. Since the PowerBook must be plugged in to use the external display, this should solve the problem. If the PowerBook is running System 7.0.1 or 7.1, then this setting is in the PowerBook Display control panel. If the PowerBook is running System 7.1.1, 7.5, or has v1.5 or later of the Express Modem software, then the setting is in the PowerBook control panel. The PowerBook control panel must be set to Custom, the Power Conservation at the bottom of the control panel must be set to Power Adapter, and the slider marked Screen Dims should be moved to Never. With the PowerBook configured this way, it still dims the built-in display when running off of battery power and should not reduce the amount of time that you can expect to get out of a battery charge. Potential Hardware Problems Possible Hard Drive Failure Update the hard drive's SCSI driver or ATA driver and run Disk First Aid. Run HDSC Setup test or Drive Setup test, and reformat the drive if the test finds errors. Hard Drive Cable If a new hard drive has been installed, the cable may need replacement. Possible Logic Board Failure Check with an Apple Authorized Service Provider for a replacement or repair. Possible RAM failure Test with the RAM card removed. Replace the RAM card. This article was published in the "Information Alley": Volume II, Issue 1, Page 16 |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Computers |
| Category: | PowerBook |
| Sub Category: | General Topics |
| Keywords: | kpbook |
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