This article comprises the Read Me for the following software:

Software Name: Apple Hardware Test

Release Date: 2000-08-30

Localized OS: North American English

About Apple Hardware Test

To use the Apple Hardware Test CD, restart your computer while holding down the C key until the "Loading..." icon appears, then you may release the C key. Loading will take approximately 45 seconds. Apple Hardware Test's main screen will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions and recommendations.

Apple Hardware Test is a diagnostic tool for detecting issues with your computer's internal hardware components such as the logic board, memory, modem, video RAM, and Apple's AirPort card. It does not check externally connected hardware components such as USB drives or Firewire devices; it does not check non-Apple devices such as PCI cards from other vendors.

Apple Hardware Test does not check your computer for issues with the Operating System (OS) or other software related issues such as application or extension conflicts.

Apple Hardware Test for iBook version 1.0 is distributed only with the Apple iBook, and will not work with any other computer. References to AppleCare recommendations are intended for U.S. customers only. Future versions of Apple Hardware Test may be distributed for other Apple products and for use in locations outside of the United States.

If you suspect your computer has a hardware issue, the information provided by Apple Hardware Test can help identify the issue. If Apple Hardware Test detects a failure, an error code will be displayed. Please make a note of the error code before pursuing support options. If no hardware failure is detected, the issue may be software related.

Known issues

Apple Hardware Test can not be used when a mouse is directly connected to the USB port on the display or on the iBook. Please connect the mouse to a USB keyboard.

AppleCare Recommendations

Apple Hardware Test is one of several tools and procedures you can use when your Macintosh is having trouble. Here are some steps you can follow to help resolve issues. Please back up your data before performing any of these steps.

1. Turn the computer off and on.
You can often eliminate issues by selecting the "Shut Down" option from the Special menu to fully shut down the CPU, then restarting your system.

2. Check cables, peripherals, and user controls.
Shut down your computer. Then disconnect and reconnect all cables. Disconnect all peripherals (such as printers, scanners, cameras and external mass storage devices) to see if they are causing conflicts with your system. Adjust user controls on your monitors and other peripherals to see if this helps.

3. Turn off system extensions.
Restart your system while holding down the Shift key until the following message appears: "Extensions disabled." Then release the key. This turns off system extensions that often cause conflicts. If this solves your issue, use the Extensions Manager to turn off extensions that may be causing the issue.

4. Rebuild the desktop.
Restart your system while holding down the Option and Command keys. Click OK when asked if you want to rebuild the desktop.

5. Start up from the system CD that shipped with your computer.
Start your system from the system CD by holding down the C key until you see the smiling Mac face. If the system works properly when started (booted) from the system CD, you can generally assume that the issue relates to the software which is installed on your computer.

6. Start up from the Apple Hardware Test CD, and run the Quick and Extended Tests.
If the system does not work properly when started (booted) from a known-good system CD (Step 5), you can generally assume that the issue relates to your computer's hardware components. The Apple Hardware Test CD can often be used to start up your computer even if it will not boot into the Mac OS. If Apple Hardware Test passes both the Quick Test and the Extended Test, the issue may be software related. If Apple Hardware Test fails, make a note of the error code and contact Apple (Step 9).

7. Refer to Mac OS Help Center and the Internet for assistance.
The Mac OS help system under the Help menu in the Finder includes a wealth of technical information. Apple's Knowledge Base, Apple Discussions, and other resources for technical help and support are available 24 hours a day at http://www.apple.com/support/protection .

8. Re-install Mac OS.
In many cases, a clean installation of the Mac OS will fix recurring issues. Back up any data before reinstalling. Please follow the instructions in your user manual or on your Restore CD to reinstall the Mac OS.

9. Contact Apple Service and Support for assistance.
If these steps don't help resolve the issue, please review the service and support material that accompanied your computer for information on how to contact AppleCare for further assistance. Apple reserves the right to change telephone hours at any time.