Korean Job Discussion Forums

[edith]

Please help!

My Ibook G4 has broken, when I start it up I just get a flashing question mark and a flashing folder.

Is it dead?

Can I get the files off it anyway?, it's 3 years old and it has served me very well so I'm prepared to buy a new one if need be.

If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

I don't have the installation disks with me in Korea...

[wwidgirl]

Sounds like a harddrive problem. You probably just need a new harddrive (and you will probably not be able to retrieve anything from your current harddrive). Go to mac store. I went to the one by yongsan station. It's in the building across the street near the station (you have to go through the tunnel) on about the .... 4th floor.

[billybrobby]

same thing happened to my iPod. I fixed it by sarcastically saying "thanks a lot, Apple." ...no, wait, that didn't fix anything.

[Callipear]

Assuming you still have the system installation CD -- you'll be Ok.
First Insert the CD (if you have a CD labeled "system restore" insert that one -- if not, then the Mac OS installation CD).
Press the "C" and hold it while you start up your computer. Follow the instructions from there. By using the information on the CD as your startup disk, you'll be able to access your computer. From there, you'll be able to copy files onto an external harddrive, disk or cd.

As for what's wrong with your computer...can't say for sure.
Despite Macs being quite rare in Korea -- there are quite a few mac dealers and repair shops in Seoul.

You may just reinstall the system (but don't wipe your harddrive). Follow the instructions on the installation cd. Of course, reinstalling the system is a real B1tch since you'll also have to reinstall all your applications.

I recommend visiting a Mac OS troubleshooting website - from work or elsewhere.

I really doubt that you computer is done for. Give it a second chance!

[Zulu]

If you can get OSX disks from a friend you should be able to reinstall MAC OSX and keep your old files intact by doing a re-install. Inserting the OS DVD and holding down the C key. Select the Install But Don't Erase Old Files option (or whatever they call it) and you should be fine.

If you're in Seoul but have no OS DVD take your Powerbook to the Apple Experience Center, bottom floor, COEX Mall, Samsung-dong (Samsung Subway stop, Seoul) and have them do a resinstall of Tiger (you may have to buy the disks). Be VERY CLEAR to them that you need your old files preserved, and maybe even watch while they do it. Good luck.

That said, it's always good to back up your essential files.

[davai!]

Sounds like what I had happen to mine. In my case the motherboard fried, actually, on two occasions.

There was a problem in that model and Apple had a program that you could get it fixed for free, which I did, through the Apple place in Busan. Took about two weeks. (The other time I was in Santa Monica and had it back to me in 3 days.)

Check the Apple website and if there is any recall offer, you'll see it on the home page.


anyway, hope it is something simpler, but the question mark may indicate other...

good luck