Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

dorthyinoz

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 19, 2006
35
0
My sister was recently given a powerbook G4 laptop with some problems. The screen doesn't work, but we have an extra monitor so that shouldn't be a problem. Using the screen adaptor, when booting the powerbook and closing the lip all she is given on the screen is a swirly blue screen. Anyone have any advice on how to get it working so it can be used as a computer? Its previous owner was able to get it to work no problem with an extra monitor....so what are we doing wrong?
 

840quadra

Moderator
Staff member
Feb 1, 2005
9,490
6,392
Twin Cities Minnesota
What monitor is it? Does it support all the resolutions that the powerbook is able to output?

Have you tried booting the system with the lid closed to see if anything comes out clear from this monitor ?

Sorry for all the questions :eek:
 

Freyqq

macrumors 601
Dec 13, 2004
4,038
181
my guess is that your plugging it in via VGA for instance but the monitor is on DVI. Make sure its on the right mode.
 

dorthyinoz

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 19, 2006
35
0
its an older monitor and she bought some adapter for it...so maybe that has something to do with it?

How do I boot without opening the screen?

any other suggestions would be great. She can get the mouse to move but there is nothing on the screen
 

kinchee87

macrumors 6502
Jan 9, 2007
289
212
New Zealand
My sister was recently given a powerbook G4 laptop with some problems. The screen doesn't work, but we have an extra monitor so that shouldn't be a problem. Using the screen adaptor, when booting the powerbook and closing the lip all she is given on the screen is a swirly blue screen. Anyone have any advice on how to get it working so it can be used as a computer? Its previous owner was able to get it to work no problem with an extra monitor....so what are we doing wrong?

Doesn't that suggest you are using the external monitor as an extension to your primary display (the display of the powerbook)?
 

phidauex

macrumors member
Feb 26, 2007
60
0
What is happening is that the PB is using the external monitor as the extended display, instead of the main display.

Try this... Plug in the monitor, and an external mouse and apple keyboard. Leave the lid closed and start with the power button on the keyboard. That should force it to use the external monitor as the primary display. I think.

But it is worth a try, its what I would do next.

peace,
Sam
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.