Problems that prevent you from using your computer – Apple G4 17-inch User Manual
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Chapter 6
Problems That Prevent You From Using Your Computer
If the computer won’t respond or the pointer won’t move
m Press the Command (x) and period keys at the same time and, if a dialog appears,
click Cancel.
m If that doesn’t work, choose Apple (K) > Force Quit and select the application you
would like to quit. If you are working in Classic, press Option–Command (x)–Esc. If a
dialog appears, click Force Quit. Then save your work in any open applications and restart
the computer to be sure the problem is entirely cleared up.
m If you are unable to force the application to quit, press and hold the Power button (®)
for a few seconds to shut down the computer.
m If the computer still doesn’t respond, try to restart it by simultaneously pressing the
Command (x) and Control keys on your keyboard and the Power button (®).
If the problem occurs frequently, choose Help > Mac Help. Look at the information on how
to prevent and solve problems. You may need to check for extension conflicts or reinstall
your computer’s system software. If the problem occurs only when you use a particular
program, check with the program’s manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your
computer.
If the computer freezes during startup or you see a flashing question mark
m If you are using the Classic environment in Mac OS X, you might have an incompatible
extension. Mac OS X does not use system extensions. To turn off extensions, open System
Preferences, click Classic, click the Advanced tab, and choose Turn Off Extensions from
the pop-up menu. Click Restart Classic.
m If that does not help, start up your PowerBook while holding down the C key and at the
same time insert the software installer disc that came with your computer. (Make sure the
Caps Lock key is not engaged.)
m If using your software installer disc is the only way you can start up your PowerBook, you
need to reinstall your computer’s system software. For instructions, see page page 73,
look in Mac Help, or open the software installation or restore program and follow the
onscreen instructions.
m If starting up from the software installer disc does not help, see “Using Apple Hardware