Where to go for Tech Support?

[Dukkha]

I'm having issues with my G4 & OS X but don't know where to go. Apple.com and Macfixit.com are not helpful. I used to go to com.sys.mac.system years ago but I'd prefer a web based forum.

I haven't need help for years but now the G4 will not shut down or restart on it's own anymore. This means I no longer have access to OS 9, which is vital for me to have access to proprietary audio hardware.

[politicat]

1. I use apple discussions and MacSlash

But I am very good with metatagging and so usually can weed searches well.

I looked for your problem and got a lot of hits on resetting the power management unit or the PRAM. This guy has some useful tips for legacy machines. http://www.geocities.com/texas_macman/pram.html

Since you didn't really supply what model you have, that's the best I can do.

[Elwood P Dowd]

2. I've had good luck with the Apple support discussion forums

Maybe you need a more catchy title to your posts.

Might try these also


http://www.macnn.com/


http://www.macgurus.com/forums/

[Poiuyt]

3. Dealmac is also good

http://forums.dealmac.com/list.php?1

I'm surprised that macfixit and the discussion forums at apple.com weren't able to help you. Have you tried backing everything up and reinstalling your system software? Sometimes the only thing that works is to wipe your drive clean and start over.

[rocktivity]

4. You definitely need to reset your PRAM.

As someone with a G3 running a G4 processor card and OSX, it's something I must do occasionally:

Parameter RAM (PRAM) is a private playground for Apple engineers...PRAM has been implicated in various crashes and installation problems. PRAM stores various pieces of information that the Macintosh would like to remember when it is turned off or unplugged.

..."Zapping PRAM" is a way of resetting PRAM back to its original factory values. The basic procedure is to hold down a special combination of keys: Command-Option-P-R while powering on the Macintosh and waiting for the start-up sound. The latest recommendation from Apple requires holding down the keys until the start-up sound has repeated three more times...

More

:headbang:
rocknation

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. If you're near an Apple Store, take the machine in to have it looked at by

the pleasant young people in black t-shirts who staff the "Genius Bar."

[bullimiami]

6. did you reset the pmu?

maybe replace the battery.
zap the pram?

some g4s are prone to this problem. ive seen it before more than once.
they just restart.

if it wont restart from software maybe it is not a hardware issue but OS.
DId you try to do a clean reinstall?

[barackmyworld]

7. macosx.com

free tech support and boards with TONS of answers. A truly great site.