⟐ Answer edited March 20, 2026 at 3:13 MST

Model:M5884

Logic board:820-1251-A

我有一台400mhz机型。我正在尝试维修一台电压过高损坏的机器，虽然可以开机，但是有暗伤，有人可以提供检修的电路图与电阻规格吗。请提供一个可以在中国下载的链接

Model:M5884

Logic board:820-1251-A

⟐ Edited by author February 08, 2026 at 19:45 MST

To clarify : I'm not getting a folder with question mark icon, this was some extra context from photos of the seller that showed it working, not the current issue.

My actual current issue here is that the laptop shows no signs of life at all. No boot, no chime, no display, absolutely nothing.

I already tried :

- resetting the PMU (didn't work)

- reseating the RAM (still didn't work)

- checked the voltage (showed 24V)

- checked if anything was unplugged (everything was plugged in correctly)

Normally if this was just a simple Hard Drive issue, it would've been already fixed and wouldn't even make this post. All I want to know is if :

- The Universal PSU is the issue

- Or any internal components are potentially broken

I found the issue! The universal PSU's polarity was inverted! Thanks @danj !

⟐ Edited by author December 14, 2025 at 14:08 MST

I have a damaged 60gb ide drive that I'm trying to recover data from. Ideally I would want some software that could clone the current drive and copy it onto a new drive which is bigger than the old one. A program that I could run from windows would also be excellent.

Many thanks,

Joel Spencer

⟐ Answered August 20, 2025 at 5:11 MST

We swapped our batteries and mine began to charge once it was placed in my friend's Pismo. I tried to boot with his battery… nada!!

We swapped our chargers, both yo-yo shaped and, again, nada. His Pismo will charge, but mine won't.

We tried the PRAM removal, the PM reset and… nothing happened.

I have removed the audio card and replaced it with the spare one i bought several years ago but still can't get any sign of the battery charging or the Pismo starting up.

I DO have the original processor -G3/400- that I kept when I upgraded to the 500, but I don't know if a bad processor can prevent the battery from charging, so I guess that I'll wait for your response before proceeding.

Thanks in advance!!

⟐ Commented May 13, 2025 at 3:01 MST

⟐ Commented March 08, 2025 at 14:42 MST

I have tried pressing the Restart button (PMU). I have also tried starting and holding down the apple, option P and R buttons and waiting for two chimes (tip from the PowerBook manual). Same result.

I have tried to start up with the PRAM battery removed (and Airport Card removed). I have also removed and reseated the processor.

The machine does seem to be making some sound (whirring of some sort can be heard).

Can anyone think of a particular failure which would give this result?

Pismo 400MHz, 512 MB Ram, OS X 10.3.9

UPDATE:This is a follow on to my question (Pismo will,not start).

I thought that I had got to the bottom of the problem (hard drive failure)but now something has happened to open it up all over again.

I have tried swapping parts from a second 'spares' machine. I have tried to use the hard drive from this but I have been getting the same result as before. When I took the hard drive from the original machine and put it into the spare, it fired up first time!

Any thoughts on what is stopping the first machine from firing up properly?

Anyone?!

⟐ Commented March 02, 2025 at 19:24 MST

Thanks, rdklinc. On your advice, I connected an external monitor. No signal. The CD was inserted AFTER the problem started (I thought maybe the CD had a system on it, and maybe could boot from that if the hard drive was bad), so I'm pretty sure the problem is not the CD. This machine has only a single 512K bank or RAM. I just tried re-seating it, and that didn't change anything.

The screen is completely black the whole time. Same results with and without the battery. Just tried the flashlight trick, and I'm not seeing any faint image. Same results holding the option key down while booting.

You speak of resetting the both PMU and the PRAM. What I have done is remove power and battery and hold (5 seconds) the power key then release. I've also done the shift-option-command-start press and release, and wait five seconds. I think either or both of these will reset the PMU. I've also pressed start and then (quickly) held down option-command-P-R. I'm not sure that is working, because I get only one "bong" tone, and I think it should give me at least two.

What seems so strange is that the caps lock light will not come on. Does that mean the PMU is not running? The little white light on the screen latch button does light as soon as the "on" button is pressed, but the caps lock light will not respond at all. Sure do hope this is not a video chip/logic board issue--logic boards are very expensive, I see.

Thanks so much for your help.

⟐ Answered January 07, 2025 at 9:50 MST

⟐ Answered August 03, 2024 at 4:34 MST

⟐ Commented July 07, 2024 at 16:02 MST

⟐ Commented June 28, 2024 at 6:59 MST

I would like to know how can I flash the firmware on my PowerBook G3 PISMO if I am encountering the following problems.

So, I bought parts for it like an HDD cable, RAM, and a new charger after not using my machine for over 10 years.

After all the parts arrived I tried to boot it, but nothing showed in the boot manager.

When I tried to boot it straight up, the only thing I got was a folder happy and a question mark. So, I started digging and tried to figure out what might be a problem.

I run a few tests on Linux Mint and Windows 10 with the HDD and in Linux, I could see most files except the MacOS9. In Windows, I tested the HDD with MacDrive 10/11. In VM I ran the disk utility and it said nothing is wrong with the drive.

Then, I took the machine apart and saw if maybe a connector was lost, but after running commands like power+options, or command option p r, basically all troubling commands available and all worked I started to think the issue might be something else.

I entered Open Firmware with its designated command and did three command resets. All went well, but still no boot. so I checked the version of open command I have on my machine and it was completely different from what most people are using.

Mine is version 4.1.8f5 which was issued by Apple but after that people were having the same issues I am having now. Tried to search for this version with no luck except one or two pages talking about the issue.

The solution I found was; to delete the Extensions.mkext file (/System/Library) via OS 9, then restart (the file automatically regenerates. This clears the extension cache, which is designed to shorten startup time (Macaddict August)

Of course, I cannot do that because I cannot boot into MacOS9 or Jaguar that I have installed on the HDD.

So, how could I flash the firmware in Open Firmware or without booting?

I am 100% sure it is possible, and I might have done it in the past when I successfully flashed this faulty (final) version of the firmware to my machine.

Now since my DVD or HDD doesn`t want to boot I assume the only solution would be USB - I need to check if my 5TB external HDD could be recognized by the machine and I can copy the stable version of the firmware into it so I can maybe load the file from it through Open Firmware.

I just need some help with the command and how could it be done.

Thank you for the help, anyone who can guide me?

I don`t feel like buying a no-logic board just for that.

Sure, I can help you troubleshoot your PowerBook G3 "Pismo." Let's go through a step-by-step process to diagnose the issue:

1. Power Supply: Ensure the power adapter is connected properly and the power outlet is working. Try using a different power adapter if possible.
2. Battery: Remove the battery and try booting the laptop with just the power adapter connected. A faulty battery can sometimes prevent booting.
3. Reset the Power Manager Unit (PMU):
   • Unplug the power adapter.
   • Remove the battery.
   • Hold down the power button for 10 seconds.
   • Reconnect the power adapter and battery, then try to boot the laptop.

4. Power Button: Press the power button and listen for any sounds (like the fan or hard drive spinning). Note any blinking lights or beeps.
5. Screen Activity: Observe if the screen shows any signs of activity, even a flicker.

6. Reset PRAM/NVRAM:
   • Press and hold the Command (⌘), Option, P, and R keys immediately after turning on the laptop.
     • Keep holding these keys until the laptop restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time, then release the keys.

7. Boot into Safe Mode:
   • Press and hold the Shift key immediately after turning on the laptop.
     • Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

8. Remove RAM Modules: Try booting with one RAM module at a time if you have more than one installed. A faulty RAM module can prevent booting.
9. Hard Drive: Listen for any unusual noises from the hard drive. If possible, remove the hard drive and try booting from an external bootable drive or CD.

10. Boot from Installation Media: Try booting from a Mac OS installation CD/DVD.
    • Insert the installation CD/DVD.
      • Hold down the "C" key while powering on to boot from the CD/DVD.
11. Use Apple Hardware Test: If you have the original install discs, you might find the Apple Hardware Test.
    • Insert the disc labeled "Apple Hardware Test".
    • Hold down the "D" key while powering on to boot into the hardware test.

12. Inspect the Logic Board: If you're comfortable with opening your laptop, check for any obvious signs of damage on the logic board (burn marks, swollen capacitors, etc.).
13. External Monitor: Connect an external monitor to rule out a display issue.

14. Professional Help: If none of the above steps work, consider taking the laptop to a professional technician who has experience with vintage Apple hardware.

By following these steps, you can identify whether the issue is with the power supply, RAM, hard drive, or another component. Let me know if you need detailed instructions for any of these steps or if you encounter specific issues during the troubleshooting process.

The firmware versions for the PowerBook G3 "Pismo" (introduced in 2000) include updates that address various hardware compatibility and performance issues. Firmware in the context of the PowerBook G3 "Pismo" is essential for ensuring the laptop's hardware works correctly with the operating system and applications. Let's discuss the primary differences and purposes of these firmware updates:

1. Original Firmware (version 1.0):
   • This is the firmware that shipped with the initial release of the PowerBook G3 "Pismo."
   • It provided the basic functionality required for the laptop to operate with the pre-installed Mac OS 9.
2. Firmware Update 4.1.8:
   • Improvements:
     • Enhanced support for Mac OS X.
     • Improved compatibility with certain peripherals and hardware components.
     • Fixed issues related to sleep and wake functions.
     • Improved battery management and charging behavior.
   • Requirements:
     • This update was necessary for users who wanted to upgrade to Mac OS X, particularly versions 10.2 Jaguar and later.
     • Provided better stability and performance for users running newer operating systems.

• Operating System Compatibility: Firmware updates often include necessary changes for newer versions of Mac OS to function correctly on the hardware.
• Hardware Support: Updates can fix bugs related to various hardware components such as RAM, hard drives, and peripheral devices.
• Performance Enhancements: Firmware updates can improve the overall performance of the laptop, including better battery life and more reliable sleep/wake cycles.
• Bug Fixes: Address known issues that might cause the system to crash or behave unpredictably.

1. Check Firmware Version:
   • Restart your PowerBook G3 "Pismo."
   • Hold down the Command (⌘) and Option (⌥) keys while selecting "Apple System Profiler" from the Apple menu.
   • In the System Profiler, look for the Boot ROM version to determine the current firmware version.
2. Update Firmware:
   • Ensure you have a stable power source; firmware updates should not be interrupted.
   • Download the firmware update from Apple's official support site if available.
   • Follow the provided instructions carefully to apply the update.
   • Typically, you will need to run the firmware update application, which will guide you through the process, including restarting the machine and pressing specific key combinations.

By keeping the firmware updated on your PowerBook G3 "Pismo," you can ensure better compatibility with newer software, improved hardware performance, and overall system stability.

Updating the firmware on a PowerBook G3 "Pismo" involves a few important steps to ensure the process completes successfully. Here's the official process for updating the firmware:

• Backup Your Data: Ensure that you back up any important data before proceeding, as firmware updates can sometimes lead to data loss if something goes wrong.
• Power Supply: Connect your PowerBook to a reliable power source. A power failure during the update can render your laptop inoperable.
• Battery Charge: Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged (at least 50%) to avoid any interruptions during the update.

• Restart your PowerBook and hold down the Command (⌘) and Option (⌥) keys while selecting "Apple System Profiler" from the Apple menu.
• System Profiler: Look for the Boot ROM version to determine your current firmware version.

• Visit the Apple Support Site: Go to Apple's official support website and search for the PowerBook G3 "Pismo" firmware update. The most notable update for this model is version 4.1.8.
• Download the Update: Save the firmware update file to your desktop or a location you can easily access.

• Locate the Update File: Find the downloaded firmware update file (usually a disk image file) and double-click to mount it.
• Read the Instructions: Open any accompanying ReadMe or instructions file provided with the update and read it carefully.
• Run the Firmware Update Utility: Double-click the firmware update utility to start the process. Follow the on-screen instructions.

• Restart Your PowerBook: You will be prompted to restart your computer to begin the firmware update process.
• Hold Down Key Combinations: As the machine restarts, you might be prompted to hold down a specific key combination. For the Pismo, typically you need to hold down the programmer's button (a small recessed button usually next to the reset button) until the sleep LED starts flashing.
• Wait for Completion: The update process will take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process. The computer might restart multiple times during the update.

• Check Firmware Version Again: After the update completes, restart your PowerBook and use the Apple System Profiler to check the Boot ROM version. It should now reflect the updated version (e.g., 4.1.8).

• Failed Update: If the firmware update fails, try repeating the process from the beginning. Ensure you follow each step correctly and do not interrupt the power supply during the update.
• Support: If you encounter persistent issues, consult Apple's support documentation or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully update the firmware on your PowerBook G3 "Pismo," ensuring improved performance and compatibility with newer software.

Apple revoked the PowerBook G3 firmware update 4.1.8f5 due to issues reported by users that arose after the update was applied. Specifically, the problems encountered included:

1. Battery Life Issues: Users reported significant reductions in battery life after applying the update. This was particularly problematic for a portable device where battery performance is crucial.
2. Sleep/Wake Functionality: Some users experienced issues with the sleep and wake functionality, where the laptop either failed to enter sleep mode properly or had difficulty waking from sleep.
3. Peripheral Compatibility: There were reports of decreased compatibility with certain peripherals and expansion devices. This includes issues with USB devices and PCMCIA cards, which were essential for users relying on external accessories.
4. General Stability: Some users experienced overall system instability and performance degradation. This included system crashes, freezes, and other erratic behaviors not present before the update.

Apple's response to these issues involved revoking the problematic firmware update and advising users to revert to the previous stable firmware version. Apple may have also provided guidance on how to perform this reversion safely to avoid further complications.

Firmware updates are critical as they control the basic functions of the hardware, and any issues with these updates can have significant impacts on the usability of the device. The revocation of firmware update 4.1.8f5 for the PowerBook G3 Pismo serves as an example of the importance of rigorous testing and user feedback in the deployment of firmware updates.

If you're seeking to update your PowerBook G3 "Pismo," it's advisable to ensure you are using a stable, officially supported firmware version. Users should check the latest official resources or support documentation from Apple for the most current and stable firmware updates available for their device.

Flashing firmware on a PowerBook G3 "Pismo" using Open Firmware can be a complex process, especially since the device cannot boot up normally. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through this process:

1. Backup Data: If possible, ensure you have a backup of any important data. This might be challenging if the machine doesn't boot, but it's crucial if you can access the hard drive via another computer or an external enclosure.
2. Prepare Firmware Update File: Obtain the correct firmware update file (not the problematic 4.1.8f5) from Apple's official support site. You will need the 4.1.8 firmware update.

• A bootable Mac OS CD (like the original OS 9 CD).
• Access to another Mac with a CD burner or USB drive (if needed to prepare the firmware file).

1. Access Open Firmware:
   • Power on the PowerBook G3 and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘), Option (⌥), O, and F keys. This will boot the machine into Open Firmware.
2. Insert Bootable Mac OS CD:
   • Insert a bootable Mac OS CD (like an OS 9 installation CD). This is essential as it allows you to bypass the internal hard drive and load necessary tools from the CD.
3. Boot from CD:
   • In the Open Firmware prompt, type:

boot cd:,\\:tbxi

        Press Enter. This command attempts to boot from the CD.

    If CD Boot Fails:
        If the CD does not boot, ensure that the CD is clean and properly inserted. You may also try a different CD if you have one.

    Load the Firmware Update Utility:
        If you successfully boot from the CD, you should be able to access the desktop environment of Mac OS. From here, you need to run the firmware update utility.
        Typically, the update utility is a standalone application on the CD or can be copied to the desktop.

    Follow On-Screen Instructions:
        Run the firmware update utility from the CD. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully to apply the firmware update.

Using Open Firmware to Directly Interact with Firmware:

If you cannot boot from a CD or run the utility directly, you may need a more complex setup involving another Mac:

    Create a Bootable USB with Firmware Update:
        On another Mac, create a bootable USB with the correct firmware update.

    Load Firmware File into Open Firmware:
        With the USB prepared, plug it into the PowerBook G3.
        Access Open Firmware again by pressing Command (⌘), Option (⌥), O, and F.
        Identify the USB device by typing:

        bash

    dev / ls

    Locate the path to the USB drive. This can vary but might be something like usb0/disk.

Load and Execute Firmware from USB:

    Load the firmware file from the USB by typing a command similar to:

    lua

        load hd:,\\:tbxi

        Replace hd with the correct path identified earlier.

    Execute Firmware Update:
        Once loaded, follow the specific instructions to execute the firmware update.

Final Steps:

    Restart the Machine:
        After successfully updating the firmware, restart the PowerBook G3.
        You should now have the corrected firmware, which should resolve the boot issues caused by the 4.1.8f5 version.

    Verify Firmware Version:
        Boot into the system and check the firmware version using the System Profiler to ensure it reflects the updated version.

Notes:

    If the process is too complex or risky, consider seeking professional assistance.
    Ensure you are using the correct firmware version to avoid further issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to update the firmware on your PowerBook G3 "Pismo" using Open Firmware.

⟐ Edited by author June 08, 2024 at 23:41 MST

I have my old PowerBook G3 that is unable to boot from its HDD or CD.

Not sure what is the problem, with it, the HDD can be read on my Linux computer through a USB dock, so it is working.

I also ran the Disk Utility in VM (installed Mac OS X) and it gave me success so the installed OS on it should be fine. I also double-checked under WIN10 with MACDRIVE 10/11 and it said nothing is wrong with it.

Now the computer has been sitting for around 10 years or so because the charge it came with back in 2002 died on me. So, now I bought a new one (apple-black) it is brand new, and surprisingly my battery that came with the machine is fully charged by this charger, and it can work without power from it fine. The button batteries inside also charged but will leave the machine on the charger for a few days having it plugged into the power outlet.

So, I got a new (brand new) 512MB RAM module and installed it into the lower slot but tried both the upper and lower with no effect on the boot.

The DVD super drive is detected in open firmware when I type to list devices, but it does not show up in the boot manager - when you use the option and power.

So, I wanted to see NVEDIT and it looks like runs the command but nothing happens, it does not bring up any file to look through it.

I tried the back reset and the three OF reset commands too, they worked fine but still can`t access the NVEDIT file.

Tried option + command + p +r and it reboots fine, but still nothing happens.

With the power and option held down, I see the blue screen with a refresh on the left and the arrow pointing to the right but no ROM or HDD option is present.

So, now I plan to keep the machine charged and wait for the button batteries to charge up fully and see maybe it will solve my issues. I tried unplugging it but nothing happened.

I found this official repair guide for the Powerbook G3 series maybe useful;

https://www.applerepairmanuals.com/the_m...

⟐ Commented June 03, 2024 at 23:07 MST

I plugged it in and I shined a flashlight behind the screen and is showed many lines flashing back and forth on the display. They were horizontal and then vertical but never both. I left it for a week to see what would happen. It turned on booted and the backlight turned off when it got to Mac Os 10.3.9. I couldn’t do anything because both the keyboard and trackpad were unresponsive. I left it for an hour and came back and it had turned off. Then I left it sitting for 2 months and it turned on with the backlight and a responsive keyboard and track button(The trackpad never worked). It worked with a mouse for about 20 seconds and then the backlight turned off. Then the track button and keyboard stopped working. I plugged in an external keyboard and mouse and they work just fine.

The backlight kept turning on and off for a while and then I figured out that the track button had started working again. But not the keyboard. I pressed the track button a few times and the internal keyboard started to work. Then it stopped. I figured out that my pressing the track button made the keyboard work. When the keyboard stopped working it would remain in whatever state it was in. If the caps lock was on it would stay on. Then it stopped working while I was typing and it got stuck spamming the T key. I haven’t been able to get the track button or internal keyboard to work now. It is just stuck spamming T. If I turn it off I don’t think it will turn on again for a long time so I will leave it plugged in overnight.

Sorry for the long story, this is the weirdest laptop I have ever worked on. I was wondering If there was anyway to narrow down what was wrong with it because I’m very confused by it. Also sorry if my writing was bad.

⟐ Answered May 30, 2024 at 4:29 MST

I formatted the disk and installed a new program and it's the same. did not change the clock.

⟐ Answered May 01, 2024 at 23:53 MST

I considered trying to make it into a digital picture frame, but it only has a black and white screen.

It could be fun to use it as a headline news ticker, but I can't find a barebones site or program that will work with the system.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated!

⟐ Answered May 01, 2024 at 23:51 MST

⟐ Answered April 24, 2024 at 9:27 MST

The closest problem I can find here is at What causing vertical lines on the screen but my line does not grow or change colour (yet?) and what I've read elsewhere suggests the vertical line issue affecting 15/17" models is not meant to be a problem in 12" models.

The problem is not affected by moving the display. It persists when booted from CD. The extended hardware test shows no problems. Resetting the PRAM did not help.

I would be grateful for any insights but am especially keen to know whether the problem is likely to get worse; what the likely causes are; and whether it is possible to establish the cause for certain.

Thank you.

PowerBook Aluminium 12" 1.5 GHz

Mac OS X 10.4.11

[I tried to post this question earlier but the site just threw it away and I'm not sure if I have now left out anything crucial but hope not.]

⟐ Commented March 21, 2024 at 20:05 MST

That's as far as I went, it just won't boot up, resetting the PRAM with Option + Command + R + P doesn't work neither, as you need the computer to boot up for that.

⟐ Commented March 14, 2024 at 9:44 MST

⟐ Answered February 29, 2024 at 4:18 MST