Mac Powerbook 3400c Won't Start Properly

Karlsotnes

Registered
On Christmas, my mac powerbook 3400c froze up. And I had to take the battery out. Now it won't start when I press the power button. But it will start when I plug it up. And I don't know if it was because I tried upgrading the operating system from 8.5 to 9.2.1. Why doesn't it start up properly? Also why does the monitor not come on either, when it starts? What can I do to fix it?
 
The PowerBook 3400c left the market in 1997. That it worked until Christmas is a testament to the quality and durability of Macs. However, a computer that old may have any number of problems.This one thing for certain:

The most recent OS that can be installed on your computer is MacOS 9.1. You cannot install MacOS 9.2.1.

Beyond that, no one can diagnose your computer's problems without physical access to the machine. Having said that, my best guess is that your battery has given up the ghost. Although you probably need a new battery, there is no way to tell that your old battery is the cause of your problem. If it is not the problem, then the $90 that you pay for a replacement battery is $90 down the drain.

My suggestion to you is to take your computer to a local shop that works on Macs. Have the technician diagnose your problem(s) and perform any needed repairs including replacing the battery if necessary.
 
Yeah, I'd say it had a good run considering. I've a Quadra 650 that is having some issues as of recently that I need to address, so you're not alone in experiencing issues with retro Macs.

Two site you might want to check out if you're looking to get it up and running again. One is the 68K Macintosh Liberation Army, and the other is the RetroMacCast website. Lots of people on both that would be willing to help you out if you decide to fix it on your own. If not, I'd take MisterMe's recommendation and have it looked at a Mac specialist. Here in Miami, we have Computer Village. Just check around and see what's available in your area.
 
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