Restore CD My cousin recently gave me his PowerBook G4 but he had lost the restore CDs somewhere. I found this set online can I use them for my PowerBook G4: http://www.ifixit.com/PowerBook-Parts/G4-Aluminum-15-Inch-1-5-1-67-LR-GHz-Restore-DVDs/IF154-061 Specs for my powerbook: 15' PowerBook G4 aluminum 1.67 ghz OSX 10.3.9 I read somewhere that mac laptops only take restores disk that came with it originally is this true?

Instructions

Back up any important files already on your G4's hard drive. A factory restore completely wipes the system of all files you've created so, if possible, make sure you have another copy of all your files, images, music, etc.

Connect your G4 to its charger. Restoring the computer is a delicate process that erases and reinstalls the most basic and important files of your system. If the computer runs out of battery before the restoration is complete, files may be damaged or left uninstalled. The result of this varies from having to restart the process completely to permanent dysfunction of your computer. Play it safe. Make sure you have plenty of battery left and the computer is plugged into the wall.

Locate your Mac OS X Install CD/DVD. If you have lost the original disc or never received one (a common problem when purchasing used computers), there are a few options to consider. The first is to ask around; if you have friends or family with a Mac computer they may still have their CD. It would be usable on your computer. If this option fails, look online for a download of the installation CD. Some sites offer installation CDs for all kinds of computers, including the G4.

Insert the install disc into your computer's disk drive. Once visible, click the "Install Mac OS X" button. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your computer preferences and begin installation.

Select a destination disc for the installation. This is typically the "Macintosh HD" icon. Next, click "Options," and follow the rest of the on-screen prompts/instructions. After this, the software is installed. The computer should reset itself or can be manually reset by holding down the power button twice.

yes buy an externel burner , you can use it also into another PC you want...flexible use..

Try different DVDs and then try different CDs. If it spits out all of them, then its time for a new optical drive.

Yes.

One way: take the "System Restore" set of CD-ROMs that were originally shipped with the computer, and boot from the first CD.

If you have lost those CDs, there may be a "recovery partition" on the disk-drive -- when you turn the computer on, look for a "Press F11 to enter Product Recovery" prompt. Press F11.

Contact IBM. For about $60, they will ship a replacement set of those "System Restore" CD-ROMs to you.

Your MacBook only likes odd numbers.
Could be initial sign of failing optical drive. Try other format discs and see if they are ejected too.

has computer been worked on recently? Had the same problem once when i installed the wrong screw by the cd drive.

If you can hear that it's trying, it might be getting pinched while trying to eject, especially if something pressed down on the case at that spot. Try gently widening the opening with a flat head screwdriver while you are ejecting the CD. just put the driver in and twist a bit to widen the slot. Also, check to make sure that the fuzzy stuff that brushes off the disk when you insert it - and keeps out dust - hasn't been damaged. If it is partially missing, the missing part may be inside, keeping the CD from ejecting.

Restart and when you see HP logo on boot press F11.
If it's not opening Restore Option screen, you'll need to get restore CDs from HP.
Otherwise, just use any regular XP or Vista CD to format and install OS.

Do you have the origional apple restore media?? If so try to boot from this disk to see if its an OS problem or a hardware problem.. Curious why did you replace the drive ?? Is this the same issues that you had prior?

Kim,  I'm glad you asked this.  I have had problems with my superdrive as well.  What I found out through persistent research is this:     The new Superdrives can take CD+R and DVD+R.  (I am assuming you are asking about recording?   However, the older models of Superdrives ---usually found in Powerbook G4s, can take CD-R and DVD-R.  These are different from the first ones ini that they are slower to burn, and just a few gb short of space than the +.  this should help solve the problem with taking new cds and dvds for burning.  The superdrive tends to just spit these right back out.  If you are referring to playing them, then have you tried cleaning the dirty ones?  Check the help section at www.apple.com.  they have wonderful solutions.  Try to put in a couple new cds or dvds to play.  Open up itunes or the dvd player before you put the disks in.  If you're still having trouble, make use of that warranty and go to your nearest apple store to fix it right up! Hope this helps!