RAM problem on Mac G4

littledog · 16th June 2003

I was copying large Pro Tools sessions from one hard drive to another, and started getting error messages like "file x.y did not copy because of disk error".

I ran Tech Tools, and it told me I was having a problem with my RAM. It suggested that in some cases the problem can be fixed by shutting down the computer for a few minutes and restarting, but it might be indicative of a bad RAM module.

I tried shutting down and restarting - and the copying of files seemed to work just fine. Next day i decided to run the Tech Tools diagnostic again (right after booting up) and it's still telling me it is detecting a RAM problem.

Everything seems to work fine, at least for now. But I don't want to suddenly end up with a disfunctional G4 right in the middle of a session. Anyone have any suggestions? It's hard for me to do a swap test with the RAM modules because to get to the RAM I have to unplug a dozen cables and extract the G4 from it's Isoraxx home. But I'll do it if I have to, I guess.

BevvyB · 16th June 2003

That's all you can do.
Re-sitting or shuffling the things might help.

ghoost · 17th June 2003

Hey Littledog ...

There's a program out there called "Disk Warrior" GO GET IT

I can't tell you how many times it's saved my ass. It will rebuild the drive very quickly (comparitivly speaking). Don't know how it works but it's the best damn thing out there. Got it after Norton

, Tech Tool

and Disk First Aid

couldn't do anything to get my dual 1.25 fired up. DWW is always within arms reach now ... and used more than I care to say ... but that's a whole other story grudge

littledog · 18th June 2003

Thanks for reminding me... I've been meaning to get it. But apparently this is a RAM problem, not a hard drive problem. For instnace, Norton Utilities (which just checks the drives) comes up with "No Problems Found". But TechTools checks the whole system. It found the problem - just can't fix it except by sufggesting I swap out the Ram chips until I find the faulty one.

Still, Disk Warrior is a mighty handy thing to have...

ghoost · 18th June 2003

hmmmmm .....

Was thinking that the drive interacted closely with RAM as far as how the software might communicate. Of coarse I'm no computer geek .. DW just seemss to be the magic pill I've found that works when all else fails.

You may want to call Apple support. But if you're not on an Apple Care plan, they'll probably charge you but they're usually pretty good.

Have you zapped the PRAM ... just fishing here ...

16th June 2003	#1
littledog Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Boston area Posts: 874 Thread Starter	RAM problem on Mac G4 I was copying large Pro Tools sessions from one hard drive to another, and started getting error messages like "file x.y did not copy because of disk error". I ran Tech Tools, and it told me I was having a problem with my RAM. It suggested that in some cases the problem can be fixed by shutting down the computer for a few minutes and restarting, but it might be indicative of a bad RAM module. I tried shutting down and restarting - and the copying of files seemed to work just fine. Next day i decided to run the Tech Tools diagnostic again (right after booting up) and it's still telling me it is detecting a RAM problem. Everything seems to work fine, at least for now. But I don't want to suddenly end up with a disfunctional G4 right in the middle of a session. Anyone have any suggestions? It's hard for me to do a swap test with the RAM modules because to get to the RAM I have to unplug a dozen cables and extract the G4 from it's Isoraxx home. But I'll do it if I have to, I guess.

17th June 2003	#3
ghoost Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Phila Posts: 285	Hey Littledog ... There's a program out there called "Disk Warrior" GO GET IT I can't tell you how many times it's saved my ass. It will rebuild the drive very quickly (comparitivly speaking). Don't know how it works but it's the best damn thing out there. Got it after Norton , Tech Tool and Disk First Aid couldn't do anything to get my dual 1.25 fired up. DWW is always within arms reach now ... and used more than I care to say ... but that's a whole other story grudge __________________ Kyle Ober ------------------------------------------------------- If You Can't Hear It ... Don't Go Near It ...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Firewire Drive not showing up on Mac G4	glenn Taylor	Music computers	6	2nd December 2010 05:08 AM
Video Satellite LE on MAC G4	soundboy	Post Production forum!	6	6th April 2010 07:00 PM
RAM Upgrade on Powerbook G4 1.67 GHz Model Question	Neruk	Music computers	1	17th February 2009 08:45 PM
Improve hard drive speed on Mac G4 ?	lukejs	Music computers	0	10th August 2008 03:21 AM
Wireless Internet on Mac G4	@Matt	Music computers	2	2nd January 2008 05:02 AM

16th June 2003	#2
BevvyB Mindreader Joined: Jun 2002 Location: London Posts: 2,604	That's all you can do. Re-sitting or shuffling the things might help.

18th June 2003	#4
littledog Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Boston area Posts: 874 Thread Starter	Thanks for reminding me... I've been meaning to get it. But apparently this is a RAM problem, not a hard drive problem. For instnace, Norton Utilities (which just checks the drives) comes up with "No Problems Found". But TechTools checks the whole system. It found the problem - just can't fix it except by sufggesting I swap out the Ram chips until I find the faulty one. Still, Disk Warrior is a mighty handy thing to have...