User profile for user: Powershook
Powershook Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Old PowerBook cursor not working

I’ve got an old 17” G4 PowerBook out of storage and before I get rid of it I need to check that there isn’t anything that I would like to keep on the machine.

The computer boots up ok but the trackpad doesn’t work. I’ve tried connecting a USB mouse but that doesn’t move the cursor either.

I have tried connecting an Ethernet cable up to a Dodocool adapter and connecting to my laptop but it’s not reading the machine.

can anyone recommend the best way to resolve this?

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 6:10 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Allan Jones
Allan Jones
User level: Level 9
77,456 points

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 6:58 PM

It would not surprise me if this is an issue with the internal backup battery, the "PRAM" battery. On my old 17-inch G4 it is practically inaccessible to mere mortals, and not longer available. Your PBG4 is now over 20 years old and some things are going to "not work."


If you have the main battery, install it and leave the computer turned off but on wall power for about 24 hours before testing. That was an old G4 PB trick when the orig PRAM battery acted its age.


Try booting into Safe mode by holding the SHIFT key during boot until you get either a message about being in Safe Mode or have a workable desktop. If you get that far, let the computer "soak" in Safe Mode for about 30 minutes to give it time to do its housekeeping before restarting.


Apple seems to have removed all their support articles aboout PowerPC resets, but I found this:


https://gafferlicious.com/42.html


No guarantees but the key combos match what I recall form my PowerBook days.


View in context
2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Allan Jones
Allan Jones
User level: Level 9
77,456 points

Oct 25, 2025 6:58 PM in response to Powershook

It would not surprise me if this is an issue with the internal backup battery, the "PRAM" battery. On my old 17-inch G4 it is practically inaccessible to mere mortals, and not longer available. Your PBG4 is now over 20 years old and some things are going to "not work."


If you have the main battery, install it and leave the computer turned off but on wall power for about 24 hours before testing. That was an old G4 PB trick when the orig PRAM battery acted its age.


Try booting into Safe mode by holding the SHIFT key during boot until you get either a message about being in Safe Mode or have a workable desktop. If you get that far, let the computer "soak" in Safe Mode for about 30 minutes to give it time to do its housekeeping before restarting.


Apple seems to have removed all their support articles aboout PowerPC resets, but I found this:


https://gafferlicious.com/42.html


No guarantees but the key combos match what I recall form my PowerBook days.


Reply

Old PowerBook cursor not working

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up