Apple PowerBook (3400 series) - Manual (Page 99)

When you start up the computer, the display lights up for a moment, then shuts down.
m Make sure you are using the correct power adapter for your
computer model.
m If the computer is running on the battery, make sure the battery is charged.
Or connect the external power adapter.
Problems working with programs
The computer freezes or displays a system error message.
m There may be a temporary software problem. To reset the computer, try the
following suggestions in order until the computer starts up normally:
1. If the computer freezes, you can try to quit the program you’re using by
pressing the keys Command (x), Option, and Esc on your keyboard.
Click Force Quit in the dialog box that appears. (You’ll lose unsaved
changes in that program’s documents.)
Immediately save all open documents and quit all open programs, then
restart the computer.
2. If you see a message about a system error, you may need to reset the
computer. The method of resetting you should always try first is to press
the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously. If the
computer does not start up, connect the power adapter (if it is not
already connected) and press the reset button (marked with the icon I)
on the back panel.
Note: You will lose any work you have not saved.
3. Reset the PRAM (see “The Computer Makes an Unusual Sound at
Startup, or You See a ‘Sad Macintosh’ Icon,” in the section “Problems
Starting Up the Computer” earlier in this chapter for instructions.)
m If the problem recurs, it may involve one or more of your application
programs. See “The Computer Exhibits Odd Behavior, Such as Many
Unexplained System Failures,” next.
About the codes in error messages: The number codes in error messages are
used in software development. Sometimes they can help a technician narrow
down the source of a problem. However, the codes are usually too general or
technical in nature to help you diagnose a problem yourself.
99 Tips and Troubleshooting