Where is my airport card?
 

Hi there. New member.

Probably a dumb question but I can't find the airport card in my machine (a bit of a problem since it is causing kernel panics like they are going out of fashion).

I have looked at the Apple docs on where to find it (such as http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=111919) but when I move my keyboard out of the way it is not there.

I have a white ibook g4 with dual USB and firewire, bought in September 2005.

Any suggestions or links for further information would be most welcome.

Regards



Bertie

You didn't mention what processor clock speed or screen size but all four models of white iBook G4 sold in 2005 include Airport built-in. It is not a separate removable card.

What makes you think that it is the Airport chipset causing kernel panics?

Trevor

Aha!! Thanks for that Trevor. Would be handy if the apple website thought to mention that.

I have got airport down as the main culprit because everytime it kicks me out the panic log mentions airport as the last thing it tries... see below

Sun Oct 29 17:37:02 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 0000000000687038, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 42000000, dar = 000000002D5EE000
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x2D2CB780)
PC=0x00687038; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x2D5EE000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00686C10; R1=0x1783BC70; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x00000171 0x006B2EC8 0x006AE828 0x006C3094 0x002D0B94 0x002CFA5C
0x000A9314
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x684000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x482000
Exception state (sv=0x2D2DB280)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC
*********

Sun Oct 29 17:38:48 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 0000000000687038, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 40000000, dar = 000000002D6DBFBC
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x32242780)
PC=0x00687038; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x2D6DBFBC; DSISR=0x40000000; LR=0x00686C10; R1=0x1783BC70; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x000001BE 0x006B2EC8 0x006AE828 0x006C3094 0x002D0B94 0x002CFA5C
0x000A9314
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x684000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x482000
Exception state (sv=0x3224E500)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC
*********

Sun Oct 29 18:30:11 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 0000000000689CD8, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 40000000, dar = 0000000031DFE004
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x31DEC280)
PC=0x00689CD8; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x31DFE004; DSISR=0x40000000; LR=0x00689CC4; R1=0x177FB530; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x00689CC4 0x006A3930 0x006C3874 0x006C0F9C 0x006D38F8 0x005BD42C
0x005BD2AC 0x002D124C 0x005BD320 0x005B4240 0x005B4470 0x005B40FC 0x005BD2AC 0x002D124C
0x005BD320 0x005B3FBC 0x0011DE04 0x0011B230 0x0011B740 0x00283274 0x00283328 0x00260244
0x0027F47C 0x002AAE28 0x000AB930 0x020C0D20
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x684000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x482000
com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
Exception state (sv=0x31DEC500)
PC=0x90001B0C; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0xE00F9000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x000E431C; R1=0xF00803E0; XCP=0x00000030 (0xC00 - System call)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC

*********

Sun Oct 29 18:51:50 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 0000000000689CD8, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 40000000, dar = 0000000031DF8004
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x278DD500)
PC=0x00689CD8; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x31DF8004; DSISR=0x40000000; LR=0x00689CC4; R1=0x1779B9E0; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x00689CC4 0x006A3930 0x006C3874 0x006C41A4 0x006C32A0 0x006C313C
0x002D124C 0x006C14AC 0x006C2774 0x002EB838 0x0008C6A4 0x0002921C 0x000233F8 0x000ABAAC
0x00000000
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x684000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x482000
Exception state (sv=0x2D9B2000)
PC=0x9000AB48; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0x2DB8B000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x9000AA9C; R1=0xBFFFD440; XCP=0x00000030 (0xC00 - System call)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC

*********

If I can't get to the Airport card then I guess I will have to try the usual rigmarole of removing RAM and other stuff to see if any of that is to blame.

... unless anyone has a brighter idea?

Can you turn Airport off? Or does it panic before you even get that chance?

What are your network settings? Are you using Bluetooth? Built-in Ethernet?

Are there any peripherals attached to this computer at all? Can you disconnect them for troubleshooting?

Do the kernel panics continue after a Safe Boot? What about when booting to your Install CD/DVD?

Can you create a new user? Do the panics continue from the new user?

Have you made any recent changes, such as new memory?

Trevor

Hi Trevor

I am struggling to turn airport off. Sometimes it lets me in and allows me to use a few applications but as soon as I click on the airport icon at the top I get kernel panic'd again.

I have bluetooth off and no other network settings - I have just got it back from an apple authorised repairer who (incorrectly) decided the problem was with OSX and reinstalled it - so I have pretty much a pristine set up.

No peripherals are attached at all.

I can safe boot to my heart's content and never get a kernel panic. I haven't tried to boot from the install DVD because the version of OSX on there now is newer than my install disc version.

I have created a new user - same problem.

No recent changes at all.

Thanks for your help.

Can you Safe Boot, then turn off Airport?

Boot to your Install DVD, but don't actually install anything. As long as you don't install anything, you're not going to change the version of OS X on your hard drive--just being booted to the DVD will have no effect on your hard drive at all. When booted to the Install DVD, do you have any kernel panics?

If possible, after booting to your Install DVD, select Disk Utility from one of the pulldown menus, go to the First Aid tab, select your boot drive on the left, and click "Repair Disk".

Trevor

I managed to sneak into the Airport settings in the brief period of time it let me log on for and switched off Airport. The computer is (so far) panic free.

I ran the Disk Repair, which gave a clean bill of health, and the Hardware Test, which again came up clean (including AirPort).

Guess I need a long ethernet cable :o(

Any luck solving this issue? I'm having the exact same problem with a 12" iBook G4 1.33 GHz that I bought last December. The machine runs fine when the AirPort is off, but shortly after I turn it on, sometimes instantaneously, I get a kernel panic. Sometimes, it panics before the login screen comes up. If I'm lucky, I can get as far as logging in long enough to turn it off.

Based on your panic.log, I gather I'm running the same kernel version and the same AirPort Extreme firmware version (405.1). The AppleCare folks have asked me to do an archive and install, so we'll see if that does anything, but I'm not hopeful. I'll post again here if this solves the problem.

In case it's useful/meaningful to anyone else out there, here's a panic.log entry:

Thu Nov 9 13:55:04 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 00000000006FF52C, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 42000000, dar = 00000000E04BC000
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x2CA7A500)
PC=0x006FF52C; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0xE04BC000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00714078; R1=0x0D06BD30; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x01709E00 0x00714078 0x002D0B94 0x002CFA5C 0x000A9314
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x6d5000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x602000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x45f000
Exception state (sv=0x1D10B780)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC

This is exactly the same as is happening to me.

Any new advice?

Mac OS X Kernel Panics and Airport card
 

Dear all,
I'm also experiencing frequent kernel panics due to Airport (405.1), but only after having upgraded my Mac OS X to 10.4.8 (everything worked fine earlier).
The panic log looks very similar to yours ("panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check....Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies): com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)...").

Installing a 10.4.8 combo-update seemed to solve the problem for few weeks, but, unfortunately, two days ago......two more KPs :-(

Please, don't forget to keep this discussion up-to-date, if any of you discovers something interesting... I'll do the same (apart for praying for a patch by Apple, of course!).

Best,

Experiencing kernel panics is not normal. If any significant (percentage wise) number of people were getting kernel panics due to Airport you would have heard much more about it and it likely would have been fixed by now too.

So if you are experiencing kernel panics, it must mean that there is something unusual about your machine - either the hardware or the software.
If the "unusual" thing is that something is wrong (broken) with your hardware, then you will likely need to get it repaired and of course that can get expensive if the machine is out of warranty.

But first you want to rule out all other possibilities.
To this end, you should try the standard troubleshooting suggestions:
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/ (see the "My Mac needs help" section)
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.p...04011205473937
http://forums.osxfaq.com/viewtopic.php?t=7269
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/faqs.html

did anyone already figure out how to resolve this problem?

surfing on the internet I've found so many users experiencing this problem and some of them ended up with their logic board changed..

I am also interested in any suggestions - my ibook has recently began kernel panicking whenever airport is enabled.

I am also interested in knowing the solution.

I upgraded to 10.4.8 earlier this month and the iBook worked fine until yesterday when I started getting the error message! If it is a software bug then am not sure why it worked fine for 3+ weeks.

I have turned off airport card and the machine is working fine with ethernet.

It's hard to tell whether the number of people suddenly getting this is a coincidence (hardware failure) or the not (software updates causing the issue).

There is a security update out for Tiger today, a security issue with airport has been fixed. Perhaps this driver will be more reliable.

I applied the new drivers last night and got the same error again after turning on airport card! So the new drivers have not solved the problem for me.

I also installed the last security patch (17'' G4 ibook), but nothing changed to me: I yet experience KPs. It would be worth to read the references posted above by hayne (I already was aware of some of them, but they didn't solve my problem).

A strange thing that I observed is that KPs are more likely when I phisically move my iBook (when, e.g., working on a sofa connected through airport, I --gently-- move my ibook off my knees and put it on the sofa in order to have a break).
At a first sight, this may suggest a HW problem (e.g., the airport card chipset is not firmly fixed on the motherboard), but since (i) I experience this problem only after having upgraded to 10.4.8, (ii) many users have the same problem, and (iii) I experience KPs also when my ibook is on a stable position (e.g., a table), I guess there may be a software explanation for this: perhaps the defective driver functionality is mainly triggered when there is some kind of interference (which may be worth when phisically moving the laptop)?

Did some of you observed such a correlation (phisical moves <-> kernel panics)?

Best.

I'm new here. But today I got *exactly* the same issues. I first blamed my Linux upgrade to 2.6.19, but I don't think you all have Linux on your machines. I installed the security update again in safe mode, didn't make the airport - on working.

The funniest thing at the mac shop they wanted to replace hardware. But it seems if so many people have the same issues. It must be a software related thing. But I wonder what triggered it :|

I have the exact same problem, I first noticed the KP's when I moved my iBook (12" G4, bought in september 2005) from my lap to a table, with Airport activated. From that point on, I could have it activated on some surfaces for a short time before a new KP, but not for more than a few minutes. Changing location, to a network I never used before, enabled me to use it for about 10 minutes before the next KP. I haven't tried deleting the settings mentioned in this thread, but the fact that I couldn't use a new network for more than a short while, makes me belive that it won't change much.

About the same time as this started, my HDD started acting a bit strange, it only got power every other time I rebooted, and sometimes booting in to EFI, with error codes mentioning the ATA-bus. Other times I only got the "face" alternating with a question mark, meaning that the computer wouldn't find my HDD at all. So my guess here is that the logicboard is to blame, as this happens with any version of Tiger installed. I also read about a guy on a swedish forum who had the same problems with his Airport card (on a machine just like mine), and his logicboard was faulty and swaped, after which everything started functioning normally.

So I guess the biggest problem for me is that my warranty has expired.

I just called Apple about this problem. And they claim nobody reported the same incidents. Seems quite plausible if they don't read their own forums and the laptops die after their 90 days telephone support.

If asked if some representative could come back with an official statement. By dutch law they cannot even charge money for support on broken systems (under warranty) and you can assume the system should work after one year. (Except for batteries.)

I should try to call them then, but I'm not sure I want to be charged €50 and get a "Sorry, your warranty is expired and no one else has this problem, so screw you." when calling.

You won't get charged if you want to give a complaint. Say this clearly.

1) Your wireless died, it happens with multiple people refer to this forum first, then the 'apples' one.

2) Mention that you wanted to report a complaint online, but you couldn't find any e-mail address to so.

3) AppleID: 'Skinkie', just reported the same incidents in The Netherlands, and was said this wasn't know to Apple. Your claim should be it is visible to you.

I just called it in to Apple, and got the same reply as you, that they didn't know about it and never got any reports about it. But they did say the would make a note and check it out.

I got a reply from apple or my shop. It wasn't clear, because the signer had the same name as the guy who helped me at the shop.
There is an apple support page about this. Stating you should upgrade to 10.4.8 for a MacBook to solve this.

I'm already at 10.4.8 and have an iBook... but i couldn't reply back, so i filled in the feedback form about the complaint.

I reinstalled the 10.4.8 combo update a few minutes ago, but haven't tried activating Airport, since I need the computer right now, and can't afford KP's right now. Will update later.

I'm having the same issue with my Airport card, but it started shortly after my Logic board started going bad, which aparently is common for iBooks bought around August/Sept. 2005. It was the Apple people that suggested that it may be linked...Soooo..Yeah, I'm guessing there may be a hardware issue with these machines. Reinstalling from the disks doesn't help...Apple doesn't seem to want to acknowledge a wide-spread problem.

Mine is from Feb 2006... I *really* hope this isn't a common problem :(

You may be okay, most of the iBooks I've seen the problem with are August/Sept. 2005 books.

I don't know whether this is the same issue, but I have a G3 900Mhz iBook, which worked fine until I put an airport card in it. It then had loads of kernel panics, with much the same logs as posted above.

I've had 2 new logic boards, which did nothing. Re-installed everything umpteen times. Still the same problem. Remove the airport card, and all is well.

However, I have solved the problem. It seems to relate to overheating, rather than the airport card. By modifying the machine to kick the fans in earlier, it no longer panics.
It may be that, by running power through the airport card when you turn it on, the machine gets a little too hot and throws a wobbly. You may want to try this.

See the instructions here
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=238961

By the way, there is some risk in doing this/not getting the settings right.:rolleyes:

Help!
 

I am having EXACTLY the same problems... I have an iBook G4 1.33Ghz, got it last Aug/Sep, has been continously KP-ing for about 3 weeks now, tried EVERYTHING above...

KP log is always AirPort related (see transcript below)...am also getting the KPs when my iBook get even *slightly* jolted, so can sympathise with above. I have wiped and re-installed OSX, and am running 10.4.2, so don't think it's related to a software update .. although anything's possible. Live near a city, work with broadband, would high contention have anything to do with it?? Am really sorry if these are inane questions, but as I'm out of warranty, have tried everything I can (including Hardware Test from installation disks - AirPort passed!) I feel really stuck :(

I know it was said that it's probably an isolated issue and the chances of Apple releasing a patch are slim, but there seem to be enough people on this thread alone to suggest otherwise!!
Any help would be HUGELY appreciated... log below:

The fact that you get kernel panics when your iBook gets slightly jolted makes it seem likely to be a hardware problem (a flaky connection).

Why are you only on 10.4.2 ?
There have been lots of "patches" since then and the current version is 10.4.8

Aug 2006 or 2005? You can almost wonder if this isn't related to the SAME components on the boards that fail after X years. So the were produced in 2001, and chemically degraded in 5 years.

Now if this really true (like the ElCo's on motherboards) then Apple sucks bigtime using faulty components.

http://discussions.apple.com/message...681195#3681195

So Apple DOES know...

Hi all, i'm new.
I'm having exactly the same problem here, with a march 2006 12" iBook G4 1.33. KPs started last week, after i upgrade my linux to 2.6.19 (same as Skinkie). i've already sent the ibook to an apple care center (i thought airport hardware was broken), but they told me everything was fine, so they sent it back today. i think it's quite strange, because i had 2 KPs in 5 minutes immediatly after i received it.

in our case, i think bcm43xx module from 2.6.19 kernel, because i wasn't booting macosx since 6 months..

best

hi again,

after some googling i've found something interesting:

http://wireless-starter-kit.com/airportblog

maybe this has nothing to do with our problem, but it could be someway related to.

Mmm... odd though. Why would OSX die on us after a Linux/BCM43xx update?

You are now the second one having this problem. I wonder what the other persons have for problem. On the apple forums I saw someone suggesting reinstalling OSX... without the airport update...

You need to think carefully about what might be different in your usage of the machine from that at the Apple service centre.
Do you have any external peripherals attached? (Remove them)
Are you running some software that the Apple service people didn't?
Etc.

IMHO, something in the linux module (which is heavily under development) could have caused a bad behaviour of airport firmware.
i'm stating this because:
-> this isn't an hardware crash, my airport works, although it causes KPs.
-> now even old modules cause bad behaviours (if i use airport with an old linux kernel, when i try to reboot the ibook refuses booting, then i get filled
with KPs even under OSX), so it can't be a software issue.

if it's a firmware problem, this isn't a solution. Reinstalling won't downgrade the firmware.

hi, thanks for the reply.
i've talked today with the apple centre technician which tried to repair my ibook.
he told me that he only tried to copy some files with airport, and when he saw it was working just shut down and sent the ibook back to me. he tested it no more than 5 minutes. after i explained him the symptoms he agreed it needs some more testing, so i will send back the ibook to the apple centre in the near future.

Anybody have an answer to this one? Just joined because I can't think of anything. I'm out of warranty and I'm a little short on cash to send this for repairs.

I have an iBook G4 1.33 GHz bought September 2005. I have similar problems. It started last Sunday when my computer (running on OS X 10.4.8) just froze while watching something on YouTube. The iBook works okay when AirPort is turned off and connected through Ethernet, but when Airport is on even when Ethernet is there, it asks me to "restart" (I think that is what a kernel panic is?).

I've reinstalled to factory settings but to no avail. It still crashes. I turned off my SMS as sudden movements caused it to crash, as well. There are times when it just freezes, too or would freeze when I try to shut it down.

I can stay connected to AirPort for around 10 minutes and then it'll crash. When I watch video streaming (like on YouTube or Google videos) lasting more than a minute or when I try to download a big file (something that would take around more than a minute to finish download)--that makes the crash happen faster. Sometimes, I would be connected to AirPort, and then it would suddenly lose signal (I think this is a sign that it's about to crash). So when that happens, I turn off AirPort and turn it back on and there's signal again.

Nonetheless, it's going to crash--as long as AirPort's on.

I wonder if there are more problems like these out there? If it isn't an isolated incident, hopefully Apple would make a patch for it.

Here's what part of my panic log looks like:

http://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=7636

I get a 'kernel panic' in Linux too, with the *latest* Apple Firmware...
With an older version I didn't... so we can conclude something here.

And I rebooted it twice... and now Linux doesn't kernel panic anymore... (linux doesn't crash the way osx does)

ok, i'm going to sum up what i've experienced these days, just to see if anyone had the same exact problem (i think even slightly different behaviours could be caused by independent issues).

MacOSX:
- when rebooting, every once in a while the ibook refuses to come up, i hear the startup sound but the screen remains blank. the only solution is to wait 5 minutes and retry (pram/nvram resetting doesn't solve this). this happens also when airport is deactivated, so it could be an independent problem.
- if i try to use airport, i get a KP. sometimes immediately, sometimes after a while (never more than 5 minutes); when i come back to macosx (either in safe mode or not) it says no airport is present in this machine. no KPs in this case, but if i reboot once more i get a minimum of 3 KPs before the login, then airport comes back (with KPs again).
just to compare with others, my airport firmware version is "405.1 (3.90.34.0.p18)".
i have no external peripherals attached, and i'm not using third party software.

Linux:
kernel 2.6.18-2 doesn't panic, but sometimes bcm43xx module causes errors on loading/unloading. airport works (not well, but it does), but if i use it when i reboot i get the same blank screen as with OSX.

I note that both 'forest' and 'Skinkie' apparently have dual-boot machines: Linux and OS X.
Is this a commonality among those having problems with Airport and kernel panics?
If so, maybe it is merely an incompatibility with whatever was done to make the machines dual-bootable.

As can be seen in the bugzilla. The new firmware makes Linux behave badly too. (As in Bus error etc.) I hope apple releases a software update for the iBooks too. The MacBooks got an update yesterday.

http://www.apple.com/support/downloa...te2006002.html

You seem to have misunderstood what I was asking.
I wasn't asking if the problem affects Linux.
I was asking if anyone who doesn't have Linux installed on their Mac is experiencing this problem. I.e. is it only a problem if you have installed Linux?

Look at the discussion forums at Apple. The iBook or the Airport fora's. Lots of same problems - no Linux involved.

Well, I don't use Linux too much on my personal machine (I have a school one I use for that) but that sounds exactly like my problem. Genius Bar's telling me it's part of the logic board error (which they -still- won't admit is a widespread problem). As for the blank screen, I found an article here that describes a possible fix to it. I haven't tried it myself, so I won't yay or nay it, but it does look promising.

IMHO, us Aug/Sept2005 G4 users (or all in general having the problem) need to push Apple harder to fix this problem. =/

Just joined to let you (and hopefully somebody at Apple) know: Here's one more with the exact same problem.
- Bought my iBook in September 2005
- Never had a problem until about 3 weeks ago
- Since then, activating Airport will crash the machine, sometimes immediatly, sometimes after a few minutes
- Since the first kernel panic happened, a successful reboot of the iBook is the exception. (I've had it all, from screen remaining black after the chime to the open firmware screen to kernel panics while booting (the grey screen with an apple and the spinning wheel on it)
- Tried reinstalling OS X, tried different user profiles, tried PRAM/NVRAM resets
- Tried going back to older OS X versions - nothing helped. So I'm not sure if the problem is related to 10.4.8 itself, but maybe something (firmware stuff? I don't know anything about this) that came with the update package...

Seeing so many people having this problem, and having it now, only for a few weeks after everything had worked fine for months, makes me hope it's not the hardware and there will be a solution.

How to deal with this issue (for now)

Okay guys, first of all - this is an extremely important thread, and needs to be carried on and contributed to until the problem is addressed by Apple. If you're reading but haven't registered, do so, and contribute your findings or Kernal Panic issues. The longer this goes, the better for us all.

What we do know:

It's not a linux or a dual boot issue: This problem is widespread and affects all G4 Ibooks purchased around a particular date. With me, I've had the ibook hardwired for months - no problems until I go wireless 4 days ago and bang, Kernal Panic heaven.

We've established:

- KP's are affected by the use of Airport
- KP's are intermittent
- KP's vary in regularity between users - some can't boot in, some can (my ibook can run for an hour on Airport no hitches, sometimes crashes after 3 minutes, sometimes on login!)
- KP's related to airport can happen with movement. I had a KP when I plugged in the power supply, when I adjusted the screen slightly, or raised the machine.
- The KP panic logs are all identical - you're not alone!
- Our defective models have Airport cards built in and are not under the keyboard.
- Apple servicing won't help - new logic boards don't help.
- OS X 10.4.8 and Airport firmware 405.1 seems to be the culprit - they don't work properly together (for whatever reason.)
- The firmware is a big question? I know I recently upgraded, and in the past there was a time when I used wi-fi in a bar and don't remember any KP's.
- AIRPORT WORKS: We can browse (briefly), therefore the actual system (and hardware I'm assuming) does indeed function. There are other reasons affecting it's performance and Kernal Panic issues...

- MOST IMPORTANTLY: None of this is coincidence! Don't let anyone tell you it's an isolated incident, not on this thread, or with Apple services. There are probably hundreds who view this thread each day and don't contibute - so again if you're reading, let us know.

HOW TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM?

Well unfortunately I don't have a definitive answer to solve Airport KP's on our particular G4 models - we'll need to leave that to apple. But what we can do is kick up a damn fuss.
Pay for servicing and repairs cos you're out of warranty? What a load of BS! :mad: There's no way on earth any single person with this issue should have to worry about that. This isn't our fault, it's Apple's. We already shelled out for the machines, and under consumer rights, Apple will have to fix them free of charge. You don't need a damn receipt if they're hardware or software is faulty, you need a replacement!

My advice: save this thread, send it to apple. Log a complaint and give them the link - we don't need to explain, the problem is right here in plain view.
This week I'm going to London and I'm going to print and take this thread with me and head to the Apple store and have it out with some unsuspecting employee.

The only way things get done is if people push - and this sounds like Apple need to do a recall!

WHAT DO WE CALL THIS?

It always helps if you can give a 'name' to a specific problem. It helps people (and corporations) identify an issue as real, and increases the familiarity over the internet with searches etc.
My suggestion: Airport Panic Attack! feel free to come up with something easy to remember which'll stick.


Thanks for reading guys, time to get started!

Thanks Hyperknight for taking the time and summing the thread up!

It's also a great idea to give this bundle of problems a name. Airport Panic Attack is cool, though I'll stick with Airport Panic because it's shorter and says it all.

Thanks again, I'll link here from other forums.

My article on 'Slashdot' is still pending. I called it there: 'The software update of death?' On Mac disussions there are a serveral topics describing the same ploblem.

My OpenFirmware goes mad now too... so I really wonder what broke this hard/software combination so badly... (and about Linux: can everyone with extended memory check this for me... count the amount of memory VISIBLE in Linux. I should have 1.5GB I only see 768MB, without the extra memory I do have 512MB, bug is reported at the bugzilla.)

i have 1GB, and linux sees 1010MB.. but in my case i do not think it is a linux bug, rather some weird memory size (something like 1000KB = 1MB)..

I faced exactly the same problem, so i took my ibook to a certified apple service center and after 3 weeks of repair I got it back with my logic board being replaced.

So far it's working fine..

IMPORTANT NOTE: I haven't updated anything before the problem occured (I was still using 10.4.2. and haven't upedated for ages), so this shouldn't be the problem..

Thanks Markus for that bit of info - it's nice to be able to rule out updates, and it's also interesting you were suffering with 10.4.2 rather than 10.4.8.
Would you mind specifying if you're on 405.1 Airport firmware, and what were the symptoms of crashing - did it seem to happen with movement etc. Also, when did you purchase the machine?

Next subject: does anyone find that if you leave the ibook still while using airport, making sure the vents at the rear aren't covered in any way, that it seems to function longer. Over the last few days since my last post, I've found that keeping the machine still (i.e not resting it on my lap or moving it from point A to point B) I have a much better chance of using the net wirelessly.

The whole thing is starting to stink of a manufacturing defect either way!

Keep posting guys, the more the better!

So the idea is... get your iBook very cold and try to use your airport?

Lol!
That's not likely to solve the problem (don't refrigerate it) - as someone mentioned earlier overheating might be a problem, so I thought it'd be a good idea to keep the fan section clear.
So far so good with using airport (using it now) - No idea why it's so intermittent. Two days ago it was crashing like mad, regularly.
Anyone else find the problem comes and goes?

Another with the same problem
 

I just wanted to adress that I am having the same problem too.

My panic.log:
This is for sure not an isolated problem as Apple tries to say!

Hope there will be a solution out for this soon.

What's so strange is that these things are happening roughly around the same time. I know this might be a long shot...but could this problem be the replacement batteries they did a couple of months back?
Yes, AirPort does work longer (mine goes about 30 minutes or so and no video/audio streaming, downloading big files, etc) once the iBook is not too warm. However, in my case, it also doesn't work when it's left alone after a long time. In the latter situation, for me, it instantly crashes.

Either way, AirPort's still a mess for me. It's annoying having to restart the computer (sometimes it would take several tries to make the screen turn up)so I've decided to just connect through ethernet.

However, just awhile ago, even that (ethernet) caused a kernel panic. Hopefully it's a one-time thing as I won't be able to use my computer for internet at all.
OT...I thought I subscribed to these threads earlier. Gotta check again.

Guys... there is a security update! :D I'm going to give it a try!

Bummer... didn't fix a thing. Happely I could reboot my machine by first removing its memory and then inserting it again... :(

Hi there,
I'm seeing similar problems with my G4 iBook bought september 2005. Due to lazyness, I'll just quote (from this thread) the symptoms I'm seeing:

I will add to this that the problems getting past the start-up chime only seems to appear when airport is turned 'off'. Restarting proceeds as normal if airport is turned 'on'... until the KP occurs, that is ;)

Nils

Now that's interesting... I hesitate to try though, because at the moment I don't have time to spend hours on rebooting if it fails...

I can sympethise.. I've just returned from a work stay abroad, and due to the start-up problems, I have been using the ibook for 5 weeks without turning if off, only putting it into sleep mode when not in use. Without turning airport 'on' or the computer 'off', my iBook has been working flawless all those weeks. It's only now that I'm back, and switched on my airport card again, that the KPs started to re-appear.

Nils

okay, i've been following this thread for a few days now and it took a minute to get registered, but i'd like to share my experience with this problem as well.

a few weeks ago (nearly a month now) i downloaded the latest updates from apple. i'm uisng a G5 iMac that is almost 2 years old now. pre-Intel and pre-iSight. my roomate has an airport hub and we all run wireless through that. one morning i woke up and my airport bars were empty (this never happens). so i went in and clicked on a different connection (there must be 30 people in our brooklyn apt. complex with wireless). upon doing this my airport icon disappeared entirely from my top bar and i could not connect to the web, so i restarted.

bad idea.

i got a kernel panic almost immediately and proceeded to get panics for about 15 more restarts. i tried everything from zapping my pram and nvram, starting from my install disks and running disk utility, deleting login items, deleting 3rd party apps. everything, and to no avail. safe mode starts up without any problems, as others have noted, but i can't get a normal startup to save my life.

so i called apple and since i'm out of warranty they made me pay 50 dollars for them to "troubleshoot" the problem. of course the guy told me to do all the things i'd already tried. he didn;t even know what verbose mode was or how to resolve a KP, and he charged my credit card twice. so i called apple the next day and they deleted BOTH of the charges, since they couldn't fix the problem and because i told them that there were entire forums devoted to this issue online that they needed to see (forwarded them this thread, hope that's alright). they denied any knowledge of the bug.

and they told me i needed a new logic board and to take it to the nearest apple store. the thing is, i read in this thread that others have replaced their boards to no avail. so i haven't done that yet.

and i don't know how to turn airport off. i go into "network" in my preferences and it says "airport is currently turned off," but the comp won't start up outside of safe mode.

so has anyone figured this out? because right now i have a 50 pound paperweight in my room and it's bothering me. i can't run my website without it, or work on the animations that i'm required to do...

anyone know how to get it to startup in normal mode so that i can use an ethernet cable to connect without wireless?

please let me know, and kudos for starting this thread.

hi all, i've made some experiments and i've come to something, so now i'd like to have some feedback. Please try to do the following:

when you have airport turned on and you are experiencing kps, try to boot the ibook while pressing strongly the down side of the laptop under the left alt/option key.

i've noticed that if i boot this way, everything goes flawlessly until i put the ibook back on the table. when i do this, i get istantaneous kps.
please let me know if you experience this.

now the speculation part: what if there's a chip on the logic board involved with airport that is loosely soldered? what if this chip was used by the software in a different way until 1 or 2 months ago? notice that a loosely soldered chip was an issue on old ibookg3 logic boards also, although the design of that logic board was much different from ours, and that an issue like this can trigger very strange and erratic behaviours..

See http://www.applefritter.com/node/10193 That article. They're saying the whole KP/logic board error is due to a bad chip and you can fix it...I still have yet to do it cause I need my laptop to finish my final paper, but I'll try it next week and see what it does for me.

I checked this serveral times.When I boot without the presure under left alt/ctrl. I won't get graphics. If I do, I get them, and the beast boots...

and how about kernel panics while running airport and keeping this spot under pressure? does it work?

if so, maybe this tutorial can help to apply permanent pressure:
http://www.coreyarnold.org/ibook/ (though i don't know if the chip in this tutorial is located under the left alt key)

it's a link from the page Hairnester suggested...

I'm going to give it a try now... it is a heavy device... so i keep squeezing :D

good luck!

This only helps to boot the machine... not to fix the kernel panic.

hmmm... bummer. so we have two problems now.

Which started roughly at the same time... decent hardware don't buy apple :mad:

I just want to join this forum after reading it for a couple of days.

I have exactly the same problem as the rest of you with my iBook purchased in November 2005. It happened after updating to 10.4.8. Before that everything worked perfectly.

I think Hyperknight summed the problem up very well in his message on 12-17-2006. And I agree that this must be fixed and initialized by Apple in some sort of program. It's a flaw in the design, not an error created by the user.

It's obvious that a fix will only happen if many "airport panic"-users get organised and show Apple that the problem really exist.

It would be interesting to create a list of all affected iBooks and look at the actual production date or serie. Maybe also but together a simple webpage with all computer affected in a database. (not the whole serial number, just to point to production date and model)
New users could then join in when their iBook got the "airport panic".
I don't know how many cases are needed before Apple would start acting upon the problem. 50? 100? 1000?

Maybe we could create an IRC channel (#airport_panic?) for faster discussions?

it's a good idea to start a list of some sorts, because it seems we're still talking different problems here and this may help to get them a bit more organized.
i too never had a problem before 10.4.8, and this is true for a lot of us, but others experienced the same or very similar problems earlier.

sorry i cannot provide any ideas for the list(s), as i have no idea which numbers are relevant in this case, but if somebody who's familiar with hardware issues could set up this list, i'll happily provide the specs of my machine.

Survey?
 

I think about creating a webpage with a survey where you can fill in e-mail, serial number, date of purchase, problem description (booting, kernel panics, other), contacted apple.


And just figure out how many people have these issues.

Since Apple sells several million Macs a year and a large fraction of these are laptops, it is likely that there are a million or so of this generation of iBook around. So anything less than 1000 is probably not going to attract any interest.

I agree with Skinkie.
A simple webpage that clearly describes the problem and purpose of the webpage for the visitor.
Then some sort of survey to collect each visitors experiences and possible differences in each case.
For each survey maybe name, part of computer serial, production date/factory, user contact and some questions that make the user describe the their experiences.
A goal with the webpage should also be stated clearly I think.
To collect as many users with the same problem so Apple starts a investigation/repair program?

http://uva.hobby-site.com/~skinkie/apple.html

Anything else should be in before we put this online?

Hi everyone

I'm glad I've found this thread; my iBook G4 (purchased beginning October 2005) has just last night started Kernel Panicing too; I found Airport to be the culprit so found this thread on Google; thought i'd join and show my support for a problem that if many more complain having, surely Apple cannot ignore much longer.

Me too
 

Just wanted to add my story, as this problem has killed my ability to use wifi as well. Bought my 12 in 1.33 Gz iBook G4 in August of '05 when they were first released. I too began experiencing the kernel panics in early Dec. of '06. Seems odd that no matter when each iBook was purchased, we all seem to have developed this issue within the past month or so. Makes me think it was an update of some sort.

Anyway, kernel panics occur almost immediately after turning airport on, and the iBook works flawlessly when it's turned off. I also experienced the kp's when tilting the iBook, lending credence to what another poster mentioned. Is this somehow related to the Sudden Motion Sensor (mine's version 1.0)?

Here is just one of my panic logs, as they're all identical. Let's get that petition online and running so we can start making progress. Thanks to all who've posted. Here's the log:


Tue Dec 19 10:32:01 2006
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x000A8800): Uncorrectable machine check: pc = 000000000069BC20, msr = 0000000000149030, dsisr = 42000000, dar = 0000000002650008
AsyncSrc = 0000000000000000, CoreFIR = 0000000000000000
L2FIR = 0000000000000000, BusFir = 0000000000000000

Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095138 0x00095650 0x00026898 0x000A8800 0x000A7A90 0x000AB780
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x3313F280)
PC=0x0069BC20; MSR=0x00149030; DAR=0x02650008; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x0069BCA8; R1=0x1787BD30; XCP=0x00000008 (0x200 - Machine check)
Backtrace:
0x01E05140 0x0069D32C 0x006C7D08 0x0003C884 0x000A9314
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.iokit.AppleAirPort2(405.1)@0x684000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(1.5.0)@0x5b1000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x482000
Exception state (sv=0x2D1E6280)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.0: Fri Sep 8 17:18:57 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.12.6.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC
*********

Now that I think of it, the first KP I had 6 weeks or so ago may also have been related to the Sudden Move Thing. If I remember correctly, I heard a strange noise (like a drive scanning) from the iBook as something had accidentially hit the table it was standing on. A few minutes later I had the first KP. But I may be mistaken. Anyone else seeing any connection to the Sudden Move Sensor?

I could accept that as being linked; earlier I left my iBook on the desk and tried the AirPort again; I was able to browse the Internet for the few minutes I was using AirPort without problem. I know if I turn it on and move the iBook around it's guaranteed to error though, sometimes immediately, othertimes after a few moments of motion. It also seems to do it if the laptops unlevel; e.g. if it's resting slightly tilted on my knee or lap.

Regarding the drive noise thing; that's always happened with mine; it sometimes just decides to try and eject a disc that isn't there and again, only does it when the laptop is being moved around.

Wow I never thought about that! Good thinking!


BTW... please give some feedback about the survey. If it is all ok... I'll add a database to it and we can go measure (and after that to apple and/or media)

With the survey, maybe changing the wording/selections for dual booting; perhaps 'No', 'Yes - Mac OS X + Linux', 'Yes - Mac OS X + Other' (specify in a text box 'other'?)

Also, what sort of statistical stuff is it? Also, a clause put in stating your email address/name etc won't be used for marketing/sold on will reassure more people.

On a different topic; I tried using AirPort once i'd disabled the SMS but it still Kernel Panicked straight away when I turned AirPort on; it may still be linked to causing *more* KPs but it's not the reason for them.

- I'd say please enable more than one option for "Airport issues"; mine is sometimes panicking immediately, sometimes after a while.
- If more people see a link, it may be a good idea to ask if there were any events that included action of the Sudden Move Sensor around the time of the first KP. (Sorry for my English, but you know what I mean.)

P.S. Thank you for setting up the survey!

For the survey on boot issues and Airport issues...I find that those choices apply more than once to my iBook. That is, I think you should have a "Check all that apply" option. Something like that.

I agree with the above quote.

I'll update the survey soon. Did anyone try to DISABLE the sudden motion sensor? And try if it still panics?

That was the first thing I did, it hasn't helped at all.

I disabled the SMS too; it did absolutely nothing for me.

I don't know whether I'm alone here, but gradually my iBook seems to be getting worse; I now get more blank screens at startup and AirPort crashes quicker when enabled than it did; for me it's starting to look like the logicboard components going 'out of date'. For a company that say they specialise in hardware, it's not a good thing to see; particularly as I know if it bad chips we are neither the first or the last customers of Apple who will suffer the problem.

Oddly, bad chips rarely occur on other PC brands, and of all the PCs I personally built for me/other people, it's never once occurred.

My iBook got worse too. I now get a black screen every time I try to boot.
:mad:

The "gentle pressing" helps at startup, but I now try to have the iBook in sleep mode as much as I can when not using it. (avoiding the need of restart/startup)

It would be interesting to know from people having this problem and which also have Apple Care. Have anyone of them got their iBooks fixed or repaired? Did they get any diagnostics from Apple when they got their iBook back?

Quick update; today my iBook actually got a lot worse; it took several attempts to even get it started up and I hadn't touched AirPort at all, then I got some garbled graphics problems too, so i've taken it back to where I bought it and they're going to send it off for repair. I'll post back what they do to it.

Just adding that mine is now occasionally panicking when I'm using the phone modem. As I normally don't use it, I can't say if this is a recent development; I've run it quite a bit the last week and it crashed about three times.

never used the phone

iBook G4 (Jun 2005 model) boot up problems (logic board)
 

Hello All

I have been using my iBook G4 (1.2 GHz) with no problems since I purchased it in June 05. But over the past 2 days, I have been noticing this weird incident of "no display" when booted and I was hearing a loud fan noise at times and I can hear my HDD spinning etc. When I tried to restart pressing CTRL+OPTION and POWER after shutting it down, it booted up but reverted my PMU to a date in 2001 (resetting all my email, music etc). But when I tried shutting it down again and restarted normally, I heard the bootup chime but no display. Again, I could hear the fan and the HDD spinning.

I took my laptop to the Apple Store here in Boca, FL today and was told that its a logic board problem.

I know there was a Logic Board Repair Initiative from Apple for the G3's and early G4's. Does anyone know such a thing for the fairly recent iBook G4's??.

Any help is immensely appreciated.

Thanks
Karthik
karthikramani@mac.com
rkarthik@ufl.edu

Unfortunately, there is no logicboard repair program for the new iBook G4s (last release to manufacturing model before switching to MacBooks). All of us here are trying to get together as many complaints about ailing hardware/AirPort problems w/kernel panics as possible to get Apple to do something about it.

like I posted a few weeks ago my ibook got repaired (logic board got replaced) and everything is working perfectly right now.
the repairing was done by an apple service provider, who just told me that the logic board was replaced..

sorry for the late response!
yes, I am on 405.1, but I think I updated AFTER occuring my first kp..
symptoms were: kp after the startup dialog, black screen on start up or openFirmware on start up;
when everything was fine for startup and airport was disabled (or the airport extension was deleted or when I started in safe mode) I didn't get any KP.
ibook was purchased back in august 2005 (right after it was released)

That's awesome Skinkie. The only thing I have is under the "Are you dual booting" question, change the yes to a no. You might want to also make a list of the most common problems so users coming to the site will be sure that it really is their issue. Are you going to get a domain for it?

Found this forum. Thank goodness! Been having these same KP's as described by almost everyone here. Have a powerbook G4. I have called apple and they told me to try the repairing disc permissions, utility discs, archive and restore, etc.. Well after doing this, still got the KP's. Only noticed them when I lifted up or tilted the computer. I took out the airport extreme card then placed very firmly back in along with the antenna. Was good for a few weeks so was happy. Happened this morning again! At least I think it is airport related. I want to call apple again but not confident they know what to do. And by the way, I am still under warranty with applecare. Very frustrating to say the least. Any ideas would be great to get this fixed. Thanks!