Hello,
I have an iBook G3 A1007 800Mhz, 32Vram running OS9, and the screen is small and it is set to 16 colors. My research indicates that this is because of a ATI graphics driver update problem. The questions I have are: Is it a problem with the driver? and how can I remedy the problem?
Thank You
Hi,
I'm not sure which ATI graphics update problem you are referring to.
The iBook G3 800 was *notorious* for having the solder connecting the graphics chip wear and disconnect, resulting in a total loss of video (both to the screen, and video out).
If your graphics are still working...then you don't seem to have this problem.
Have you tried reinstalling the OS from the original system install disks? I'm not sure they are available here, but likely other iBook installs would work.
With this model iBook, you had to install the OS X disk first, and as part of that install, it would place a Classic Mac OS 9.2 folder on the iBookas well. You would then select to boot into OS 9.
In other words, there was no Classic OS 9 only install disks...if you have only OS 9 on there, I would be suspicious you may not have the proper install...
Anyway, that was my memory of my iBook 800 with the 32MB VRAM...it looked so nice...I loved the clear plastic layer above the white solid plastic. Anyway, good luck, post your results.
if your lookin for drivers ati graphic drivers can be found all over the web i should know i spent hours lookin for 'em
I have the earlier 600MHz model (2001). Your model should have more video memory than mine (perhaps).
Anyway, I have 1024x768 in Thousands of Colours, and it works perfectly. I don't recall needing any more than the standard drivers installed with RETAIL OS9 9.2.1, and then included updates with Apple 9.2.2.
http://lowendmac.com/pb2/12in-ibook-g3-600-mhz.html
"Requires MacOS 9.2.1"
You should be able to install the identical OS over the top of yours, and reinstate the missing/corrupt graphics drivers supplied by Apple (without totally screwing your entire system). If you don't have much installed, you could try a full format/reinstall. You MUST use the installer that came with the system, or a RETAIL version of OS9.2.1/9.2.2 ( which looks like this - http://www.20thanniversarymac.com/mac-os-9.jpg )
Best of luck.
EDIT: Just discovered that you have the 32MB Mobility Radeon 7500, which is way different than my RagePro 128 4MB. Try the last few drivers HERE -> http://gona.mactar.hu/ATI_Mac/
Remember you only have AGP 2x, so beware of that 4x driver!!!
Thanks for the replies. I'll give 'em a try. Everything else works but the graphics.
Can you be more specific which ones I should try? I've tried the 2005 one and it didn't work.
I've also got 10.4.11 running on it now, I wonder if installing with OS X on it make a difference?
Thanks
Did you have success? Anyway, for the ones interested:
I had this same issue with the same model, i remember trying all those ati drivers on a PowerBook titanium 1GHz, which had the same issue, small screen after fresh OS 9 install, because i was missing the original disks. Then some day the person that gave me that TiBook found the disks and OS9 installed from them was booting and working 100%. This got me an idea. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but the iBook G3/800 and the TiBook 1GHz came out at the same time according to everymac.com. So what i did was this:
• Installed OS 10.3 in the iBook
• Put the iBook on target mode
• Connected the iBook to the TiBook via firewire
• Boot the TiBook with the 10.3 installed on the iBook
• Inserted the restore DVD from the TiBook
• Doubleclick on the "Install MacOS 9 and applications" package
• On the corresponding screen, i deselected all but the OS 9 install
• Let the restore process do its magic.
• Turn off the TiBook, disconnected the iBook from the firewire cable and rebooted.
• Once in OS 10.3 again, now on the iBook, selected OS 9 as Startup OS and reboot
• OS 9 starts up fine with full screen and all hardware working.
There are two G3/800 models, one transparent and one opaque. Mine is the opaque. I bet the procedure works on both.
The restore package is machine specific, you can't run it on any other model that is not the Titanium 1GHz.
It seems the OS 9 included with the Titanium G4 1GHz is 100% compatible with the iBook G3. To avoid the whole previous process again, i would just compress the installed System and Applications (MacOS 9) folders and have them somewhere handy. The lovely thing about older OS's is that you just copy them and they work.
I don't own one of these ...ugh, laptops (I was going to say something else)...
But I still have an archive that I got from another member(
here, one is the whole install of the CD, system folder, applications and everything. The other is just a folder for the OS9 video drivers.
The last time I had the "Small Screen" on the 900MHz model I had, I recalled everything else working in OS 9.
If I only hadn't accidentally thrown away the install CDs *grumble grumble*
I merely got "iBook Mac OS 9 Install" Mac OS version 9.2.1, CD version 1.3, 691-3427-A.
Most likely the same thing Max hosts on his server.
(If it should help, I might upload to his great wired server.)
Alternatively, I would be willing to sell for $ 1.- given the CD is needed badly and gets a good home. 
Just as a note, the iBook G3/800 does boot from 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 CD install disks, but the installers refuse to work in this model. As a test i downloaded Max's 9.2.2 one, but had the same experience: it boots ok but can't be installed. I am pretty sure OS9 in this model has to be installed from the restore CD, running under OSX, just like the titanium powerbook i mentioned some posts earlier. However, i am almost pretty sure this set, gone back in july, is the one that matches this model. It contains a standalone 9.2.2 install disc that could prove me wrong. This model used to come with OSX 10.2.1(transparent) or 10.2.4(opaque).
Correct, with the release of OS X 10.2, the process for the install of OS9 changed from an installer disc to performing a partial restore while booted under OS X 10.2 or later.
You could try the OS9 General.dmg disk image referred to throughout the forums. The common version here refers to OS 9.2.2 that came with the MDD G4 that shipped with OS X 10.2.1 at the same time as your iBook. If you can find it, try it. Of course, make sure the iBook hard disk has OS9 drivers installed.
Have you tried doing a custom install, (Universal). It installs crap you don't need (like macbook security control panel etc.) but I think it works on everything (that runs 9.2.x)?
I have used the 9.2.2 disk that came with the eMacs (as far as I know the last machine to come with OS 9) on everything and anything that can boot OS 9 with no problem. That includes all the PowerBooks from the Wallstreet to the Titaniums. All the G3 iBooks, and G3 and G4 desktops up to the 867 Quicksilvers. You do have to boot from CD to install (if you're running OSX) and the drive has to have been initialized with the "Install OS 9 drivers" option. Otherwise the drive will be invisible to OS 9.
@sfp1954
After reading your post i went inmediately to Max's server to see if he had any eMac OS9 cd and yes! an iso from an eMac 800MHz. After downloading it i tested it on my iBook G3 and installed perfectly! I am tempted to test in on my wallstreet and my lombard, but at least the one i was interested on went smooth! This eMac install CD is a must have!
I have used that CD on Wallstreet, Lombard, Pismo, G3 iBooks, G4 Titaniums and G3/G4 desktops up to and including an 867 Quicksilver.
