Hello! I can't boot from my CD drive (superdrive) on my powerbook, I've only manage to try copies of mac OS X that works on other computers. I've alsp tried som kind of hardware test CD for Powerbook (OS 9). When I try the copied Mac OS X on boot, the screen shades and a box comes up that says something like "Turn off your computer by holding the power button down for several seconds" the message displays in 3 more languages. But when I ty the hardware test CD there comes up a little icon with a flashing "?" Does anyone have a clue? I'm used to PC, this is my first mac, and I bought it secondhand.

Someone, please post something that could be to help!

How old is the machine, is it still under warrenty (I know you got it second hand but is it less than 1 year old) It sounds like the coppied software (OS CD's) you have were made for another model of Mac or PowerBook, you may have to break down and, gasp, buy the OS CD's, the ones off the shelf at retailers work on all machines (that are certified for that OS). Machine specific CD's that ship with a machine ONLY work on that machine.

Thanks for your answer, but the os is not for a special machine, it says in the PDF document along with the OS that it works on PB G4. I don't know how old the computer is. Could resetting PRAM help?

Zapping PRAM may help, and also Resetting the PMU (Power Manager Unit), every PB has a different methor for resetting PMU, so see your owners manual, or some machines have it printed under the I/O Door, there are also Apple Knowledge Base articles on "Resetting your PowerBooks PMU" that give instructions for all models. Also, SOME PB's have a secondary keyboard combo to mount a CD at start up. Also, is your firmware up to date? That may cause it to choke on the CD? Are other CD's showing up in that SuperDrive, are DVD's playing? IF NOT then the drive maybe bad (worst case scenario)