How to restart from this kernel panic?

[SteveO]

Okay, on my replacement (new) Powerbook 15" HR 1.67 on 10.4.2...migrated all my files/apps from previous PB using Migration Assistant. Repaired permissions afterward.

Tonight I installed 2 new, 1gb ram sticks. "OCZ" brand from NewEgg.

So I used the PB for an hour or two. After that, upgraded to iTunes 6.0.3 from 6.0.2. Have not repaired permissions from that upgrade yet. About 30 trouble-free minutes into listening to iTunes music/surfing in Safari/Camino with iPhoto 5 open (trying to burn up the batt time), I see what looks like terminal-command "type" on my screen as my computer freezes. Just as I was letting the batt expire for its first calibration.

My only haxies are Synergy for iTunes and WindowShade...neither of which I've updated for Tiger. BUT I'm assuming this is bad ram as I ran both of these apps in my first 1.67 HR PowerBook for a week [with its original 512 stick only]...and with no trouble whatsoever other than a bit of lost functionality in WindowShade.

Tried the three-finger restart -- Apple-Control-Power button, but it will not respond. What is the safest way to restart after a panic? I'd like to restart and then use the AppleCare TechTool disk and test the ram, etc.

Do I need to remove the AC and battery, then reconnect them to force a restart that way? That doesn't sound too kosher. Anything else special I need to do besides run that TechTool disk?

Whoops, the batt just ran out so I guess that choice was made for me. It didn't wake from sleep after I plugged in the power cord. If it matters at all, I think some of the writing on the screen appeared to say something about RAM.

At any rate, it looks like this "bargain" ram is headed back to newegg and I'll likely order some guaranteed-for-X stuff from our good friend Larry here. Guess you get what you pay for in RAM. I'd say avoid the brand "OCZ" ram for your PowerBook. I do order all my batts + many other goodies from Larry (2 hi-caps +thus far), so while I feel guilty at the moment, I will likely redeem myself with the new RAM purchase.

Many TIA for the safe restart/other advice in case this happens again--
SteveO

[hal]

windowshade without an update could be a big problem - it installs that nasty 'ape' thingy. Uninstall or upgrade it. A lot could be wrong with a bad migration from an older os. Do a fresh install would be a good idea....

[C(-)ris]

I would just pull the battery and power cord, and turn it back on booting from the CD. Run a disk repair and make sure there are no problems.

[Jimmypoo]

Now I have to ask.....

If this turns out to be RAM, would you have paid $10 to not go through all that wasted time?

[SteveO]

¡Aye, caramba! Good point, hal, forgot about the ape. I will update that dude pronto. Hardware test (extended) via PowerBook Install DVD said the ram was good.

Thanks for the restart instrux, Cris...and Jimmypoo, that is an entirely valid question...I do normally order from Larry, have ordered literally hundreds and hundreds of $$$ worth of stuff and I am a huge fan of the Newer hi-cap batts he carrries (bought not one but 2 of those from him). This newegg RAM purchase, though, saved me $50 AR for 2gb, so I had to try it. I'm gonna update or delete my haxies and see if that cures it. If not, I'll likely return the ram and go with Larry's options.

Thanks again.