Use wireless networking in safe boot mode

My friend has a much-loved 12" PowerBook G4. Unfortunately, it has developed a VRAM error (confirmed by Apple Hardware Test) that makes it impossible to boot in "normal" mode. However, it can boot in Safe Mode, which seems to bypass the VRAM. The graphics are obviously not as good, but the computer is quite usable in Safe Mode. 

My friend wants to use it as a surfing/email computer for his wife -- but doesn't want to shell out the $300+ for a new logic board installation to fix the VRAM. The only problem is that Safe Mode disables wireless networking! I searched in vain (via Google) for any tips to enable AirPort in Safe Mode. After a bit of thinking, I found a way to get wireless running in Safe Mode (on OS X 10.4, at least). 

Open Terminal and enter: 

Quote:

$ sudo kextload /system/library/extensions/appleairport.kext
$ sudo kextload /system/library/extensions/appleairport2.kext

Then open the Network pane of System Preferences, and re-enable the "Show AirPort status on menu bar" option. This enabled us to "Turn AirPort on" -- and the PowerBook was ready to surf!