Powermac FW800 sometimes won't boot
  • Butterfly
    Butterfly
    insurgent
    Posts: 64 from 2007/7/8
    This most likely is NOT MorphOS issue but more experienced Powermac owners may shed some light on this.

    Sometimes, when I power the computer it sounds 'chime' but does not proceed to boot. I can't hear that distinct sound when HDD starts-up, if you know what I mean. Also, the keyboard is 'frozen'. It may take a few tries to get it working.

    As I said, it occures sometimes, but it is a more worrying trend now that it has happened a few times in the past week or so. What to look for? From what I've read at other forums, it can be anything really - faulty HDD, RAM, power supply, expansion card, etc.
    Registered MOS 2.7 + Pack Ultimate 1.6.2 running on:
    Power Mac G4 FW800 1.42GHz 2GB / Radeon 9000 Pro 128MB / SB Live! / NEC USB 2.0 / SuperDrive
    Mac Mini G4 1.5GHz 1GB / 64MB VRAM / SuperDrive
    Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP 1920x1200
    PowerBook G4 ready :-)
  • »07.12.10 - 09:22
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  • MorphOS Developer
    zukow
    Posts: 645 from 2005/2/9
    From: Poland
    try reseting pmu
  • »07.12.10 - 10:23
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  • Butterfly
    Butterfly
    insurgent
    Posts: 64 from 2007/7/8
    Thanks for suggestions.

    Ok, I tried many things, including resetting PMU. It turns out that the battery is causing the problem. It gives voltage reading of 1.7 when it should be around 3.6 volts. Somehow, I managed to boot successfully after reseating it and will replace it tomorrow.

    It's worth checking your PRAM battery if you have a Powermac. With shelf life of 4 years, it may need attention. Go with high capacity lithium as replacement.
    Registered MOS 2.7 + Pack Ultimate 1.6.2 running on:
    Power Mac G4 FW800 1.42GHz 2GB / Radeon 9000 Pro 128MB / SB Live! / NEC USB 2.0 / SuperDrive
    Mac Mini G4 1.5GHz 1GB / 64MB VRAM / SuperDrive
    Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP 1920x1200
    PowerBook G4 ready :-)
  • »09.12.10 - 10:38
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