dead hard drive on Powerbook 100?

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Level 1

138 points

dead hard drive on Powerbook 100?

I think my Powerbook 100, which I never use but keep out of sentiment, may finally be dead. Symptoms: I can't get it to start up and produce a smiley face except using a startup disk in the external floppy drive. There is no hard drive icon on the desktop. If I try to install the software from the external disk, it doesn't recognize the existence of any other disk onto which to install.

I've tried the reset/interrupt button trick, to no avail.

I have not replaced the little battery--is there any point in doing that?

And I can't find the original instruction book except for the quick-start version.

Any ideas? Thanks!

PB 100, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Jan 21, 2008 1:01 PM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Jan 21, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Gail Zlatnik

Hi,

You could always try a PRAM reset to begin with.

It cannot be ruled out that the hard drive is defective. Do you hear any sounds?

Are you using an original (System 7.0.1) startup/tools floppy right now?

If the hard disk is spinning (and if you have access to a second old Macintosh computer), you could also try another disk utility (such as Apple HD SC Setup 7.3.5 here or Drive Setup 1.7.3 here). Post back if you need advice regarding floppy modifications et cetera.

Battery issues have been discussed e.g. in this FAQ. There you will also find additional information about hard drive detection problems.

Jan

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Answer 2

Gail Zlatnik Author

Level 1

138 points

Jan 22, 2008 7:08 AM in response to Gail Zlatnik

Thanks, Jan. I think it's a lost cause, and moribund has become just plain dead. I couldn't seem to reset the PRAM--without the Tools disk in the external drive, and despite a faint spinning sound suggesting the internal hard drive might be alive, all I got was the initial chime and the question-mark disk icon. inserting the Tools disk and trying a Restart just ejected the disk and brought another chime plus q. mark. I disconnected the power cord to see what would happen, the screen went dark and now nothing seems to bring about a revival.

So I guess I'll give it a decent burial by recycling. Thanks for your thoughts. It served me well--I wrote comps and a dissertation on it, took it to Paris for research, etc. I am very fond of it!

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Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Jan 22, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Gail Zlatnik

Hi Gail,

It is quite possible that one of the batteries is part of the problem.

So, before you give up, why not try replacing the small batteries (make sure that you get the correct type)?

Also, in what state is the main battery? Has the PowerBook been stored with an insufficiently charged battery for a long time? A bad main battery can put a heavy load on the power supply. Have another look at the PB 100 FAQ mentioned earlier.

If you are lucky, the PowerBook itself is OK.

Jan

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Answer 4

Gail Zlatnik Author

Level 1

138 points

Jan 22, 2008 3:49 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Jan, thanks again. Today I finally found the battery site you recommended; the battery in my head was fairly well exhausted last night! I'm quite sure from the descriptions that I have a sulfated SLA battery. It has been literally years since I really used this battery, although I've kept it plugged in and charged (I hoped) for most of that time and occasionally booted it just to see. Someone who shall remain nameless unplugged it some months ago, and by the time I discovered that, PB 100 was no longer functional, ie, it kept telling me I needed to reinstall the system software. Well, it's a long story, but I think I'll give up. I'll see whether Apple wants it sent back, or else arrange at our local recycling center. Maybe Apple wants to put a new battery in it and give it a new life.

I appreciate your wisdom on this--I feel as if I do now know what's going on!

g

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Answer 5

jrw046

Level 1

0 points

May 23, 2008 4:40 PM in response to Gail Zlatnik

Gail
Any chance that you still have the powerbook around. Drop me a note
xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx

<Edited by Moderator>

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Answer 6

Apr 5, 2008 5:52 AM in response to Gail Zlatnik

Gail,

As evidenced by jrw's post, there are collectors out there who would like to find old parts including battery cases that can be revived. Google your area for a Mac user group and see what you find. Then find a new home or new parts for your keepsake.

Jim

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Answer 7

May 22, 2008 9:57 PM in response to Appaloosa mac man

You can always try the following.

Remove the main battery. Pull out the hard drive. Take it in hand and gently move it side to side. No violent shaking please.... to see if that will unstick the heads. If I'm trying to recover data I will pull the cover off and physically spin up the drive in a clean room.....

Kevin

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Answer 8

May 23, 2008 8:25 AM in response to Niteshooter

I would like to emphasize that opening up a Hard Drive is a NOT routine maintenance. It is truly a desperation move.

Once you have opened it, it will be contaminated inside with dust. You should be prepared for a head crash very soon. Never expect it to function properly again.

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Answer 9

May 23, 2008 5:36 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Guess I should have emphasized the Clean Room component of my reply. Yes pulling a drive apart is not a recommended but when they are crashed and clicking they are toast anyhow.

Kevin

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