Howdy all!
I have a Classic Mac Plus. During startup I am getting a floppy icon that switcheds between a happy Mac floppy then after a few seconds, a question mark floppy.
1st off..What does this mean?
Second..Can I and how do I eject the floppy? I am not sure if the floppy is even a system/start up disc..it's been in there awhile.
Thanx!!!
Juan
It means that there is a problem with the system file or with the file system on the floppy.
Is the computer still running? If so, the computer would (normally) eject the floppy automatically when switched off. If the diskette is stuck in the drive when the computer has been turned off, it is possible to (carefully) eject the disk by using a paper clip in the little hole on the right hand side of the floppy slot. Do not use force. It cannot be ruled out that something has happened internally (such as a damaged shutter), which may require disassembly of the drive.
Please note that work inside a Macintosh Plus is dangerous, and must be performed by qualified personnel only, because of high voltages. Charges can remain in circuits/components even after the computer has been switched off and disconnected from the mains.
It means that there is a problem with the system file or with the file system on the floppy.
Is the computer still running? If so, the computer would (normally) eject the floppy automatically when switched off. If the diskette is stuck in the drive when the computer has been turned off, it is possible to (carefully) eject the disk by using a paper clip in the little hole on the right hand side of the floppy slot. Do not use force. It cannot be ruled out that something has happened internally (such as a damaged shutter), which may require disassembly of the drive.
Please note that work inside a Macintosh Plus is dangerous, and must be performed by qualified personnel only, because of high voltages. Charges can remain in circuits/components even after the computer has been switched off and disconnected from the mains.
>the computer would (normally) eject the floppy automatically when switched off.
More correctly, with a fully working startup floppy, the Macintosh Plus would eject the disk when "Shut Down" is chosen from the Special menu. After that, the "You may now switch off your Macintosh safely." message appears.
A bootable floppy, already in place in the drive when the computer is switched on, can (normally) be immediately ejected by holding down the mouse button at startup.
With access to another pre-1998 Macintosh computer, it is possible to create a new startup floppy for the Macintosh Plus, if necessary. Please post back for details, if of interest.
Thank you Jan. I will try the paperclip method (which I had forgotten about!) and let you know how it goes. If something more involved is needed, I will take it to a qualified technician. Thank you again for your assistance!
Ejecting a stuck floppy on Mac Plus
