MacPro Early 2009 rear firewire ports not working

Question

MacPro Early 2009 rear firewire ports not working

I am looking to connect some firewire devices to my 2009 Macpro.

The front firewire ports are working fine but the two at the rear are not.

Just wondering if anyone can offer any insight into getting these functioning. I have two scanners which I want to run off them for various projects.

I have tried several devices in them but nothing shows on the system profile. However the front ports are showing and functioning well.

Any helpful advise is most welcome.

Posted on Apr 7, 2020 7:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,708 points

Apr 7, 2020 7:21 AM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

Try resetting the System Management Controller, How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Not sure other than starting and restarting the mac to see if it eventually gets the rear firewire ports operating.

Can your Firewire devices be daisy chained so that you only need one cable going into the firewire port at the front.

Reply

Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

251,273 points

Apr 21, 2020 3:49 PM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

Great to hear Anthony. :)

If it ever happens again, this worked on my 2010 Mac Pro...

1.. Shut the machine down.

2.. UNPLUG the power lead to the computer and any peripheral devices.

3.. leave it for 10 minutes.

4.. Hold power Button in for 10 seconds

5.. Connect back up and reboot.

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 21, 2020 11:55 AM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

Well I tried every method I knew, several times just in case. Even those suggested by Eau Rouge, for which I am grateful.

There is a definition of madness regards trying the same methods whilst expecting a different outcome. Well so be it! The firewire ports are now connecting! Not sure what or why but they are now showing my other scanner!

I'm sure there is some logical even technical reason that they are now connecting but all my analysis and careful methods of going through processes to achieve had not worked until I tried one more time, the repeat of one such method and for some reason they work.

Thanks for any inputs.

I'd like to think I learned something from this but all I can think of just now is persistence!

Reply

Answer 4

Apr 22, 2020 1:02 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for your response.

This was one of the routines I had tried more than once. It was only when I had just about given up that for some reason they connected. I am unsure if I will ever know what worked but I guess I can just enjoy the fact that they are working....for now!

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 7, 2020 7:43 AM in response to Eau Rouge

Hello Eau Rouge,

many thanks for taking the time to respond and so promptly.

I shall get back to you when I get the chance but appreciate your suggestion.

Reply

Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

251,273 points

Apr 22, 2020 8:38 AM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

Yeah, continued good luck. :)

Reply

MacPro Early 2009 rear firewire ports not working

Similar questions