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I'm sure this is a well covered problem, but I can't find the solution. We are trying to boot up our IIsi that hasn't been powered up for a decade or more. I replaced the battery with a fresh one, and while there is power to the computer, nothing more happens. I get a flash on the monitor, so I know something is alive, but I suspect the PRAM or whatever has been wiped.
Is there a set of steps listed somewhere to see if I can get this booted?
Thanks,
Rick
Hi,
First of all, is there a normal startup sound? If not, any other sounds (fan, hard drive activity) or lights?
One has to expect bad electrolytic capacitors in old computers. Any signs of leaking or bulged capacitors?
Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications
Hello again,
A remote diagnosis is always difficult. Since there was a change during storage, I would still suspect electrolytic capacitors. Finding the culprit on a logic board is not easy, so it may become necessary to replace all such capacitors, and even after that, the problem could be another electronic component... You may want to try a site specialised in old Mac hardware (such as 68kmla.org) for further information.
However, for an immediate attempt to read/recover files from the hard drive, another approach may be needed. One way could be to look for another Macintosh computer (of approximately the same age) with an internal SCSI hard drive (for example, the LC/LCII/LCIII models are easy to open). You could then, temporarily, remove that drive, and install the one from the IIsi. You should also have access to an appropriate startup floppy for the other Mac (since the IIsi's hard drive may or may not work as a startup disk there). This could be something like a 7.5 Network Access Disk floppy (http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English-North_American/Macintosh/Utilities/Network_Access_Disk_7.5.txt).
The startup sound?
If there is a startup sound, try resetting the PRAM (press and hold the four keys Command + Option + P + R; do not release until the sound has been heard a second time).
If necessary, you may want to remove and reconnect cables and cards.
Have you tried booting from an appropriate startup floppy (such as a disk tools disk)?
No start-up sound, although there is a faint, two-tone chime.
So naturally, the Command + Option + P + R reset didn't work.
I can't find my system floppies anywhere, so I'm not sure but suspect I'll need to take it in somewhere.
Try to remove extra RAM installed. Any change? Check/clean SIMM contacts.
One cause could possibly be the aforementioned capacitors. A logic board inspection (using a magnifying glass or microscope) may reveal leaking/bulged electrolytic capacitors (but these components could also be bad without outer signs).
Which operating system version is installed on the hard disk? Do you have access to another pre-1998 Macintosh computer with a built-in floppy drive?
I don't recall at all which OS version is on the hard drive... Sigh. I will do the pc board inspection tonight. I don't have access to any Macs anywhere near that old.
In fact, the whole point of this exercise is to pull all the old data off the hard disk. There is some application-specific data that one family member never put somewhere else... ;-)
No luck.
-- Pulled the simms, cleaned everything, found no obvious items on visual inspection.
-- The hard disk is getting clear +12 and +5v and spins up smoothly.
-- But I still just get the soft 2-tone chime, not the normal start-up 'bong' sound...
Jan, I really appreciate your help. Thanks.
Yep, I think finding a user group with a working older Mac is the answer. Since I live about 4 miles from Apple HQ, I am certain to be able to find that. I may even be able to drop it into a SCSI chassis and set it up as an external drive.
Hello.
Let me assert one fact, that the IISI is almost 30 years old.
Please read specifications @https://support.apple.com/kb/SP199?locale=en_US
Thanks for the reply. Power supply seems fine, and the hard disk is spinning but I don't hear it seeking. Fans and all other 'normal' electrical function seems to be fine.
Thanks. I indeed know the age, since I bought it new to replace my Apple II, which I also bought new when it first came out... I must be old.
This is a great suggestion. It's amazing how much one can forget over the years. Thanks. I will try it in the morning.
Yes, finding a user group would not be a bad idea.
Good luck!
Booting an old Mac IIsi
