I just got an used Mac IIvx, but I don't know how to do

Hello,

The first picture seems to show a Macintosh IIvx without an optional CD-ROM drive (the original was a 2X caddy model). With the proper hardware, it should be possible to install a SCSI CD-ROM drive in the empty space.

See also:

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP202

http://developer.apple.com/legacy/library/documentation/Hardware/Developer_Notes /Macintosh_CPUs-68K_Desktop/Mac_IIvx.pdf

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iivx.html

http://lowendmac.com/1992/mac-iivx/

A IIvx manual does not appear to be available for download. However, the Performa 600 is basically the same computer with different software:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/0307230AATVVDOUG.pdf

Have you tried to eject the floppy using one of the methods on page 84 in the aforementioned Performa 600 series manual? Otherwise, you may have to (carefully) disassemble the floppy drive. It cannot be ruled out that the shutter has damaged the heads, but with luck it may be possible to remove the diskette with the drive intact.

System software 7.5.3 (British and US versions) can be found here:

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English -British/Macintosh/System/Full_Installs/System_7.5_Version_7.5.3/

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English -North_American/Macintosh/System/Older_System/System_7.5_Version_7.5.3/

The 7.5.3 downloads do not contain normal system disks (see the text files for details). It would be good if the floppy drive can be made to work, though. Plain transfers of the individual files are possible on 1.44 MB floppy disks. Other ways include a null-modem transfer (if the IIvx is operational, with a suitable system already on the hard disk) or a transfer on a CD-ROM disc (which of course would require a CD-ROM drive with correct CD-ROM driver software).

If you see an error message while attempting to access the Apple download servers, try to reload the page (if necessary, repeatedly).

Jan

Addendum/correction

>A IIvx manual does not appear to be available for download. However, the Performa 600 is basically the same computer with different software:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/0307230AATVVDOUG.pdf

While it is correct that the Performa 600 is basically the same as the IIvx, the manual under the link appears to be for newer Performa 6xx models (with a different case and another hard drive interface). So, please disregard specific hardware-related information. General information may still be useful, though.

It depends a bit upon whether the internal hard drive contains a working system right now. Does the IIvx start up to a Desktop (with hard disk and Trash/Wastebasket icons)?

If so, go to the Apple menu and check (under About This...) the exact system version installed. Also, do check whether the hard disk contains a program called ClarisWorks.

If not, you would need a startup disk of some kind. This could be the Network Access Disk 7.5 from the link below, but that would obviously require a floppy drive. The floppy can be created from disk image on another old (pre-1998) Macintosh computer with a built-in floppy drive (via the Make A Copy button in the Disk Copy 4.2 utility).

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English -North_American/Macintosh/Utilities/

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English -North_American/Macintosh/Utilities/Disk_Copy/

Alternatively, one could use an external SCSI hard drive (with a suitable operating system) connected to the SCSI port of the IIvx.

I do not know whether the IIvx ROM would allow booting directly from a CD-ROM disc in a CD-ROM drive installed in the internal 5.25" space, but that would in any case require access to an appropriate Apple system CD (which I assume is not available here).

It would probably not be a bad idea to try to solve the floppy drive problem first.

BTW, which other computers (old Macs, new Macs, PCs) do you have access to for downloads and file transfers?

Jan

Addendum

Information about IIvx CD-ROM booting can be found in the developer note.

Hello again,

If an attempt to manually eject the diskette via a straightened paper clip (in the small hole near the floppy drive's opening) has not been successful, you would have to open the computer in order to inspect (and possibly remove, disassemble, and repair/lubricate) the drive. Details about floppy drive repair and maintenance procedures can be found through a web search.

Even if it were possible to use the internal hard drive as intended when the floppy drive has been disconnected, it is wise to have an alternative startup method in case something happens to the system folder. Therefore, do try to repair the floppy drive as soon as possible, and do create a startup floppy (such as the Network Access disk mentioned earlier).

Jan