JA101
Level 1 (4 points)
Old Hardware

Q: Macintosh LC not starting, monitor blank

Im new to old computers and such.

 

 

Anyways, Im looking at a Macintosh LC 575 on Ebay, and the monitor does not show anything. The seller says it makes the normal startup sound, and either no noise after that, or something quiet. Does anyone have any idea if this is a dead PRAM battery? I know I can't get full details since I dont have this computer, I just want to get opinions on if it might be a battery issue or whatever.

 

Thank you!

Posted on Jun 6, 2016 2:04 PM

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JA101

Q: Macintosh LC not starting, monitor blank

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  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jun 6, 2016 3:02 PM in response to JA101
    Level 6 (9,864 points)
    Jun 6, 2016 3:02 PM in response to JA101

    The LC 575 does not belong to the computers specifically mentioned by Apple in connection with video loss related to a low battery voltage. However, since the logic board in an LC 575 is not too different from the boards in some models mentioned, a no video condition because of a bad battery appears to be entirely possible. On the other hand, there could be several other thinkable causes, including but not limited to faulty electronic components and cracked solder joints.

  • by JA101,

    JA101 JA101 Jun 6, 2016 3:41 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Old Hardware
    Jun 6, 2016 3:41 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    I was reading that too, and was thinking about why wouldn't it be possible to have that battery issue also, its so similar to the others? Apple also (I think) lists it as a Performa 575.

     

     

    By the way, theres another one I was looking at (Just in case the other sells before I buy it) with a pink/purple screen on startup. Im assuming this is definitely an electric fault on the motherboard, correct?

     

     

    Anyways, thanks!

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jun 6, 2016 4:01 PM in response to JA101
    Level 6 (9,864 points)
    Jun 6, 2016 4:01 PM in response to JA101

    If the fault is in the monitor section, there is not much one can or should do. All work in this area is very dangerous (high-voltage circuits). Dangerous charges can remain in various components even after the computer has been switched off and disconnected from the mains. Repairs (if any at all) must be performed by professionals only.

     

    Have you not considered a desktop model without a built-in monitor?

  • by JA101,

    JA101 JA101 Jun 6, 2016 4:03 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Old Hardware
    Jun 6, 2016 4:03 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    I have, such as the one I mentioned with the pink screen, which I believe is just an LC II.

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jun 7, 2016 5:14 AM in response to JA101
    Level 7 (34,985 points)
    iPad
    Jun 7, 2016 5:14 AM in response to JA101

    To add to what Jan hass offered, I have experienced two old Macs not on the "The List" that failed to produce video in the presence of a dead PRAM battery.

     

    I found that if I stated the computer from a system CD (Installer CD or a bootable utility CD like the old TechTools disks) the computer would cold boot to a usable desktop and then warm boot normally from the hard drive. That sequence might be a useful diagnostic.

  • by Wdavery,

    Wdavery Wdavery Jun 17, 2016 9:05 AM in response to JA101
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 17, 2016 9:05 AM in response to JA101

    Is the pink screen just a hue overlay, or is it a solid pink screen? If it's a hue, that can come from a bad display connection, some of the old ports get a little loose. I had a pink screen on my LC and just wiggling the cable in the port a bit fixed the problem.

  • by JA101,

    JA101 JA101 Jun 17, 2016 10:08 AM in response to Wdavery
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Old Hardware
    Jun 17, 2016 10:08 AM in response to Wdavery

    It is solid pink.