> Could magnets cause problems like this (or would magnets only be capable > of harming _data_, not the actual computer)? By the way, Techtool and Disk > First aid, which I ran several times, never found any problems to report. > > I would doubt that the magnets caused any problem particularly since you say you reinstalled software. It takes a very serious encounter with magnets to hurt a hard drive or floppy. They say "never put your floppy near speakers!" because speakers have magnets. Yes, speakers do have magnets but a disk needs a very intimate contact with a magnet to harm it, not a "casual pass in the vicinity of". Try this... fill a floppy with programs data etc. Now set the floppy on your fridge magnets. Put then all in a bag and shake 'em up. Now stick your floppy in your computer. I dare say you will see no problems with the data on the floppy.
As far as your random crash/freeze problem, it sounds like it may be an intermittent fault with hardware. The first thing I would look at is all the connectors and such inside the computer. You might remove and reinstall the ram card, or remove it and try without it (maybe use Virtual memory if needed for the testing). Remove and reconnect all other ribbon cables etc. Look for physically cracked or broken circuit boards in the vicinity of plugs and connectors, since there is mechanical stress on things where we plug and unplug and bump plugs and yank cords. Another diagnostic procedure for intermittent hardware failures would be to have a program running (something that has something moving on the display) and with keyboard unscrewed and flipped out of the way (but still connected) try gently flexing various parts of the board inside the computer. Use a non conductive tool such as a stick of wood or plastic, or the eraser end of a pencil as long as you keep the metal collar of the eraser from touching things. If you can get it to freeze, try to reproduce it. Using this method you may be able to pinpoint where there is a problem and perhaps a magnifying glass can help you discover a break in a circuit trace, or more common, a cracked solder joint. There is nothing more joyful than to discover a broken or poor connection, repair it, and have your problem disappear! Maybe having a baby is more joyful, I don't no, but for a guy I think this would be top of the list :-) Greg ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list... Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/ Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
