IDE/ATA Hard drives
I was wondering and I've been wondering about this for some time now, and as time goes on I get a little more restless about the subject... How long do you guys think PPC Mac users with IDE/ATA hard drives have as far as being totally obsolete and finding SATA PCI cards will be nigh impossible. I probably worry too much, but I was just wondering what other people think. All my Macs use ATA drives and none of them have SATA PCI cards for expanding. The ATA PCI cards are now almost impossible to find from retailers at reasonable prices, and at the price you can find them you might as well go SATA instead for larger and faster drive options. The only step ahead I've taken is a SATA external drive for my wife's incremental backup and clone. BTW, which of the chipsets are better, the 911 or the 934, and why? Thanks! M r --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
We disconnected the ethernet and started up the computer, then shut it down, plugged the ethernet back in and it's fine. We have a new problem though. We need to run the software update but the previous owner (her uncle) has a password on it and we don't know it, can't get it because he has passed away. Is there a way to bypass it? Or do we have to reinstall the OS? She was going to go and buy Leopard but I told her not to before she adds memory. Has anyone here added memory to a Mini? I've heard it's tricky because it's easy to screw it up. She's only got 256mb on it so I don't think she can run Leopard at this point. The next priority is to get past the password issue. On Oct 21, 8:58 am, Bruce Johnson john...@pharmacy.arizona.edu wrote: On Oct 21, 2009, at 8:33 AM, cheryl wrote: know not to tell them not to install it or to not install it herself. How do we do a safe boot? I've never heard of it. I'm going to go over there and fiddle around with it myself and see if I can figure out the problem. Boot holding down the 'shift' key. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: IDE/ATA Hard drives
Howdy, I think it is a valid concern. I bought 4 sata to ide adapters recently for this reason. They let uou plug in sata drives to IDE adapters, as long as there is physically room. They are cheap and available at the moment. In a few years, they may be hard to find. Maybe not, but I think it is cheap insurance. Kind of like buying a few extra 1 GB and 2 GB SD cards while you can get them cheap. Some devices can't handle big cards and small ones will be hard to find in a year or two. My point is that this kind of technology migration occurs all the time and you should prepare yourself a little. On the other hand, eBay may be a source of parts for a while. Good luck, Ralph On Wed, 2009-10-21 at 23:14 -0700, Michael G.M. wrote: I was wondering and I've been wondering about this for some time now, and as time goes on I get a little more restless about the subject... How long do you guys think PPC Mac users with IDE/ATA hard drives have as far as being totally obsolete and finding SATA PCI cards will be nigh impossible. I probably worry too much, but I was just --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
cheryl wrote: We disconnected the ethernet and started up the computer, then shut it down, plugged the ethernet back in and it's fine. We have a new problem though. We need to run the software update but the previous owner (her uncle) has a password on it and we don't know it, can't get it because he has passed away. Is there a way to bypass it? Or do we have to reinstall the OS? Boot from an OS X 3/4/5/6 install disk when you get to the page w/ all the languages go to utilities in the Apple menu. There is a password reset selection. She was going to go and buy Leopard but I told her not to before she adds memory. Has anyone here added memory to a Mini? I've heard it's tricky because it's easy to screw it up. Go to other world computing (OWC) (www,macsales.com) or Apple and look up mini memory upgrades. Remember OWC is your friend when installing hardware! --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
On Oct 21, 2009, at 11:16 PM, cheryl wrote: We need to run the software update but the previous owner (her uncle) has a password on it and we don't know it, can't get it because he has passed away. Is there a way to bypass it? Or do we have to reinstall the OS? Boot from the OS disk. IN the Installer menu is an option to change the password. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
On Oct 22, 2009, at 8:35 AM, Charles Lenington wrote: Go to other world computing (OWC) (www,macsales.com) or Apple and look up mini memory upgrades. Remember OWC is your friend when installing hardware! Ifixit has lavishly illustrated guides to upgrading and repairing your mini. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/Mac_mini The key tool to installing RAM in a Mini is a thin, flexible putty knife. And patience. Ok the Two tools needed are a putty knife, patience and decent hand- eye coordination... Our THREE cardinal rules are (Sorry, IFC is running a six-part documentary of Monty Python this week; my brain is infected with all the bits...) -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Classic on an MDD (FW800) running 10.4.11
On Oct 21, 5:33 am, lrbarrios lrbarr...@datastarusa.com wrote: On Oct 20, 4:59 am, Bill Connelly billycarm...@verizon.net wrote: On Oct 20, 2009, at 1:47 AM, lrbarrios wrote: Dragged (copied) the 'System Folder' (which is the OS 9 System Folder) and the 'Applications (OS 9)' folders over to the root of my G4. 'Blessed' the System Folder (Google that). ... Congrats. I probably would have tried to copy using CCC, which may have guaranteed any invisible files ... but if things worked, don't fix it. Doesn't CCC copy into folders as well as into partitions? I've only done the partition to partition copying, but did so over a network as well. So, in summation... As this was a second-hand purchase of the MDD, I didn't get the original discs. I did get the manual and the retail box of Tiger. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but apparently there was an OS X CD/DVD that came with this MDD (FW800) that would let you install OS 9? Just curious. I don't think that the FW800 had specific OS9 (I am not sure if it was supplied with OS9 at all), as it is only required on the FW400 MDD so you can boot OS9, on the FW800 you can only use OS9 as Classic, so the machine specific ROM file and drivers would not be needed. Also there is no point in installing OS9 drivers on the HDD as they are only used to -BOOT- OS9, and serve no purpose for Classic. The NetBoot image another poster suggested is probably the best route to go down as it can install from OSX and has all you need for running Classic. Ben. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
If I recall correctly, you are working with the PPC/G4 flavor of the Mac Mini, correct? Whether or not you buy from OWC their site usually does have reasonably good videos of the steps you'd have to go through to upgrade things like memory or hard drive. I suggest you take a look at the process before you buy anything so you can see if you would feel comfortable doing it. http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/mac_mini_g4_mem_hd_opt_h/ The hardest step appears to be opening the case since Apple never intended for a customer to do this with any of the systems in their Mac Mini line If you do not routinely fiddle with computers you may not have all the tools (thin enough putty knife and small enough screw drivers ... watch the video) to do it. Once you figure out what you need, a local Home Depot (or equivalent) is one possible place you can pick that stuff up. Below is a link to the OWC Mac Mini upgrade page. It looks like the PPC mini uses DDR RAM and they sell it for ~$39 (shipped USPS). You might get it cheaper elsewhere but probably not all that much cheaper. If you prefer paying a bit more just to simplify your life then OWC is probably the best way to go for you ... especially in this case. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini FWIW, -irrational john --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Mac Mini stuck after it was working
I just finished watching the OWC video I pointed towards in my last link. It looks like if all you want to do is replace the RAM then you can skip almost everything in that video. I'm just guessing, but it looks like all you'd need to do is get the cover off to swap the DDR DIMM. The video goes through the entire process of disassembling the chassis and removing the fan and the optical and hard drives. But I got the impression you may not need to do any of that to simply change the RAM module. A suggestion. Once you've swapped in the new DDR DIMM, CAREFULLY connect the system and power it up before you replace the cover. Sometimes RAM doesn't get seated correctly in the slot. You're rather find out you've got to reseat the RAM BEFORE you put the cover on than after. Just my personal opinion ... FWIW, -irrational john --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
On Oct 20, 2009, at 3:30 PM, Stewie de Young wrote: The best way is to eliminate all unknowns by removing all your plugged in gear - PCI cards , peripherals etc and start from a very basic machine. Then I would download and run Memtest . Problems if any with Ram modules will appear so remove the offending sticks. Run the test again until all your Ram passes. Slowly introduce your PCI cards and peripherals back into the computer and use it for a while to see if the problem persists. Sometimes it is just a long process of elimination. Stewie Now.. after I thought I'd fixed the problem last night by disconnecting my firewire device, this morning... the same blue screen... now sometimes stupid I am, realized and thought of this question.. if the computer boots fine from the C drive every time... is it know a software problem? hmm.. back to the drawing board. Jeff --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
On Oct 22, 2009, at 11:50 AM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: Now.. after I thought I'd fixed the problem last night by disconnecting my firewire device, this morning... the same blue screen... now sometimes stupid I am, realized and thought of this question.. if the computer boots fine from the C drive every time... Uhh C drive? is it know a software problem? hmm.. back to the drawing board. Jeff Kernel panics can be caused by: Bad memory Hardware faults Software faults. OR combinations of all of the above :-/ First boot in safe mode. if it KP's then you can eliminate third-party drivers as a cause. If not, proceed to the next step. If you're still getting kernel panics after removing the fw devices, start by removing ALL additional devices. If the KP's stop, then add things back one at a time until they start re-appearing. The last thing added is the cause. Check to see that there isn't an updated driver or something. If the KP's continue even after stripping it down to bare stock AND in safe mode, run Applejack+Memtest to check the memory. If the memory passes, (and the system doesn't barf during the Applejack and memtest process) try an ArchiveInstall of the system software to elimiinate a corrupted system. (if it barfs during Applejack; during wish you will not get a Kernel panic but a message about a segfault or segmentation fault, try the AI as well) If it *STILL* KP's after that, you have a hardware fault. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
On Oct 22, 2009, at 12:51 PM, Bruce Johnson wrote: Uhh C drive? I mean, starting it up via the super-drive and Tiger/Leopard install disk. (holding down the C key) sorry. J --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
On Oct 22, 2009, at 12:51 PM, Bruce Johnson wrote: If it *STILL* KP's after that, you have a hardware fault. I wonder when Apple will make a computer that just tells me what's the matter with it? Or just hollers at me, Hey, buddy! that firewire device you just plugged in ain't gonna work! --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
- Original Message From: Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com If it *STILL* KP's after that, you have a hardware fault. I wonder when Apple will make a computer that just tells me what's the matter with it? Or just hollers at me, Hey, buddy! that firewire device you just plugged in ain't gonna work! I'll buy one :) --glen --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
Re: Kernel panic? why?
On Oct 22, 2009, at 2:47 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: On Oct 22, 2009, at 12:51 PM, Bruce Johnson wrote: If it *STILL* KP's after that, you have a hardware fault. I wonder when Apple will make a computer that just tells me what's the matter with it? Seriously, it's because of the nature of a Kernel Panic, which happens when some process accesses memory it's not been allocated. The Unix kernel is a pretty simple thing; at it's heart it's a traffic cop and supply clerk: it tells processes when thye can use the CPU and what memory they can use. When some process steps out of line and writes to memory that doesn't exist, or is not it's own, the kernel essentially pulls the big red switch and kills everything, because letting the errant process continue can produce more data corruption than just immediately shutting down. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_panic The OS doesn't KNOW why it crashed, only that the panic condition had occurred. We won't get the kind of information you want until thiotimoline based interface circuitry is developed. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
