From the TechTool Lite 3.0.4 help:
Pronounced "pea-ram," the parameter RAM is a non-volatile RAM chip
residing on your Macintosh motherboard. This device holds special
parameters independent of the System or hard drive. Some of these
settings include mouse speed and designated startup device. This
information is stored in the standard area of PRAM (the high 128
bytes). Below the upper 128 bytes is an area of PRAM that contains
more critical settings like boot services, manufacture date and hours
of use (mandate information), and other reserved areas used by the
System Software.
The traditional method of zapping the PRAM - holding the command,
option, P and R keys - only clears the upper bytes of RAM where
problems may not reside. Historically, the only way to correct lower
PRAM problems was to open up the computer and momentarily remove the
PRAM battery. This would clear all of the PRAM memory allowing the Mac
ROM to replace the data with default settings.
TechTool Lite will clear ALL of PRAM without the need to disassemble
the computer. The program also offers the ability to save the PRAM
data before it is cleared and the ability to restore this information
should the need arise. TechTool Lite also allows you to test the
physical memory that comprises the PRAM.
TechTool Lite also has a "restore mandate" function:
This button allows you to restore the Mandate information (manufacture
date & hours of use) to the PRAM chip without the need to restore the
entire original contents of the PRAM chip. Pressing this button will
prompt you for a previously saved PRAM file from which to restore the
mandate information. This button will be grayed out if your computer
does not maintain Mandate information (newer Macintosh models do not).
On 29.12.2004, at 14:14, Mel wrote:
Among the various things that I have discovered that
exists in those mysterious unaccesible bytes are the
numbers of hours minutes and I believe seconds that
the mac has been switched on, at least for the older
macs. It is my understanding that Tech Tools Lite not
only can fix a corrupted PRAM but can also store a
snapshot of a working pram and allow yuo to restore
selectively thus preserving the time on records.
I am new at this and in time when (if) I discover what
is in the PRAM, I shall publish that information.
Maybe APPLE can furnish that information by simply
asking.
Mel
--- martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hope you get the results you want, Mel!
I'm curious; what information might be stored in
those additional 192 bytes?
Or, why do you want to access/wipe the entire PRAM
allocation?
Just wondering what undocumented goodies might lurk
there ... : )
m
(happily running System 6.0.8 on a venerable SE/30)
TechTool Lite 3.0.4 can allegedly do that.
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/5995
On 24.12.2004, at 19:51, Mel wrote:
I need a version of TechTool that will allo9w me
to be
able to access all of PRAM's 256 bytes, not just
the
64 bytes that can be reset using the four keys on
start up: command-option-P-R, but need to access
and
reset the additional 192 bytes that cannot be
accessed
upon start up.
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