--- David Deckert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > ... the PRAM battery is rechargeable ... > > It is? What you describe sounds more like what > > But that's possible--the RAM test sometimes checks, > sometimes fails? > > -David >
Yes, it is possible to recharge the PRAM. Remember that the PRAM is, in essence, a rechargeable battery. Everytime you turn on your Powerbook to work, the system is recharging the PRAM. A PRAM battery doesn't need to hold a great deal of charge, and can hold it for a rather long time (especially since it keeps recharging everytime you turn on the machine), but if you put your Powerbook in a corner for months on end without plugging it in, the PRAM will eventually drain, and the clock settings and whatnot will be lost. If you catch the battery in time, it is possible to plug the machine into AC power and let it run for 2-3 days. Usually, if the PRAM is salvageable, that will get it working again. However, unless you then continue to religiously use the machine everyday again, the PRAM will likley quickly discharge again and eventually get to a state where it needs to be replaced. If you force a charge on it, but then let it sit for a couple weeks again, you'll find your efforts have been in vain as the PRAM will be fully discharged again and you'll need to repeat the process. To agree with you though, a PRAM battery generally won't reach this state till after it has exceeeded it's lifetime, however. And, given that, the damage that can result by not changing it and letting it corrode onto sensitive electronic components and the trivial cost involved with changing it, I personally don't bother messing with mine. They just get changed and I put the whole issue behind me. And on the second front, bad ram could casue intermittent problems as you described, but loose ram could as well. Given the nature of the beast my vote would be loose ram, rather than bad or improper, although Remy was quite correct. As I'm sure you do, I wish you good luck and hope for a poorly seated chip. Cheers, Sionnach __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
