On Mar 5, 11:54 pm, netBEUI <[email protected]> wrote: > Sorry I meant Performa 6400 > > On Mar 5, 10:00 pm, Mac128 <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > Quadra 6400? Assuming you mean Performa 6400, unless you are running > > System 7, System 8 it won't read a 400K disk, so it sounds like you > > need a properly formatted 400K MFS disk. You can buy one > > athttp://macbootdisk.com > > or take David Colvin up on his offer for a free one, or hit up some > > other members who are equipped to produce a 400K disk. > > > On Mar 5, 5:03 pm, netBEUI <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I'm new to this list so please be gentle. :) I'm a long time Mac user > > > and I recently acquired a 128k Mac. The previous owner said it had > > > been stored for months and worked the last time he used it but I'm not > > > sure about the conditions where it was stored. When I power it on I > > > get the tone and the video display is perfect but I get the flashing > > > question mark disk icon. My first thought was that the disk didn't > > > contain a compatible MacOS system or was unreadable but when I insert > > > the disk into my Quadra 6400 it successfully mounts and shows the > > > contents as system 1. > > > > I'm thinking this is a hardware issue but before I take the machine > > > apart and remove the drive I wanted to get your thoughts. Is it > > > possible that this is a software issue? Is there any further > > > troubleshooting that I should consider? > > > > I vaguely remember on one of the early boot attempts that I received > > > the flashing disk icon but it had an x in it instead of a question > > > mark. I can't remember what the flashing x signifies so if anyone > > > knows and if it helps to solve the problem please let me know. > > > > Thanks!- Hide quoted text - > > > - Show quoted text -
In addition to the advice you've already been given, I would certainly pull out the floppy drive and clean the crease out with a q-tip and alcohol and exercise the mechanism by inserting a disc and manually ejecting it to see any trouble spots. That old grease has turned into a thick substance that is hindering your drive operation. In about 15 minutes you can have it operating just like new again, it's an easy job well worth the time that I've done many times on many drives. If you choose not to clean it and do get it to boot now, the chances are good it will become a problem later. The good news is these drives aren't quite as delicate as some would believe and a simple, thorough cleaning will have you up and running like new again. While you're in there, wouldn't hurt to gently clean the drive head with another clean q-tip with some windex on it. I know some authors would cringe at that procedure but like I said, I've done many drives this way and have scored at least 10 resurrections FROM the grave and 0 TO the grave so the choice is yours ;) PS: I don't recommend re-greasing the mechanism unless absolutely necessary. Even after cleaning it with alcohol there is usually enough residual grease between the friction spots that nothing else is usually necessary, and new grease if not done properly can migrate to areas which could cause a real problem. -- ----- You received this message because you are a member of the Vintage Macs group. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/vintagemacs.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To leave this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/vintage-macs Support for older Macs: http://lowendmac.com/services/
