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TICKET ARCHIVE -> iMac G3 Purple 333Mhz Upgrade Problem
fmdeutsch - Dec 20, 2005 - 2:26 am
Attempting to upgrade my son's iMac G3 333MHz Purple OS 8.6 to OS 9. (My technical level is relatively basic)
We installed firmware update 1.1 and now the screen is at a command prompt level displaying " bootr, unknown word,
Failed to boot, Apple iMac Open Firmware 3.0. f2
ok
0 > "
Tried restart, reset, shutdown pull power plug and restart, start holding c key down. It appears that I might be able to do something from the prompt, if I knew what program code its looking for.
Have licensed OS 9.1 to upgrade, but do not have the original OS 8 CD's.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks for your time.
We installed firmware update 1.1 and now the screen is at a command prompt level displaying " bootr, unknown word,
Failed to boot, Apple iMac Open Firmware 3.0. f2
ok
0 > "
Tried restart, reset, shutdown pull power plug and restart, start holding c key down. It appears that I might be able to do something from the prompt, if I knew what program code its looking for.
Have licensed OS 9.1 to upgrade, but do not have the original OS 8 CD's.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks for your time.
LovesMacs - Dec 20, 2005 - 2:53 am
Season's Greetings!
My name is Carolyn and I will try to assist you with the iMac G3.
Try resetting the PRAM first: Here's the instructions:
Reset the PRAM.
Your computer stores information in an area of memory called parameter RAM (PRAM).
Resetting the PRAM replaces the information stored there with the default (original) settings.
Resetting PRAM may affect the settings in some of your control panels, including the
following:
m Date & Time
m Memory (information lost includes RAM disk settings)
m Monitors & Sound
m Keyboard and Mouse (or Trackpad)
m AppleTalk (“Connect via” is set to the Ethernet port)
m Map
Note: You may also have to restore modem settings in any communications software
programs you are using.
Follow these steps to reset the PRAM:
1 Make sure the Caps Lock key is not engaged.
2 Restart your computer and immediately press and hold the Command (x), Option, P, and R
keys.
3 Hold the keys down until you hear the startup sound a second time, then release the keys.
4 If you had special settings in any control panels or applications, open those control panels or
applications to restore the settings you want.
5 If you set preferences for a modem, open the communications software program you are
using and restore any modem settings.
Important Some system preferences are stored in PRAM. Third-party software programs
may also store information in PRAM. When you reset the PRAM, some of these preferences
are lost. Make sure you make a note of the settings before you reset PRAM.
Important Make sure you are using an Apple USB keyboard. This procedure may not work
with some USB keyboards from manufacturers other than Apple.
Do you actually have the 9 system disk? If so, insert the disk in the CD tray. Power up the iMac while holding down the C key at the same time. Hopefully you'll get it to boot from the system folder on that CD. Make sure you’re using the correct disk as a startup disk.
At least one disk drive must have system software on it from which the computer can start
up. Most computers have an internal hard disk that is used as the startup disk. You can also
use the software install CD to start up your computer.
m Make sure the correct disk is selected in the Startup Disk control panel.
Resolve system extension conflicts.
If your computer does not start up properly or behaves erratically, you may have an
extension or control panel that is not compatible with another extension or control panel, or
with an application or system software.
Verify the problem
To verify that you have a compatibility problem:
1 Start up your computer while holding down the Space bar.
This opens the Extensions Manager control panel.
2 Release the Space bar when the Extensions Manager control panel opens.
3 Notice the name of the currently selected set of extensions in the Selected Set pop-up menu
so that you can return to it later if you want.
4 Open the Selected Set pop-up menu and choose the “Mac OS 8.1 base” set.
This makes the computer start up using only the software installed at the factory.
5 Click the Continue button to continue startup.
6 When the computer is ready, try the same actions that caused the problem.
If the problem no longer occurs, you probably have one or more extensions or control
panels that don’t work with Mac OS 8.1. Continue with the steps that follow in “Test
Individual Extensions and Control Panels.”
Test individual extensions and control panels
1 Restart your computer while holding down the Space bar.
2 Release the Space bar when the Extensions Manager control panel opens.
3 Click the Duplicate Set button to create a new set. In the window that appears, type a name
for the set (for example, “Test Set”) and click OK.
4 Turn off all the extensions in the new set by choosing All Off in the Edit menu.
5 Turn on the item you want to test by clicking its checkbox.
6 Click the Continue button to continue startup.
7 Try the same actions that caused the problem.
If the problem occurs again, the item is probably incompatible. Remove the item from the
Extensions folder or turn the item off using the Extensions Manager.
8 Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each item you want to test.
If you find that a piece of software is incompatible, contact the manufacturer of the software
to see if an updated version is available.
Tip: A recently installed extension or control panel might be the problem. If you have a lot
of extensions and control panels, you may want to “work by halves.” Turn on half the
extensions and control panels and test for the problem. If the problem disappears, repeat the
process turning on half of the remaining items. If the problem persists, repeat the process
turning off half of the items that are turned on. Continue to work by halves like this until you
locate the conflicting extensions or control panels.
Have you ever replaced the battery in the iMac? Here's how:
Replace the computer’s backup battery.
If you have intermittent problems starting up your computer and the date is reset, replace
the battery. See the online documentation that came with your computer for instructions on
how to do this.
Replacing the battery may affect the settings in some of your control panels, including the
following:
m Date& Time
m Memory (information lost includes RAM disk settings)
m Monitors & Sound
m Keyboard and Mouse (or Trackpad)
m AppleTalk (“Connect via” is set to the Ethernet port)
m Map
Important Batteries contain chemicals, some of which may be harmful to the environment.
Please dispose of used batteries according to your local environmental guidelines.
Lithium
(Li)
This link will take you to the manual for theiMac G3. Download the PDF file and locate Chapter 4. It has pertinent information regarding the problems that are happening on the drive.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/iMa...gencyHndbk.PDF
I wish you had your original system disk... they can fix a myriad of problems. By chance when you upgraded from 8.6 to 9, did you increase the RAM? I myself have an original Bondiblue iMac still running 8.6 but I upped the memory from 32MB to 512MB and it never gives me a minutes trouble. The more memory the better. I've yet to upgrade it to 9 yet though.
Ok... this is a lot of info to digest at once.... read everything thoroughly and see if anything at all helped. And please post back if you need further assistance!
Regards,
Carolyn :-)
My name is Carolyn and I will try to assist you with the iMac G3.
Try resetting the PRAM first: Here's the instructions:
Reset the PRAM.
Your computer stores information in an area of memory called parameter RAM (PRAM).
Resetting the PRAM replaces the information stored there with the default (original) settings.
Resetting PRAM may affect the settings in some of your control panels, including the
following:
m Date & Time
m Memory (information lost includes RAM disk settings)
m Monitors & Sound
m Keyboard and Mouse (or Trackpad)
m AppleTalk (“Connect via” is set to the Ethernet port)
m Map
Note: You may also have to restore modem settings in any communications software
programs you are using.
Follow these steps to reset the PRAM:
1 Make sure the Caps Lock key is not engaged.
2 Restart your computer and immediately press and hold the Command (x), Option, P, and R
keys.
3 Hold the keys down until you hear the startup sound a second time, then release the keys.
4 If you had special settings in any control panels or applications, open those control panels or
applications to restore the settings you want.
5 If you set preferences for a modem, open the communications software program you are
using and restore any modem settings.
Important Some system preferences are stored in PRAM. Third-party software programs
may also store information in PRAM. When you reset the PRAM, some of these preferences
are lost. Make sure you make a note of the settings before you reset PRAM.
Important Make sure you are using an Apple USB keyboard. This procedure may not work
with some USB keyboards from manufacturers other than Apple.
Do you actually have the 9 system disk? If so, insert the disk in the CD tray. Power up the iMac while holding down the C key at the same time. Hopefully you'll get it to boot from the system folder on that CD. Make sure you’re using the correct disk as a startup disk.
At least one disk drive must have system software on it from which the computer can start
up. Most computers have an internal hard disk that is used as the startup disk. You can also
use the software install CD to start up your computer.
m Make sure the correct disk is selected in the Startup Disk control panel.
Resolve system extension conflicts.
If your computer does not start up properly or behaves erratically, you may have an
extension or control panel that is not compatible with another extension or control panel, or
with an application or system software.
Verify the problem
To verify that you have a compatibility problem:
1 Start up your computer while holding down the Space bar.
This opens the Extensions Manager control panel.
2 Release the Space bar when the Extensions Manager control panel opens.
3 Notice the name of the currently selected set of extensions in the Selected Set pop-up menu
so that you can return to it later if you want.
4 Open the Selected Set pop-up menu and choose the “Mac OS 8.1 base” set.
This makes the computer start up using only the software installed at the factory.
5 Click the Continue button to continue startup.
6 When the computer is ready, try the same actions that caused the problem.
If the problem no longer occurs, you probably have one or more extensions or control
panels that don’t work with Mac OS 8.1. Continue with the steps that follow in “Test
Individual Extensions and Control Panels.”
Test individual extensions and control panels
1 Restart your computer while holding down the Space bar.
2 Release the Space bar when the Extensions Manager control panel opens.
3 Click the Duplicate Set button to create a new set. In the window that appears, type a name
for the set (for example, “Test Set”) and click OK.
4 Turn off all the extensions in the new set by choosing All Off in the Edit menu.
5 Turn on the item you want to test by clicking its checkbox.
6 Click the Continue button to continue startup.
7 Try the same actions that caused the problem.
If the problem occurs again, the item is probably incompatible. Remove the item from the
Extensions folder or turn the item off using the Extensions Manager.
8 Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each item you want to test.
If you find that a piece of software is incompatible, contact the manufacturer of the software
to see if an updated version is available.
Tip: A recently installed extension or control panel might be the problem. If you have a lot
of extensions and control panels, you may want to “work by halves.” Turn on half the
extensions and control panels and test for the problem. If the problem disappears, repeat the
process turning on half of the remaining items. If the problem persists, repeat the process
turning off half of the items that are turned on. Continue to work by halves like this until you
locate the conflicting extensions or control panels.
Have you ever replaced the battery in the iMac? Here's how:
Replace the computer’s backup battery.
If you have intermittent problems starting up your computer and the date is reset, replace
the battery. See the online documentation that came with your computer for instructions on
how to do this.
Replacing the battery may affect the settings in some of your control panels, including the
following:
m Date& Time
m Memory (information lost includes RAM disk settings)
m Monitors & Sound
m Keyboard and Mouse (or Trackpad)
m AppleTalk (“Connect via” is set to the Ethernet port)
m Map
Important Batteries contain chemicals, some of which may be harmful to the environment.
Please dispose of used batteries according to your local environmental guidelines.
Lithium
(Li)
This link will take you to the manual for theiMac G3. Download the PDF file and locate Chapter 4. It has pertinent information regarding the problems that are happening on the drive.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/iMa...gencyHndbk.PDF
I wish you had your original system disk... they can fix a myriad of problems. By chance when you upgraded from 8.6 to 9, did you increase the RAM? I myself have an original Bondiblue iMac still running 8.6 but I upped the memory from 32MB to 512MB and it never gives me a minutes trouble. The more memory the better. I've yet to upgrade it to 9 yet though.
Ok... this is a lot of info to digest at once.... read everything thoroughly and see if anything at all helped. And please post back if you need further assistance!
Regards,
Carolyn :-)
fmdeutsch - Dec 26, 2005 - 12:55 pm
Carolyn, Thanks for the quick and detailed response. I learned more than I needed, which is GREAT! Thanks. The resetting of PRAM, and resetting to default solved the problem. I now have Jaguar installed and would like to take my son's iMac G3 333Mhz, up to Panther or Tiger. I plan to add more RAM, but I also need to give him more than 6 GB of hard drive. PowerMax offers a 60 GB Hard Drive, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to install. Is it simply a matter of plugging in a wire bundle and setting some switches or is it more complicated? His passion is music so I want to give all the capabilities of iTunes. Appreciate your thoughts or a source for info. Happy Holidays!
FM
FM
LovesMacs - Dec 27, 2005 - 11:02 pm
Hello!
I'm glad something I suggested helped! That's always very nice to hear.
When you say PowerMax.. is this a LaCie external drive??? Here is a link to the one I found on Google: http://www.powermax.com/cgi-global/g...p=d-lac-300807
It indicates on their web site that it's "driver" free... that gets my attention... I personally would love to see "drivers" driven off the face of the earth since they can cause so many problems. I have many Mac friends and several have the LaCie 60GB... and have never had a minutes trouble with it. They are easy to set up... whether USB or Firewire... just follow the instructions on the manual that coms with it. This is an EXTERNAL drive so there's nothing really to install. When you get it set up and connect to the iMac.. just make sure the drive icon appears on the Desktop so that you drag files to it for back up! If you have problems with it, PowerMax offers excellent support.
Since your son is a music lover, he might really really enjoy GarageBand. It comes bundled with the iLife 05 software suite. I think it's about $65 or so but it's well worth the investment. He can learn to play a piano, create his own songs, record, ... all kinds of neat things. Make sure you upgrade the RAM though... it's memory hungry!
I'm more then happy to help you! And let me know about the PowerMax... I'm anxious to hear!
Happy New Year!
Carolyn :-)
I'm glad something I suggested helped! That's always very nice to hear.
When you say PowerMax.. is this a LaCie external drive??? Here is a link to the one I found on Google: http://www.powermax.com/cgi-global/g...p=d-lac-300807
It indicates on their web site that it's "driver" free... that gets my attention... I personally would love to see "drivers" driven off the face of the earth since they can cause so many problems. I have many Mac friends and several have the LaCie 60GB... and have never had a minutes trouble with it. They are easy to set up... whether USB or Firewire... just follow the instructions on the manual that coms with it. This is an EXTERNAL drive so there's nothing really to install. When you get it set up and connect to the iMac.. just make sure the drive icon appears on the Desktop so that you drag files to it for back up! If you have problems with it, PowerMax offers excellent support.
Since your son is a music lover, he might really really enjoy GarageBand. It comes bundled with the iLife 05 software suite. I think it's about $65 or so but it's well worth the investment. He can learn to play a piano, create his own songs, record, ... all kinds of neat things. Make sure you upgrade the RAM though... it's memory hungry!
I'm more then happy to help you! And let me know about the PowerMax... I'm anxious to hear!
Happy New Year!
Carolyn :-)
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