Incorrect time on Mac Mini G4

[jamie marchant]

Hi: 

 The other day, my Mac Mini G4 gave a warning telling me the time was set wrong, I fixed it but it's giving me that error again. I suspect the battery is dead. Does it need to be removed? I could just set the time every time I power it on, but I am afraid of it leaking? 

-Jamie 

 

[Elfen]

The G4 Mac Mini uses a simple button/coin type battery as used on PCs. I forget the size but it is in a socket. Push on one end of the socket and the battery pops out. Put a new battery in by pushing into the socket.  Should be no more than $4 to replace it and about 15 minutes to replace it.

While you are in there, you might as well upgrade the RAM and HD if you can.

ALSO - be careful with the antennas wires. There are many You Tube Videos, I recommend this one:

NOTE: At 3:20 on the video, you can see the battery in a socket by the first on the right next to the plastic case hook. Even though the battery is a coin/button type, the battery holder is a vertical type. Go figure!

 

[jamie marchant]

I'm kind of afraid if I open the case I might break it so I don't need to, I don't want too.  If I need to, I think I know someone who can help. 

 

[CC_333]

@Elfen The battery is a CR-2032, which, as you said, is the same one used in most PCs made within at least the last 20 years or so, and as such is extremely common.

c

 

[jamie marchant]

Yes, I am just waiting for my Sister to come over who has some tools that will make it easier. Then we have to find a spare which I am sure I have lying around somewhere. 

 

[Elfen]

Hope I'm not too late on this, but you can use a painter's spatula to shoe between the case and the base and lift the case up bit by bit as you work the blade around. It is not that hard! It is one of the easiest systems I got into once I figured out how.

Review the video I posted above to see how it is done.

 

[Cory5412]

TO add: don't put a random spare that you aren't for sure is new into the machine, if only because you don't want to open it back up for another 15 years if you can avoid it. New CR2032s are extremely inexpensive in basically any corner store that sells batteries. You can buy them in multi-packs, but I'd only bother with that if you have something that needs fresh ones on a somewhat regular basis. (I have a fitness tracker that does, for example.)

 

[jamie marchant]

The "spare" would be unopened and probably has an expiry date on it. I bought some in packs of two cause it was cheaper. 

 

[Zippy Zapp]

Once you do it once it is not that hard at all.  It sounds like you may be breaking something but you aren't.  As stated above a nice putty knife is decent to help too.  A screwdriver works but it can leave nicks on the aluminum housing, as you can see in the video.

CR2032s are cheap at dollar stores and Diaso Japan stores. Usually a pack of 2 for $1.  

And if you want to upgrade the HD while you are in there a cheap SD to IDE 44 pin adapter works wonders. You can easily find 128GB 80MB/sec SD cards for $20 on sale.  They make for a speedy HD replacement.  

 

[jimjimx]

And if you want to upgrade the HD while you are in there a cheap SD to IDE 44 pin adapter works wonders. You can easily find 128GB 80MB/sec SD cards for $20 on sale.  They make for a speedy HD replacement.  

Or, use the entire ATA 100 speed by using a mSATA to 44 pin adapter, like I did..

 

[jamie marchant]

I just got around to changing the battery and the Mac still does not remember the time and has shut down randomly at the login screen a few times. 

 

[jimjimx]

I just got around to changing the battery and the Mac still does not remember the time and has shut down randomly at the login screen a few times. 

The only thing I can think of, is take it apart and re-seat all the connections, and inspect everything along the way. And maybe check the thermal grease. 

Also, concerning the shut down, could it be a software issue? Have you tried to boot off A different startup disk on FireWire or a CD?  I know PPC doesn’t let USB boot.....

 

[jamie marchant]

I could try a Linux Live CD, maybe it is a software issue. 

 

[jimjimx]

I could try a Linux Live CD, maybe it is a software issue. 

Download the “Live CD Image”  from here:

https://www.morphos-team.net/downloads

Drag and drop onto “Disk Utility “

Click on “Burn ISO”

Put in Mac mini G4

Hold opt / alt  key when booting

select MorphOS, pres return.

The biggest problem I had was finding a blank CD.....

edit:

You could also try the OS9 Installer from macos9lives.com

https://files.secureserver.net/0foyliu5QOHb1z

password: Macos9lives

info here: http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php/topic,4366.0.html

lemmie know how it works out.

I also thought that you might want to check the solder joints and contacts on the battery holder.

Before I changed the battery in my mini G4, it would act erratically..

 

[jamie marchant]

I have my own disks, even a diagnostic disk, just had not had time to try and fix the machine recently.