180c startup problem

[retroAtlantic]

Hello. I just got a PowerBook 180c in good cosmetic condition. When I turn it on the following message appears on the screen "This startup disk will not work on this Macintosh model. Use the latest installer to update the disk for this model. (System 7.1 does not work on this model ; you need a newer version that does.)" Can someone tell me what is to be done? Actually, I would like to run System 7.1 . I have a few old floppies with the system installed but I keep getting the same message.

 

[avadondragon]

You will need System Enabler 131 to use system 7.1 on the PB180c. Sounds like it must be missing. Can be found here

 

[retroAtlantic]

You will need System Enabler 131 to use system 7.1 on the PB180c. Sounds like it must be missing. Can be found here

One of the floppies I have has System enabler. Do I need to press any keyboard shortcuts so that the computer reads it before the message appears? The floppies are from the 90s so I hope they still work.

 

[mdeverhart]

It should boot from the floppy as the highest priority if the disk is in the drive at startup. Assuming it boots successfully from the floppy, you should be able to just copy the Enabler from the floppy to the hard drive. It’ll be in the System Folder on the floppy.

 

[retroAtlantic]

It should boot from the floppy as the highest priority if the disk is in the drive at startup. Assuming it boots successfully from the floppy, you should be able to just copy the Enabler from the floppy to the hard drive. It’ll be in the System Folder on the floppy.

It worked after trying a couple of times. The computer started normally but after a couple of minutes a flashing black rectangle appeared on the screen. Could that be a connection problem?

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

You have bad capacitors in the LCD panel that you need to replace. They have leaked a corrosive fluid out of them that will cause short circuits and eventually permanently break the LCD.

Here's a link to a page on my website with capacitor values: https://macdat.net/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/180c.html

 

[retroAtlantic]

You have bad capacitors in the LCD panel that you need to replace. They have leaked a corrosive fluid out of them that will cause short circuits and eventually permanently break the LCD.

Here's a link to a page on my website with capacitor values: https://macdat.net/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/180c.html

Are these capacitors easy to find these days? Since I have never done this type replacement job I will need to watch some videos.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Yes, you can buy them from mouser electronics or digikey or similar.

 

[imactheknife]

Are these capacitors easy to find these days? Since I have never done this type replacement job I will need to watch some videos.

Well, take you time taking it apart. Brittle plastics on those. Once you get it apart and can see the capacitors you will have to decide on a method of removal. Everyone has different techniques here on how to do that without wrecking pads, or traces. Once removed you will most likely want to take sone isopropyl 99% and some q tips and clean area around all the old caps really well. Then once done, prep pads for new caps. The cap kit can be bought from console 5.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Taking the screen apart on one of these is really easy. Be careful with the screw standoffs for the two screws you have to be removed (remove them slowly) and then use a plastic clip to go around the bezel and detach the clips.

 

[retroAtlantic]

Thank you for your answers. So far I have found some introductory videos on how to take the machine apart. I'll look first in the local electronic shop for those capacitors.

 

[MrPogue]

Hi to you all. Does anyone has system enabler 131 ready to use? because everywhere i go it is in extensions .bin .sit .sea and i can't find a way to have the real file ready to use.
Thank you

 

[mdeverhart]

@MrPogue The problem is that System Enablers contain both Resource and Data forks (kind of a two-part file), and the Resource forks get lost if you don’t package them into a format safe for transmission across the Internet / across other systems (only Macs are natively aware of Resource forks). That’s why classic Mac SW is always in some “wrapped” format on the Internet (SIT, HQX, BIN, etc).

What systems other than your PowerBook do you have access to? I’m sure someone here can help you with the file once we know what resources you have.