PowerBook 170 Problem

[Scott Baret]

I just got a 170 today and it's got a problem.

When I start it up, it displays a pattern of gibberish lines and makes the chimes of death after the startup sound.

 

[tomlee59]

That could be caused by quite a few things. Try removing the ram module and see if things improve. Of course, there's still the onboard ram to consider, but at least this is an easy thing to try.

 

[Scott Baret]

One problem--my battery door seems stuck. Any suggestions on how to get it removed?

 

[tomlee59]

Assuming that it wasn't glued in, try a combination of gentle flexing (to break up whatever is causing the binding) and sliding of the door. If that doesn't do it, then you'll have to pry it loose. To avoid marring the case, you might have to improvise something out of plastic. Or, just be careful and use a small knife/screwdriver.

 

[equill]

I met the same problem in a bought 180c, which in due course I was able to estimate had been left for more than ten years with the battery in it, but not on charge.

Tomlee59 saith sooth. There is no remedy (because the case halves will not come apart while the battery is inserted) but to 'winkle' the battery to-and-fro and inward to break up what you should pray is not massive, battery-induced corrosion of the inner metal RF shields, battery terminals on the logic board, pins of ICs on the logic board and daughter card, and ... need I depress you further?

If the boards have suffered, you may be able to clean them carefully with water containing a very little vinegar (acetic acid), but the battery contact posts may be beyond salvation. We shall all close our eyes and wish very hard for you.

de

 

[bigD]

When trying to pry open anything on a Powerbook, wider is better when it comes to what you use. The plastic is pretty soft and as others said it's easy to mar the case. So by going wider you're spreading the force across a larger distance - just something to think about.

 

[conceitedjerk]

You may also try a soft-face hammer or "deadblow" hammer. (And before anyone asks, yes, I'm serious.)

I used one on my old PB160 when I first got it (after trying the flexing and prying tricks previously mentioned) and found, a tap at the appropriate angle, with "just" the right amount of force, will loosen a stuck battery.

Just be careful - blunt objects and computer equipment don't mix.

 

[Scott Baret]

I got around to it today and got it working. It was the RAM module. Finally I have a little machine to play Battle Chess anywhere on.