[comp.sys.mac] very slow hard disk powerup

flowers@lanai.cs.ucla.edu (08/06/88)

I have another problem with another Mac II with Rodime 140.  When it
is turned on, it takes about 15 minutes for the power to the hard disk
to turn on (I can hear it).  Before that point it will boot only off
of a floppy.  Once the hard disk powers up, I can restart and it will
boot off of the hard disk.  My questions:

1)  The store tells me that the capacitor may not be getting enough power
to kick the hard disk on initially.  Is this a plausible cause?  What
else could be going on?  They tell me they may be able to fix it but
that I'll probably have to take it to an authorized Apple Service Center.

2) Would it be unreasonable of me to refuse to accept it, and ask the
store to give me a different MacII with hard disk?  They are the ones
who configured the machine and installed the Rodime 140 into it, and
this machine has never worked.  When I first got it from the store,
the hard disk just didn't appear.  I took it back and have just gotten
it back now from them.  The first time after their repair that I
booted it the hard disk came up fine, but after that it has displayed
this delayed hard disk powerup problem.  I have not yet been able to
use this machine and it has been a month since it was first delivered.
[Normally this store gives great service and I've bought several
machines from them, at this point I've just been dealing with their
repair person and haven't yet consulted with one of the managers on
this problem.]

Thanks for helpful information and opinions,
Margot Flowers 
Flowers@CS.UCLA.EDU 
...!(uunet,rutgers,ucbvax,randvax)!cs.ucla.edu!flowers

Mark_Peter_Cookson@cup.portal.com (08/09/88)

I would take it back to them.  Is the Rodime an internal or external 140?
My external 140 gave me no end of trouble (my posting about it is on the Net)
and I sent it back, I am now waiting for the credit so I can get a Jasmine.
I figure that at least it is an instate call, not like calling florida....

I have it from a good source that Apple does not use Rodime drives because,
well, they got pretty pissed off at Rodime and won't touch there stuff anymore.
For what I don't know, and I might be wrong, so don't quote me here.  If your
dealer will back up my story about Apple not using Rodime drives I would ask
him/her to put in someone else's 140 meg internal (that is if the one in the
II is an internal).  If it is an external I would see if they will take it
back (it's a little late, I would look for warenty work)....  Have fun!

Mark Cookson

pkahn@meridian.ads.com (Phil Kahn) (08/11/88)

Are you sure it's your disk?  If you're running TOPS, that often
delays boot-up time. Sometimes, by a minute or so.

phil...