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General discussion

Old Mac G3 that does clicking noise and freezes

Feb 22, 2007 2:27AM PST

Clicking Noise During Bootup plus Slow Computer then freezes
I have and old Slot loading G3 that I would like to use for my younger children. I have upgraded to a Mac dual 1.8 GHz Power PC G5 and have retired the G3. I don't have any important files on the G3 would just like to get it going for the kids to use. I am basicly a mac wanna be who has been self taught and need someone who can give me options for rendering the G3 as useable. Could I use another hard drive to get it going or suggestions on possible remedies. Detailed instructions are a must PLEASE! If you need specs I'll dig them up if someone replies.

Discussion is locked

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my guess, given the symptoms,
Feb 22, 2007 6:55AM PST
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This is not a Blue and White
Feb 22, 2007 8:44AM PST

It is a G3 Slot loading iMac.

HD replacement in these if very easy, well within the grasp of someone with an average ability with a screwdriver.

The machine takes a standard IDE hard drive and should be good for up to 120 GB.

OS 10.3.9 is about the highest I would go with it, assuming that you up the memory to at least 256MB.

Once you have decided what you want to do, post back and we'll get you detailed instructions on how to do this.

P

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oh - one of THOSE...
Feb 22, 2007 9:10AM PST

I don't know why my comprehension's so bad - the poster *said* slot loading G3 - Silly

This area will help
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/g3/
There are a bunch of "Update the firmware first" items so be sure to read through and be prepared to follow those.

Here's detail on installing the RAM:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=95144

Hard drive replacement steps are being researched - but it sounds like mrmacfixit will be ready for you when you are ready...

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I concur
Feb 23, 2007 7:21AM PST

Just my two cents worth, it def sounds like a HDD. You're getting excellent advice so far.

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(NT) Hey, you saw that movie too!
Feb 23, 2007 9:12AM PST
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(NT) "Catch Me If You Can"?
Feb 23, 2007 12:19PM PST
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(NT) That's the one!
Feb 23, 2007 10:32PM PST
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Yeah.....One of those.
Feb 27, 2007 11:48AM PST

Thanks for the help. If the Hard Drive will get this mac up and running that would be great. I would appreciate any advice and instructions on exactly what I need to do and get.

It has been out of use for about 3 months now.
Would I need to replace the battery also? I seem to remember the clock not showing the correct time. I had read somewhere that's a sign the battery needs replaced. True or false.

By the way...I looked into the Mac user Groups and am attending my first meeting on Thursday.

Thanks again.

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Battery
Feb 27, 2007 8:58PM PST

True. A dead battery will not provide the power needed to keep the clock running. A few other settings will need to be reset each time you boot the machine.
Available from Radio Shack. Ask for an Apple battery. They will deny it, but they do sell them. If they argue, show them this:
Tadiran 3.6V/850mAh 1/2 "AA" Lithium Battery $14.99 Model: TL-5101 Catalog #: 23-026

HD is a regular IDE drive. A 120Gb should do you. Your user group should be able to help. If not, let us know

P