PowerPC G4 (AGP) 450mhz - Date and Time Messing Up

[Vulcanis]

Hey All

I recently acquired a Power Mac G4 (Sawtooth/AGP Graphics) 450 MHZ machine. 256 mg of SDRAM

It is currently running Mac OS X 10.4.3 (8F46) (Tiger) and everything is updated.

This is my problem, every time I turn the computer off and turn it back on again, the time and date resets to Wednesday, December 31, 1969 at random times. Now, I'm only really familiar with PC machines and I know errors like these usually have to do with the CMOS battery, is the same true for Macs or am I looking at a completely different problem/solution?

Any help on this problem would be great. If you need any more information on my system just ask.

 

[crazysaxchris]

I think it needs a new battery,

 

[iPhil]

Hey All

I recently acquired a Power Mac G4 (Sawtooth/AGP Graphics) 450 MHZ machine. 256 mg of SDRAM

It is currently running Mac OS X 10.4.3 (8F46) (Tiger) and everything is updated.

This is my problem, every time I turn the computer off and turn it back on again, the time and date resets to Wednesday, December 31, 1969 at random times. Now, I'm only really familiar with PC machines and I know errors like these usually have to do with the CMOS battery, is the same true for Macs or am I looking at a completely different problem/solution?

Any help on this problem would be great. If you need any more information on my system just ask.

You got a dyeing Pram Battery which can be found a replacement here:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/BAA36VPRAM/

 

[mklos]

Reset the PRAM. To do that, restart the PowerMac, and then immediately hold down Apple Option P R...Let it chime 3 times and then release it. If this doesn't work, then you'll need to buy a new PRAM Battery. They're really easy to install on a PowerMac G4. Just droop the side down, then find the battery (its in different places depending on the PowerMac G4 model) and pop out the old and put in the new. Just DO NOT put it in backwards!!!!

 

[Vulcanis]

wow, dang, thanks for the quick response guys!

I'll have to reset the PRAM first and if that doesnt work get a battery as iphil recommended. Thanks!

 

[mklos]

wow, dang, thanks for the quick response guys!

I'll have to reset the PRAM first and if that doesnt work get a battery as iphil recommended. Thanks!

No problem! Resetting the PRAM probably won't fix the problem, but its worth trying anyways and won't hurt anything. If you need help installing the PRAM battery, then please post back!

 

[Vulcanis]

Well, resetting the PRAM didnt work out, so I'll have to order a new one when I get the chance.

I've been building PCs for quite a while now, shouldn't have a problem with a wee measly PRAM battery on my cute little macintosh.

 

[mklos]

Ok, then the link that iPhil is the correct battery for it and is the cheapest place you'll find around.

 

[CanadaRAM]

When you replace the battery, it's best to let it sit a while with no battery in before slapping in the new one -- you want to give the circuit a chance to discharge fully, or else you risk badly corrupting the PRAM settings.

If you are in a hurry, you can bridge across the empty battery socket's terminals with a paperclip for 5 minutes **Make sure the machine is unplugged!**

 

[crazysaxchris]

?

 

[Eidorian]

When you replace the battery, it's best to let it sit a while with no battery in before slapping in the new one -- you want to give the circuit a chance to discharge fully, or else you risk badly corrupting the PRAM settings.

That advice would have been nice a few months ago. Luckily, everything turned out just fine.

 

[mklos]

When you replace the battery, it's best to let it sit a while with no battery in before slapping in the new one -- you want to give the circuit a chance to discharge fully, or else you risk badly corrupting the PRAM settings.

If you are in a hurry, you can bridge across the empty battery socket's terminals with a paperclip for 5 minutes **Make sure the machine is unplugged!**

You should be able to keep the PowerMac unplugged and then press the power button a few times. That should clear all of the power from the logicboard.

 

[CanadaRAM]

That advice would have been nice a few months ago. Luckily, everything turned out just fine.

Let me get my Time Machine (TM) out of the closet.

Hmmm. Perhaps while I'm back there I can undo that unfortunate gaffe with the lovely (and after the u.g., forever unattainable) Terri in the 12th grade?

Naw.

Didn't think so.

 

[Eidorian]

Let me get my Time Machine (TM) out of the closet.

Hmmm. Perhaps while I'm back there I can undo that unfortunate gaffe with the lovely (and after the u.g., forever unattainable) Terri in the 12th grade?

Naw.

Didn't think so.

Hey, sometimes we get lucky.