Firewire...Dead Port Work-Arounds???

I'm lost....
Apparently my firewire port has died. I wish there were some substantive way to actually confirm its demise one way or another; all I know is that three (separate) external hard drives will not mount (and these drives all mount when using USB 2.0). In System Profiler, all it tells me is: "Maximum Speed: Up to 800 Mb/sec".
The only port I've been able to test is the Firewire 400 port.
I have questions about a work-around:
Could it be that just the Firewire 400 port has died but that the Firewire 800 port is still viable? If it is, could I use a Firewire 400-Firewire 800 cable and plug in 400 side to the drive and the 800 side to my G4?
What about using a PCMCIA Firewire card in the provided slot? Can anyone think of a reason why that would not work?
I'm in a real jam because in order to use ProTools, I'm supposed to use a firewire drive (USB is contraindicated by Digidesign) and without the use of a firewire hard drive, I'm skuppered.
If anyone has any ideas on how I can work-around this problem or better still, solve it, please help.
TIA

Hi Geoffrey
I have just the same problem. I've posted the same question about a 400-800 cable and no-one's replied yet. If I ever get the time I'll just go and buy one but the problem isn't so acute for me as I'm just using USB, powering the ext. disk with the FW cable.
From what I've read so far, it's quite likely your motherboard is shot and it really isn't worth the expense to fix it. There are lots of PC slot FW cards available and that would be your cheapest fix. The only snag is that you can't boot from them (I think) so if you ever need to boot from an external disk that will be a problem.
From the number of posts I've read on this subject, it would appear the G4 powerbooks are prone to this breakdown, which is a pain - my old pismo G3 was a much better machine (it still broke though...). In 15 years of Mac computing I've never had a failure on a desktop but powerbooks... I guess they get thrown about too much.
Best of luck, and post back should you bite the bullet and try the 400-800 cable. I just can't seem to get round to doing it!
Andy

Similar Messages

Firewire 400 port wont work

my issue is... my fire wire 400wont read any firewire 400 device, but my 800 port works fine. however, e wheni route my f 400 devices through my 800 drive, or port, the 800 device is ultimately disengaged ( removed) by the system.
i can understand that a 400 port may be wear out but why would the dv cam or other device, routed through an 800, force the 800 device to shut down. in this case i am uising a power book 15 inch, 1.5 gig, with a lacie porsche 250 gig external 400 firewire ( wont read at all) and a lacie 800 firewire 200 gig drive.
seems to me that since the 800 reads fine, that a 400 device routed through it should be okay too.
any helpwould be greatly appreciated.
also the system profiler doesnt recognize a 400port, but does list an 800 port.
thanks eric

FireWire ports can be reset. Shut down the computer, disconnect all peripheral devices, remove the power cord and the battery. Wait twenty minutes, then restart the computer and check the port. If it still doesn't work, reset the Power Management Unit (PMU) according to the instructions for your specific model.
If neither of these steps help in your situation, then you will need to take the machine in for service.
Good luck!

My firewire port works with ext hd but not with audio interface

2010 Imac 21.5 running 10.8.5. My firewire port works with ext hd but not with audio interface. The local authorized Apple tech said that I need a new motherboard, but my firewire ext drive works perfectly. I don't understand. Thanks.

You must go to the website of the audio interface manufacturer and look for, download and install updated drivers for the audio device you are using.
This is not, neccessarily, an Apple issue.

Does Target Disk Mode work between FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 ports?

Can I mount one as an external volume for the other Mac and vice versa? The one with FireWire 400 port runs on OS X 10.5, and FireWire 800 one has OS X 10.6 installed. If it works, I am thinking of buying an 800-400 adapter.

Can I mount one as an external volume for the other Mac and vice versa?
Yes.
(47103)

Has anyone got firewire port working on Audigy-Live under winxp

can anyone advise if they have got the firewire port working on the Audigy Li've (SB0090) under windows xp sp2
my DV Camera is detected, I can control the device, but I can't pull in video from it.
I have tried both the external port and the expansion port on it
thanks

nope tried windows movie maker and nerovision
both can control the dv camera (Samsung)
it is detected by windows and gets installed
when try to capture nothing on screen in preview and nothing recorded just keep getting error about it.
tried running the dvconnect but that ain't don't anything either
i know the camera works as my wife uses it on her pc but she don't have the audigy card (using built in)
I've tried it the back slot and using the add-on connector and both the same
checked the info on the card and it says Audigy SB394 - SB0090

My Apple desktop computer, 2.4 GHz Intel duo core, OS 10.6.8, stopped recognizing the WD My Book connected via firewire. It works fine with the USB port so it's not the drive. Help please.

My Apple desktop computer, 2.4 GHz Intel duo core, OS 10.6.8, stopped recognizing the WD My Book connected via firewire. It works fine with the USB port so it's not the drive. Help please?

It can be the bridge. It could need firmware update. or the FW ports may be an issue. LaCie seemed to invent the phrase/tip 'resetting firewire ports' due to the issues with their drive cases.
You can try an SMC Reset.
So far I have avoided name-brand and tend to see them mentioned. Often with a new OS (though you are on 10.6.8, but when 10.6 came out there was a common complaint and thread of users: FW or USB worked but not the other interface).

Only 1 firewire port working on every dock's I have

Hello,
I spent 1 entire day trying to find a solution for this problem and..nothing.
I read foruns, discussions everything. Tried a lot of solutions.
I have 2 docks:
- 1 go flex desk firewire 800
- 1 Icy Box dock fireiwire 800
Both have 2 firewire ports.
In both of them, only 1 firewire port works. Both docks have 1 firewire port not working.
This means that if I want to copy files from one hard drive to the other by firewire... its not possible!!
Anyone here have this problem and found a solution??
I am really getting crazy with this. I don't believe both of the docks are faulty...maybe they are but after everything I readed here I believe it's probably a macbook problem.
I have mackbook pro i7 15" 2011.
Oh, I should say that this worked before... some weeks ago this was working and I have no idea why only one firewire port works now...
Any other solution I should try? Already tried all that pram a smc resets...

I also receive text notifications from her on my iPad.
On my Mac, I have messaging shut down

FireWire 800 ports on 12-Core Mac Pro are not working

Just got this machine, suddenly the firewire 800 ports don't work.
Says: FireWire Bus:
Warning: Unable to list FireWire devices.

If it says that with no devices plugged in, it needs to go back to the store for a visit or exchange.
If it only says that with your devices plugged in, I would be more suspicious of the devices than the Mac. But it could be either, so you need some other known-good stuff to make progress.

This last update turned off my USB ports. Anybody have a work around?

Right after I restarted from an Apple Update my 17" Intel iMac 1.83 - OS X 10.6.8 all my USB port stopped talking to my wired mouse and keyboard. I hope someone know a work around because two years ago I had to purchase an external DVD be my on board drive failed to see DVDs blanks and would not read any DVD. Just before that my built in iSight camera didn't work after an Apple Update. Please respond with you thoughts. Thank you.
<Edited by Host>

Try and SMC and PRAM reset: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3603
(It's a bad idea to post your email address in a public forum - I've asked the mods to delete it for you as all replies should be channelled through this thread).

Is the firewire port working on an Audigy with EEPROM b

I have a SB Audigy with the EEPROM bug. I am using the kx drivers, so the card is working. I am currently thinking about buying an firewire device, and I wonder if the Audigy with the EEPROM bug running kx drivers has the firewire port working. (I dont have any firewire device right now to test it).

nope tried windows movie maker and nerovision
both can control the dv camera (Samsung)
it is detected by windows and gets installed
when try to capture nothing on screen in preview and nothing recorded just keep getting error about it.
tried running the dvconnect but that ain't don't anything either
i know the camera works as my wife uses it on her pc but she don't have the audigy card (using built in)
I've tried it the back slot and using the add-on connector and both the same
checked the info on the card and it says Audigy SB394 - SB0090

IMac 21.5",3.2 ghz i3. has dead firewire 800 port.

Like it says firewire 800 port does not work. I plug in a known good ext HD. With known good cable. Power light on HD comes on & I can hear it spinning
but it never mounts to desktop. Doesn't show up in Disk utilities either. HD mounts fine if I use usb port. I know FW 800 port on HD & cable are both good
because they work fine on friends 27" iMac. Anybody have any ideas or suggestions. I would really appreciate it.
Thank you in advance
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I have tryed that. I've also tryed resetting the SMC, & the PRAM. Thank you for the suggestion.
From what I've been reading on this site, it sounds like I don't have any choice but to bring the
iMac into the service center. I am glad I got Apple care. Otherwise I would be screwed. My iMac is just over 1 year old. Once again Thanx for your time & help. Appreciate it. Have a Great Day

FireWirer 400 Ports not working, Fix and/or Add PCI FireWire card

Here are some details about my G5:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Name: Power Mac G5
Machine Model:PowerMac7,3
CPU Type: PowerPC G5 (3.0)
Number Of CPUs:2
CPU Speed: 2.3 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.15 GHz
Boot ROM Version:5.2.4f1
Serial Number:XXXXXXXXXXXX
FireWire Bus:
Maximum Speed:Up to 800 Mb/sec
I have two FireWire 400 ports that aren't working. I normally use the FireWire 800 port, which works fine.
I've tried:
- Resetting the NVRAM
- Resetting the PRAM
- Resetting the SMU
I haven't been able to run Apple Hardware Test, it is not on my install disc and I must have lost the separate Apple Hardware Test CD... annoying!
1) First Question - Can I do any more to fix the FireWire ports?
I also have a FireWire PCI card, which looks like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150103 though I can't be for certain that is that one (PCI card purchased by my business partner 4 years ago and was originally in a PC). It's got 3-ports (2x 800 and 1x 400).
2) Second Question - am I ok to install this FireWire PCI card into the G5?
(how do I identify for sure what make of PCI card it is?)
If so, which slot and how should I go about doing it?
Thank you

Hi sohopigeon, and a warm welcome to the forums!
What to do if your computer won't recognize a FireWire or USB device...
If the issue persists, try these steps:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect all devices and all other cables, except the keyboard and mouse cable(s).
3. Disconnect the computer from the power outlet and wait for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
5. Reconnect the device(s) (one at a time if there is more than one) and test. Test with each port if you have more than one.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317
The 7,3 2.3 was PCI-X, I notice this PCI card is NOT for use in PCI-X G5s...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/PCIFW4P/
While this one works in PCI or PCI-X...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/ADS%20Technologies%20Inc./API315/
Not sure about yours, but it does say...
PCI 2.2 compliant and works in 32-/64-bit PCI slot
Works in 3.3v or 5V PCI slot
The one that doesn't work in yours above is also PCI 2.2 compliant.

Rear FireWire 800 port not working

After installing Leopard, I connected my TimeMachine external FW 800 drive to the rear FW 800 port, but it was not recognized. I also have an external drive connected to the rear FW 400 port, and it works normally. After some experimentation, I found that if I unplug the FW 400 drive, the FW 800 port becomes active allowing the TimeMachine drive to mount. But any time I use the rear FW 400 port, the rear FW 800 port doesn't work.
The front FW 800 port works normally, and I'm using it for TimeMachine. But I'd like to keep the front ports open for tempory use.
Before calling AppleCare about this, I thought I'd see if anyone has any suggestions about things to try.

Thanks--I tried power cycling (as well as some other suggestions found on Mac sites) but so far, nothing has worked. If I start up with just the FW 800 drive connected to the rear port, it mounts. But as soon as I plug a cable in to the adjacent FW 400 port, the FW 800 hard drive dismounts with the error message that it wasn't unmounted properly. The FW 400 cable is connected to a powered FW hub, but none of the devices connected to the hub are powered on. I also tried another FW 400 cable connected directly to a FW 400 hard drive instead of the hub, but the FW 800 drive still won't mount.
I'll call AppleCare and see what they say--not looking forward to taking the Mac Pro into the shop.

Firewire 800 port on new MBP not mounting Lacie rugged 500GB drive

Hi all
I've just purchased the new MBP 17" and my Lacie Rugged 500GB drive will not mount.
It will mount over USB though.
I've tried three different FW800 cables and no result.
There are some posts around 10.5.7 update issues, but I've tried everything listed and no dice.
Any help would be appreciated.

I had a Western Digital My Passport Studio model like that. It has nothing to do with cables or your laptop. It has to do with manufacturers who fail to adhere to the proper power standards for the interface. Basically, if the drive demands more power then the port will give, it is never going to work.
I returned my WD to Apple for a refund, and instead tried a SeaGate FreeAgent Go firewire 800 drive. It has worked flawlessly over Firewire on my MacBook Pro, and it even came with both a Fire 800 cable, a firewire 800-to-400 cable, a USB cable, and a special USB power cable so you could draw additional power off the USB ports if a firewire 800 port wasn't putting out sufficient power. That's why I bought it - figured one way or another it had to be able to work on bus power (even if it had taken both the firewire and USB bus in combo to do it).
Another option I've had good luck with in the past is OWC Mercury on the Go drives (eshop.macsales.com). These have always worked fine on bus power for me, but they also have an optional external power supply too, just in case.

Is there an adaptor or interface that will allow me to connect a thunderbolt device to my late 2011 Mac Pro Firewire 800 port?

Is there an adaptor or interface that will allow me to connect a thunderbolt device to my late 2011 Mac Pro Firewire 800 port?

lllaass is correct.
To use ThunderBolt devices, a computer must have left the factory with a ThunderBolt port.
There are no known work-arounds, and there are not likely to be any because Intel controls the chips and is not interested in anything less than the full [including Video features] implementation.

Firewire...Dead Port Work-Arounds???

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for