IMac 233 1998, upgraded to OSX, brownout, now won't start up.

Question

Hello. Our bicycle collective received a gift of a 1998 Blue iMac, I believe it's the 233 MHz, not sure if it's regular or 233/B.
It came with OS 8.5. Most unwisely someone decided to install OSX 10.1.5 without researching it beforehand. It ran the OSX for a while until a circuit breaker lost power. Since then the iMac won't start from either the keyboard power button or the computer power button.
I believe it came with 4 gigs of hard drive space, is this enough for OSX? Should we get an external USB hard drive?
I'll be back there tonight to check it out, I found out about the reset button and I'll try that.
Does anyone have any suggestions.
The specs on the iMac when we got it:
OS 8.5
Two memory slots currently 32+128 + 160 megs memory
CD only tray
Production date 11/28/1998.
Also has a built in modem (I'm assuming a standard 56k modem hard wired - can this be converted to wifi?)
2 (two) USB slots and a firewire(?)some other small square input slot.
Thanks,
Arthur

Answer 1

Hi,
First where are you located?
Then you should go here for info on your machine:
http://www.lowendmac.com/imacs/index.shtml
depending on if it's a rev A or B. I think you can tell by looking at the graphics chip.
As to the startup issue:
"Logic Board Battery
The battery on the logic board controls the stored system settings,
such as date and time. It is important to note that the battery does
not affect power at startup."
but then in manuals for the slot loaders they said to check the battery if there were dead at start up issues. Hee hee.
Also:
"The Cuda Chip
The Cuda is a microcontroller chip. Its function is to:
• Turn system power on and off.
• Manage system resets from various commands.
• Maintain parameter RAM (PRAM).
• Manage the real-time clock.
Many system problems can be resolved by resetting the Cuda chip
(see the Symptom/Cure tables for examples). Press the Cuda
reset button on the logic board to reset the Cuda chip. (The Cuda
reset button is located on the back edge of the logic board between
the modem port and the processor module. Refer to the Logic Board
Diagram in the Basics chapter for location information.) If you
continue to experience system problems, refer to “Resetting the
Logic Board” later in this chapter.
Troubleshooting General/ Resetting the Logic Board - 11
Resetting the Logic Board
Resetting the logic board can resolve many system problems (see
the Symptom/Cure tables for examples). Whenever you have a
unit that fails to power up, you should follow this procedure
before replacing any modules.
1. Unplug the computer.
2. Disconnect the cable that runs from the power supply to the
power filter board on the bottom side of the logic board/mass
storage chassis.
3. Press the Power On button on the front of the unit.
4. Remove the logic board/mass storage chassis from the unit.
5. Remove the battery from the logic board.
6. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing the battery.
7. Make sure the battery is installed in the correct +/-
direction.
8. Reassemble the computer and test the unit.
Note:
This procedure resets the computer’s PRAM. Be sure to
check the computer’s time/date and other system parameter
settings afterwards."
eMail me for complete info.
Richard