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OS/2, eCS & ArcaOS - Technical => Hardware => Topic started by: Tricky_Cat on November 29, 2013, 01:56:25 am

Title: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 29, 2013, 01:56:25 am
Hello wonderful people! I found something that you may like... An old IBM Aptiva! It doesn't seem to be working ATM but I hear the Aptivas can run OS/2 natively and I was wondering if someone can help me find out if it will work before I put all the effort and money into it.

And for anyone who wants to know, yes I do plan to sell it. As much as I would like to keep an OS/2 comp I need to mony to replace my aging Toshiba laptop.

Thanks for reading!

Here's a pic:

(http://i.imgur.com/qhYiLbWh.jpg)
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Doug Bissett on November 29, 2013, 05:17:05 pm
My brother had an Aptiva, many years ago. It came with warp 3 installed, along with DOS 7.0 and Win 3.1. OS/2 worked well, and eCS 1.0 also worked well, before it became unusable for modern browsers (not enough memory). The other "problem" was that it had an IBM sound card that required a very hard to find driver. We eventually scrapped that (not as easy as it sounds), and put in an old SoundBlaster.

All of that may, or may not, apply to what you have. What, EXACTLY is it that you have? Knowing the Machine type, and model, might help to answer your question (ISTR that there are probably about 100 Aptiva models, covering about 20 years).

Sell it? You would be lucky to get $10 for an old machine, no matter what OS is installed. If it is not working, you would need to describe, exactly what is not working, to decide whether it can be fixed. Putting any money into it would not be cost effective.

Quote
I hear the Aptivas can run OS/2 natively

That statement could be misinterpreted, so I will counter with this statement: " Most computers, made after 1987 will run OS/2, or eCS, natively. Some do it better than others, and the main "problems" are caused by cheap, "windows only" devices, that won't work without a specific windows driver. Fortunately, most of them seem to have gone out of business, simply because Linux has become big enough to get the attention of the manufacturers. The other major "problem" is lack of drivers for the newest hardware, which would not be a problem, in this case.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 29, 2013, 07:35:21 pm
OK... Lots of things to respond to...

Knowing my family it probably has the IBM sound card.

The first thing I did was look for the model number, but I can't seem to find anything.

Well in that case I'm keeping it.

Well if those comps where made in the 80's it should be be OK as this one seems to run Windows 95.

As for what's broken... I won't know until I can get the screwdrivers I need to open the thing.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Martin Iturbide on November 29, 2013, 08:16:55 pm
Ohhh. ... I have this Aptiva too, but stored. My first geocities page was on how to install OS/2 on this machine... sadly I can not remember the URL to look for it on archive.org.

It has a strange Media Console (ISA?) card, which connects the Media Console (CDROM, Diskette, power button, PS/2 ports) away from the CPU. It will be cooler if you have monitor special base for the Media Center.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/IBM-75H8898-Aptiva-2159-Media-Console-with-CD-and-Floppy-Drive-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/TfAAAOxy9nhSKf~u/$T2eC16h,!%29wFIZS,G90eBSKf+uVbRg~~60_35.JPG)   (http://discountsales.com/images/image.php?size=250&id=1372115166&num=2)

(http://www.roguecowboy.com/aptiva.jpg)

There was another model (sorry I don't got that one) that used to have bose speakers.
(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/c3cubed/IBM_Aptiva.jpg)

At that time I remember I installed OS/2 on it. Everything worked fine, except the audio card. I think that some years later an audio driver that supported it was released, but I no longer used this computer. So, I can no be sure about it.

I'm not sure if you will be able to make some money with it, specially without the monitor and monitor base, but give it a try also on ebay. I really think this model was very interesting on Aptiva's history.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 30, 2013, 01:26:52 am
Thanks so much! Now that I know the system can work with OS/2 I'll get to work on fixing the comp... Anyone know how to do that?
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Martin Iturbide on November 30, 2013, 01:38:31 am
Does it turn on? Does it shows the IBM logo when you turn it on?
can you access the PC's BIOS? I don't remember if it was F1 or some other key when the IBM logo shows up.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 30, 2013, 02:04:24 am
No, it won't turn on.

How would I see the bios? I still need to get a monitor.

Also there's a lot of dust in the tower. Anyone know how to get it out without breaking anything?
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Martin Iturbide on November 30, 2013, 12:50:13 pm
To clean it up internally it will be great if you can find a "canned air" dustbuster (or something like that) to remove all the dirt inside it.

Yes, you need a monitor to check the BIOS and also use the computer.

The power button is on the Media Console. Plug the Media Console to the CPU, plug the power cable to the outlet and try if it turns on.

If it does not turn on at all, maybe you can start checking inside the CPU for a faulty power supply.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 30, 2013, 03:48:00 pm
Yes, this should help a lot! I'll have to get some more compared air though.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Doug Bissett on November 30, 2013, 06:08:16 pm
Quote
To clean it up internally it will be great if you can find a "canned air" dustbuster (or something like that) to remove all the dirt inside it.

I recommend NOT using compressed air. It can end up causing more problems than it fixes. Use a vacuum cleaner, with a plastic wand, and be very careful not to remove things (like jumpers) from the motherboard etc. Also be careful not to knock things loose.

Three reasons why I suggest NOT using compressed air:

1) It can force dust into the contacts, causing connection problems.

2) It just spreads the dust around the room, to be collected later by the machine(s).

3) The dust that ends up in the room will linger, long after you finish the job. Even if you use a mask while doing it, you will be breathing the dust for some time after, and that dust likely contains things that you don't want to be breathing.

Remember that the only thing that collects more dust than a computer, is a vacuum cleaner.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 30, 2013, 06:32:16 pm
OK I'll use the vacuum. It will be cheaper anyway... One more thing... Would it be OK to use a bit of oil on one to the screws? It's stuck to a point that I think that the force required to turn it may exceed the braking point.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Doug Bissett on November 30, 2013, 09:25:58 pm
Quote
Would it be OK to use a bit of oil on one to the screws?

It depends on which one. If it is one of the cover screws, a little oil probably won't hurt, as long as the oil doesn't get on the electronics, and you clean it up after you get it the screw out (but it probably won't help anyway). If it is internal, or oil doesn't help, I would break it, and try to get the left over pieces out another way.

It probably won't break anyway, but be sure to use a good screwdriver, or you could mess up the screw head. If it is already messed up, try removing it with vice grips, and replace it, if it is really needed.

When you put screws in a computer, don't use excessive force. In most cases, they need to be snug enough that they won't work loose, but they should never be tight enough that you can't get them out. An easy way to do that (for most people), is to use only the thumb, and the first finger, to hold the screw driver. Most people won't have enough finger strength to over tighten the screws that way. Some won't have enough strength to get them tight enough. If that is the case, use two fingers, and the thumb.

Of course, the screw may be difficult to remove, if it has corroded (rusted). If that has happened, you may have other problems.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on November 30, 2013, 09:38:09 pm
It's one of the ones at the back the keeps the it circuits in place. I'll get a pic when I get home, but from what you're saying is sounds like it should work.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Dave Yeo on November 30, 2013, 09:50:00 pm
I usually take my computer outside, remove the cover, make sure the fans are locked so they can't be over-spun, usually by inserting a piece of wood and blow it out. Due to using wood heat I get a lot of dust and sometimes a huge cloud of dust is stirred up when cleaning.
I'd also suggest that while the cover is off, remove and re-insert all cards, memory simms etc.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on December 01, 2013, 01:46:43 am
OK then.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Ben on December 01, 2013, 03:32:54 pm
The best way to clean a computer is neither with the vacuum nor the air gun.

The best way to clean a computer is to use both.

For example, if you are cleaning your Power Supply then hold the vacuum at the output fan and use the compressed air on the inside opening/fan of the PS.

After you are finished with that, then reverse the process putting the blower outside and the vacuum inside.

Changing the direction also loosens and removes any dust that might have gotten lodged somewhere. After you think you have it all get the odd angles with the blower and you'll be fine.

The biggest risk that you have in this process, is with getting particles into your eyes, so be sure to wear goggles. Glasses help but, are not enough; the particles will get around, behind and into your eyes.

Just FYI.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Doug Bissett on December 02, 2013, 12:58:06 am
Quote
The best way to clean a computer is to use both.

Sorry, but I disagree. DO NOT use compressed air. It will force dust into the connectors, and that causes connection problems, which can be worse than having a machine full of dust. Use only a vacuum cleaner, and don't worry about getting ALL of the dust out. Small amounts that may get left behind probably won't do any harm.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on December 02, 2013, 05:49:46 am
OK... I'm just trying to remove enough dust to eliminate any fire hazard.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: jdeb on December 03, 2013, 05:58:33 pm
I build and repair hardware as a side job. Been doing it for years. I never had a problem blowing them out. I do not use a vacuum because of the potential static build up on the end piece. I have used one of these for over 10 years. I too, block the fan blades when blowing things out. Any and all fans.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/janitorial-maintenance/floor-care/computer/vacuumblowers-computersappliances-metrodatavacelectricduster-261430?infoParam.campaignId=T9A&gclid=CJ6r8cS-lLsCFSISMwodbUAA_A

(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/n-picgroup/30541267.jpg)

If the unit won't turn on the first thing is to check and make sure it is plugged into a working outlet. Secondly, some power supplies have a rocker switch on the back, make sure that is in the correct position, doubt yours has one of those. Third, if still no power, swap out the power supply with a known working one. If it powers on, you solved the problem. I prefer to take everything out of the case and work on them.

More than likely, you will need to replace the CMOS battery but that will not prevent you from accessing the BIOS. Aptiva's used to use MWave audio cards if I recall correctly. Additionally, you will probably find bulging caps on the motherboard as well, so be prepared  for that. 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XMWave+sound+card&_nkw=MWave+sound+card&_sacat=0&_from=R40

As a funny side note. I recently took in a repair from a chain smoker (did not realize it at the time) and when I pulled the side cover off the old Socket 939 box... I damn near threw up at the smell. All the white PCI slots where a golden brown and dust was stuck to the tar throughout the box. It was a sticky, smelly, nightmare on the inside. The guy was pretty poor and could not afford a new box. I pulled the motherboard and hung it from the rafters in my workshop and doused it with contact cleaner a few times and let it drip dry. Did the same thing on the rest of the components. The power supply housing was filled up with turd looking cotton candy... GROSS. Reassembled and it fired right up and did not have to replace a part except for the CMOS battery. It simply over-heated and shut down.

Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: ivan on December 03, 2013, 08:30:01 pm
jdeb, there have been several picture horror stories shown on the Register in the past (I don't have a link, sorry) that would turn any self respecting service engineer off lunch.

The worst one we have seen was an IBM tower server that hadn't been touched in years.  It was kept under a bench at the back of the restaurant veg preparation area.  The bottom of the case was almost rusted through, the hard disks couldn't be removed because of rust and other gunge, the motherboard had been wet - there was a tide mark on it - and non of the fans turned.  The owner said that it was running slow - we wrote it off after cloning the hard disks.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: jdeb on December 03, 2013, 09:17:23 pm
jdeb, there have been several picture horror stories shown on the Register in the past (I don't have a link, sorry) that would turn any self respecting service engineer off lunch.

The worst one we have seen was an IBM tower server that hadn't been touched in years.  It was kept under a bench at the back of the restaurant veg preparation area.  The bottom of the case was almost rusted through, the hard disks couldn't be removed because of rust and other gunge, the motherboard had been wet - there was a tide mark on it - and non of the fans turned.  The owner said that it was running slow - we wrote it off after cloning the hard disks.

Nasty... I never thought of taking pictures 8). That electrical contact cleaner did the trick. It looked like a brand new motherboard after that. It is a decent rig... Asus A8N5X, AMD 64 X4400+, 4 GB DDR400 of RAM, Dual 7900GTX in SLI, WD 320GB Sata I drive,  and an off brand Power supply that was made by Super Flower. I was shocked at the quality of it (after opening it up) being I did not recognize the brand (escapes me now). Looked up the UL and made by Super Flower and upon further investigation, make high quality power supplies in another country. I have a brand new A8N5X somewhere in my organized hoard of stuff, maybe I will pull it out and give eCS a run on it. ;). The thing runs XP like no one's business. 
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on December 05, 2013, 12:35:50 am
I have no idea what all this means... I just wish I had a working laptop so I could get back to programming...
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: ivan on December 05, 2013, 03:45:31 am
Sorry, the above were two people in the repair and maintenance business comparing notes.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: jdeb on December 05, 2013, 04:00:58 pm
I have no idea what all this means... I just wish I had a working laptop so I could get back to programming...

Sorry, did not mean to hijack your thread.
Title: Re: OS/2 compatible?
Post by: Tricky_Cat on December 05, 2013, 06:59:52 pm
I have no idea what all this means... I just wish I had a working laptop so I could get back to programming...

Sorry, did not mean to hijack your thread.
It's OK. I did get some of it... But now I don't know what to do about the dust... I don't think I need to get all the dust out... But there's so much I think it burst into flames.