Re: Apple IIe working?

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

softshare@my-dejanews.com writes ...
> 
> I'm interested in buying an Apple IIe for my collection of 80's computers,
> but I need help knowing if the two I'm looking at are working properly.
> 
> The first has two drives attached that are separated.  When I start it up,
> the prompt appears and I can type things, but everything I type results in a
> syntax error.  Drive 1 appears to do nothing on boot up.
>

     Normally, when you turn On any Apple II from the II+ onward a disk drive will
come on and try to boot a diskette. An earlier model-- the 'plain' Apple II-- does
not do this.

     The reason you get a "SYNTAX ERROR" message is, probably, that you in BASIC.
The computer expects you to enter BASIC commands or BASIC program lines. If DOS 3.3
had been booted, the computer would also understand DOS commands. (What does the
prompt look like?-- i.e. is it an "*" or "]" or ">".)  


 
> The second has the two drives in one that sit perfectly atop the unit.  When I
> start it, I see Apple ][ at the top of the screen but no prompt.  The Drive 1
> red light remains on and the drive spins.
>

     Given the "Apple ][" display, this sounds like the normal startup for a II+.
Try pressing RESET. This should stop the drive and leave you in Applesoft BASIC.
(If the machine is a IIe, you would press Control-RESET-- hold down the Control key
and press and release RESET; then release Control.)


 
> Is it possible to tell which is working?

     One quickie check is to get to a BASIC prompt and enter ...

5 PRINT "HELLO"

(i.e type in   5 PRINT "HELLO"   and press RETURN)

Then enter LIST. You should see  5 PRINT "HELLO"  .

Enter RUN. If the program runs correctly,  HELLO  should be displayed.


     Mainly, it sounds like you need some bootable DOS 3.3 diskettes with a few
utilities. One way to get such diskettes is to email someone who posts here and
ask. Expect to pay $3-$5 or so to cover mailing and diskette costs.


> Please e-mail me
 ....

     Okay. An email copy will be sent.



Rubywand