Re: Really Dumb question.--Cannot boot from Hard Drive

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Patricia D. Glenn <patglenn@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

> Yes, I partitioned it.  Three partitions, all ProDos.  That's not a dumb
> question!

... and you did install GS/OS on the FIRST partition, I assume.

> I went up and checked, the exact error I'm getting is "Unable to load
> Start GS-OS file. Error=$0046"

That is "File not Found" (as distinct from directory or volume not
found).  Getting this message means that you are at least able to get
the boot sector and PRODOS file in the root directory.

The firmware version is a red herring.  Not being rev C wouldn't prevent
Start.GS.OS from being found, but would prevent it booting all the way.
(Check it anyway - should be 341-0437-A for the revision C firmware.)

If you can get System 6.0.1 on there, try getting into ProDOS-8 by
pressing the '8' key immediately on booting (as soon as the hard drive
is accessed).  This will load the P8 file from the System folder.


Given that this is a newly set up hard drive, I'm puzzled.  Directory
and volume names aren't likely to be an issue.  An "Easy Install" or any
of the "*System 6:On XXX" under Custom Install should do the trick
(though the 800K install option will be suboptimal).

What did you use to partition the drive?  Apple's own primitive
HDSCPARTITION, or something else?

Two thoughts:

1. Termination.  Make sure you have a single terminator connected,
either internal on the hard drive, or after it.  (If you connect a
second drive at the same time, you will need a second terminator.)

2. Termination power.  If the hard drive isn't providing terminator
power, then there may be a communications problem.

(Improper termination can cause all sorts of weird side effects.)

It wouldn't hurt to try changing the SCSI ID of the drive (to 6, instead
of 0).  Also check that the SCSI ID jumper is still present on the SCSI
card, and it is set to 7 (innermost position, if I remember right).

Have you tried setting it up for normal ProDOS-8 booting?  Just copy the
PRODOS file from an existing boot disk into the root directory; you
might want to rename the existing PRODOS file (GS/OS boot loader) if you
don't want to reinstall it.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand