I have no idea if it makes any difference or not. My guess is that the 9V powers some parameter ram or something. It just makes me wonder that all three Mac portables you have all contain dead HDs ? Tony -----Original Message----- From: Marion.Bates(a)Dartmouth.EDU [mailto:Marion.Bates@Dartmouth.EDU] Sent: Thursday, August 20, 1998 3:19 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: Mac Portable problems (was Re: Mac Portable batt charger) --- "Tony Dellett" wrote: I have the same problem with my Mac Portable but I havent had much time to tinker with it. Have you replaced the 9 volt battery? I'm wondering if that might have something to do with it in some strange, phases-of-the-moon way. --- end of quote --- I checked the backup battery and it read 8.7 volts or something, which I figured was adequate...maybe not? -- MB