User profile for user: pjdiamond
pjdiamond Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

How to factory reset dead Apple iBook G3/366 (Firewire/Clamshell) to sell?

I have owned this Apple iBook G3/366 (Firewire/Clamshell) Special Edition Graphite M6411 since 1999-2000. Unfortunately, the computer has no power --- battery dead and YoYo power adapter doesn't work. I wanted to clean the hard drive before I sell it but I don't know if that's possible. Not that I can remember what's on it but I'd prefer to sell it clean.


Can anyone suggest or offer advice on what I should do? I tried all the troubleshooting ideas and none brought it back to life. Or is there a compatible third party inexpensive adapter that I could purchase that might power it back on? Thank you!

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Mar 2, 2025 3:24 PM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Jeff
Jeff
User level: Level 6
12,274 points

Posted on Mar 27, 2025 12:40 AM

Sorry I didn't see your post a week ago. This image shows the 4 drive configuration pins for the 2.5" IBM Travelstar hard drive. The setting for "Master" or "Single Drive" is "Device 0" and requires no plastic shunt (jumper) placed on the pins. That's likely the Apple/OEM configuration, so you won't find a shunt installed. The setting for "Device 1" or "Slave" wouldn't be used in an iBook. Given the production date of that iBook, it's unlikely that a shunt would be installed horizontally across the lower pins for Cable Select. If it were, you'd remove it.



The drive is formatted as an HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) volume. Did you connect it to a much newer Mac for testing? If you have no interest in searching it for files, you can always disassemble it and remove the platter. That typically requires having a set of micro-Torx screwdriver tips.

View in context
18 replies
Sort By: 
User profile for user: pjdiamond
pjdiamond Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

Mar 21, 2025 6:45 PM in response to pjdiamond

I connected the hard drive to the Sata/IDE to USB 2.0 adapter. Now my Macbook Pro doesn't recognize the old IBM Travelstar hard drive in my disk utility.


I think I'm going to call it a day and be grateful I was able to perform surgery, I mean, removing the hard drive, and sell the rest for parts. Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions and information. Appreciate it!

Reply
User profile for user: vcppp
vcppp
User level: Level 1
8 points

Apr 11, 2025 11:44 AM in response to Jeff

Jeff, I'm trying to deal with a tricky SCSI issue and have been really impressed with the answers you've given others that I came across while searching the forum.

Maybe you can help?? (Sorry this isn't related to OP thread but couldn't find a way to send you a PM!)

I have about 5 external SCSI drives full of music data (including audio recordings) from a Korg Trinity synth. (With HDR-TRI option that allowed direct audio-in recording.)

Hoping to find a way to get the data off the SCSIs into a format I can then use in Logic on my iMac, without having to use 1/4 jacks and record track-by-track at real time into Logic (via Apogee audio-dig interface.) Very slow, very tedious.

I've considered a SCSI to USB adapter (e.g. Adaptec USBxchange) but reviews suggest unreliable and can be very difficult to find one.

Seems best bet might be to get a Beige G3 (or something like a Powerbook that supported SCSI) and backup the SCSI files into the G3 then get them out into the iMac somehow.

I have a lot of original music recording on the SCSI's and would sure like to get at it.

Any thoughts or insights much appreciated!

Reply

How to factory reset dead Apple iBook G3/366 (Firewire/Clamshell) to sell?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up