G3 B&W needs constant PRAM reset to boot... please help!

[Chrispy]

Hey all. My B&W 400MHz G3 powermac keeps needing me to do the Command + Option + P + R thing on it for it to boot up everytime. If I don't then I just get a black screen and nothing happens. I have a new graphics card, CPU and Hard Drive on order that will be arriving tomorrow but I don't want to keep the stuff if it won't fix this problem. Does anyone have any advice on what is causing this? Thanks all :-)

[CanadaRAM]

Have you replaced the PRAM battery?

Should be about US$8 -- 1/2AA 3.6V lithium cell

[Chrispy]

Haha nope sure have not. Having been a PC user for too long as assume this is the same thing as the CMOS battery on a PC? Do you know where I can pick up one of these things cheap? Thanks!

[CanadaRAM]

Haha nope sure have not. Having been a PC user for too long as assume this is the same thing as the CMOS battery on a PC? Do you know where I can pick up one of these things cheap? Thanks!

Yes, it's the equivalent of a CMOS battery.

Your local Radioshack or electronic supply store should have it, otherwise you can mailorder from http://www.datamem.com/viewcat.asp?C=1025, part #B-260 $5.95

[Chrispy]

Thanks I will pick one up on my way to work tomorrow :)

[CanadaRAM]

Take the old one with you, or remember its the 1/2AA 3.6V Lithium, with a nipple on the + terminal but no pigtails.

PS - Make note of the way the old battery is oriented BEFORE you take it out. You don't want to swap + for - when you reinstall.