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Apricot XEN PC 486 DX66 - Help

R

R.F.R.

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2016
Messages
15
Hi everyone!

I once again am in over my head with old computer stuff.
I recently stumbled upon an apricot XEN PC, and as I really am a sucker for the design of those, as well as 486s in general, I got it.

My problem is that the machine refuses to recognize the HDD. I know it works (I tested it in a different computer). Personally, I think the problem is in some relation to the horrible bios setup the computer has.
I know that this post isn't exactly ripe with information, but I'd be happy for any information I can get. I already read the manual, and that did not help whatsoever.

If you have any idea what I can do, any additional information about the PC or the horrible bios setup, or happen to own one of those beauties yourself, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Have a nice evening!
 
When it comes to the Xen I personally know a few things about the 386 machines. I was never aware that a 486 model ever existed. Would you be able to supply a few photos and I might be able to get a better idea what type of IDE interface it's using? I feel like at least one version used Western Digital's 8-bit interface.
 
Sure thing. First things first: This is the computer I'm talking about:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/984868/Mitsubishi-Xen-Pc-Apricot.html

And here go the photos:

Apricot XEN IDE without cables.jpg

Apricot XEN open with cables close.jpg

Apricot XEN open with cables.jpg

I believe the HDD does get power, because I think I can hear it. I tried both ends of the IDE cable, too (I know you are supposed to take the last end when only connecting one thing, but I thought trying would not hurt).
The HDD is also jumpered as master.
The computer should at least recognize there is a HDD, even if it is formatted in the wrong file format, right? (It's formatted in FAT32). Fdisk tells me there are no HDDs connected when I start if from floppy.

Does the 386 have the BIOS Setup, that you can enter at any point pressing STRG ALT and ESC? Because I really think the problem is burried there (Or the cable might be dead? But I never heared of that happening...)

Anyway, thx for the interest :)
 
HI! I already posted the pictures, but those posts seem to be pending the approval of a moderator, so it might take a little while. Thx for the interest! :)
 
I do understand the need for moderating pictures, but this waiting time is getting a little out of hand. I uploaded the pictures over a week ago... I'd really appreciate if some moderator would finally get around to approving them. If you look at the thread you can even see it is supposed to have three attachments.
Is there maybe something I can do to speed up the process?
Thanks.
 
Hello.
I am no expert but I have a suggestion about this problem .
In old machines 386, 486 etc the motherboard have a limit on the hard hard drive it is using . Maybe 2 gb or 4 gb max. Any number higher than that and the computer will not recognise there is a hard drive. Check out this video. The problem is mentioned from 13:00 minet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2v7k-wAm2E&t=652s

and here is some info for the Apricot sistem:

http://insight.actapricot.org/insigh...pc/xpcmain.htm

I hope this helps!
 
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