1040st, white screen of death

[DeV0]

Hi ppl

 

I am considering getting my hands on a 1040st, Ive never touched one and am keen to try one out. It has a problem though, when switched on the monitor shows nothing but a white screen. I was wondering if anyone was familiar with this problem and how sinister the problem is?? Its on ebay so i have to pay something, I just need to make sure it is worth it.

[Inky]

If you don't have a floppy in the drive, it will stay on the white screen for up to 30-40 seconds before displaying a desktop. Inserting a formatted floppy shortens this time

[LinkoVitch]

Could be all sorts of things, like no disk in the floppy drive. If you turn on an ST with no disk in drive it will sit at a white screen for a while before just dropping to the GEM Desktop. It could quite simply be that. Or a faulty floppy drive causing it to not read disks.

 

If you can get access to it, try leaving it on for a minute or so, and you should (all being well) end up at the desktop.

 

Good luck

[A2600]

I am currently expriencing that with my 520STfm any thoughts?

[DeV0]

As per usual, thanks guys

 

I dont have the machine yet and the current owner knows nothing about the machine. It looks minty fresh so im gonna take the chance and get it. Just one more question, Is the floppy easy to replace? Or are we looking at a modded regular 3.5.

 

Cher!

[Inky]

As per usual, thanks guys

 

I dont have the machine yet and the current owner knows nothing about the machine. It looks minty fresh so im gonna take the chance and get it. Just one more question, Is the floppy easy to replace? Or are we looking at a modded regular 3.5.

 

Cher!

 

Well, it isn't TOO bad to actually open the machine. Finding a replacement drive may be a problem. Unless you are handy with a soldering iron. If so, there's a couple FAQ's out there that have instructions on how to mod a run-of-the-mill drive.