Imac 333 Problem, repeated crashes Options

[MOLLOWITZ]

i currently own an imac 333 with a 6gb hard drive, 160MB RAM, running system 9.2. basically, the only program i can run is ProTools Free. the computer has some kind of hardware problem (i don't think it's software because it does the same thing with basic system software installed) that causes it to crash repeatedly for no reason. i use ProTools for recording my band with a direct interface from the amp to the computer and then burn the bounced audio to an external burner with toast.
--
anyway, it's very annoying to have the computer crash most of the time when you try to open the 'sound' control panel or toast, and all the other applications besides ProTools.
---
the computer was examined by apple service people and they thought that it was either the logic board or the cd drive causing the problems (the only reason i didn't replace these components is because they still weren't sure that was the problem). apple diagnostic tests were run and revealed that there were no 'bad blocks' in the disk. the computer has been continually maintained with Norton Utilities and DiskWarrior, and i routinely optimize and rebuild the disk at least once a month. when i run DiskWarrior (once a month) the graph shows that over 33% is out of order- this is odd considering that all i do on it is record with ProTools!
----
if anyone else has had a problem similar to this please help!
i am considering purchasing a used ibook 500mhz/20gb/256mb RAM (to be used for audio) if this computer can't be fixed.

thanks in advance-

cody

[inocybe]

Although I agree that more RAM would be an option .. I doubt it would really make the machine more stable. OS9 should be able to run with 160MB installed.. and before adding RAM he should first get his system stable.. btw.. first generation imacs cannot exceed 192Megs Ram. 128 in the top slot, 64 in the lower slot..(the lower slot is not adviced to change yourself, since gaining access to it is not easy ..)

First of all, zap the PRAM (check your mac manual on how to do this..) and check your Firmware version. See if it needs an update (there are important issues with the imac and USB, which cause serious crashes..). You may downgrade to OS9.1 or OS 9.0.4 if you don't use OSX as any updates beyong 9.1 are just for OSX support (witch you don't use judging from your post)..

You may also want to reset the CUDA switch, but on an iMac I have no clue whatsoever if there is even one.. If not you can always open up the mac, remove the battery for half an hour and put the thing back together. This will force your mac to 'reset' ALL motherboard settings back to default.

You may also try to reformat the drive with a low level format, rather then a quick format.. this might resolve drive issues.

Also delete ALL extensions you don't need to run your main software, make several extension sets if needed.. use extension manager for this.. anything not related to Audio, 2D video acceleratiuon, RAM management and other 'system important' stuff can go (whatever you don't use, network, internet, Firewire, airport, etc...).. it will save you quite a few Megs of RAM and more important, it will minimize the risk of conflict in your system.


so there's a lot you can try before throwing the computer away.. In my experiences with Macs I have to come by a none fixable mac (as long as it shows a smiling computer when you boot up that is...)