---
title: 'Apple IIe - First Steps'
url: 'https://dmcmillan.co.uk/blog/apple-iie-first-steps'
markdown: 'https://dmcmillan.co.uk/blog/apple-iie-first-steps.md'
date: '2020-01-03'
description: 'Many years ago, I had an extensive collection of vintage microcomputers. These included what could be considered run-of-the-mill machines like the Sinclair Spectrum, the Acorn BBC Micro and the Amstrad CPC. Also included were some much rarer machines, like an RM 480Z, a BBC Master Compact, and a Ma…'
taxonomy:
  tag:
    - 'Apple IIe'
---

# Apple IIe - First Steps

## [Apple IIe - First Steps](https://dmcmillan.co.uk/blog/apple-iie-first-steps)

    3rd Jan 2020   [Apple IIe](https://dmcmillan.co.uk/blog/tag:Apple%20IIe#body-wrapper)  

Many years ago, I had an extensive collection of vintage microcomputers. These included what could be considered run-of-the-mill machines like the Sinclair Spectrum, the Acorn BBC Micro and the Amstrad CPC. Also included were some much rarer machines, like an RM 480Z, a BBC Master Compact, and a Macintosh 512k.

Sadly, the lockup garage I stored my collection in was emptied in error by the landlord, which resulted in the loss of the collection.

All that remained were a few consoles like a Super Nintendo and a Sega Saturn which I had kept at home.

My collection now is as a result much diminished, but my interest in vintage computers has never really waned. I've always wanted to know and understand a computer inside-out, and the only "proper" vintage computer I still own is an Apple IIe.

So - even though I was never an Apple II user growing up, I've decided to start a series of posts here documenting the process in restoring the system to full working order, along with any useful hardware, software and documentation I find along the way.

Here are the current problems with the system:

- Ticking noise from power supply - a "dead short" when the machine is started from cold
- When the computer boots, it occasionally goes into a loop of the self-test sequence
- Many of the keyboard keys are sticky, and when pressed do not "pop up"
- The case is discoloured from age

First things first - I've given the machine a good wash by removing the case, and cleaning with soap and water. This made a big improvement, removing all of the dust, gunk and grime from the machine. I've cleaned the motherboard (carefully!) with a paint brush and compressed air.

Although this did not resolve any of the above problems, it's a good first start.

*A picture of the IIe*![](https://dmcmillan.co.uk/images/8/9/5/1/d/8951df7a195df605ca7daa9d834a9a8b8b603b85-img20200103154927124.jpg)

*The cleaned motherboard*![](https://dmcmillan.co.uk/user/pages/03.blog/apple-iie-first-steps/IMG_20200127_083419691.jpg)

 [Next Post ](https://dmcmillan.co.uk/blog/apple-iie-cleaning-the-keyboard)

---

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