When Root42 sets out on a Commodore 64 repair challenge, the workbench quickly fills with puzzles. The video begins with a German-made breadbin C64 and its matching 1541 disk drive, both reported as faulty. The C64 boots to a black screen, while the 1541 spins endlessly without lighting its power LED.
The 1541 becomes the first subject. Initial checks suggest a possible 5-volt failure. After careful inspection, the drive slowly comes back to life as capacitors reform under power. With renewed voltage regulation, cleaning, and a quick formatting test, the drive proves functional once again. Root42 emphasizes the importance of storing these drives in proper conditions, noting signs of corrosion and mold that likely came from poor storage environments.
The Commodore 64, however, puts up a tougher fight. After opening the case, Root42 suspects the PLA chip. Testing confirms the PLA is bad, so it is replaced with a GAL-based substitute. Yet the machine still fails to boot. Contact cleaning, diagnostic cartridges, and oscilloscope checks reveal more issues. A defective CPU is discovered and swapped, only for the VIC-II graphics chip to show signs of failure as well.
Through systematic testing and chip replacements, Root42 narrows the problems down. Eventually, with a borrowed VIC-II installed, the machine runs diagnostics successfully. The RAM, ROMs, CIA chips, and SID all check out. The conclusion is clear: the original PLA and VIC-II have failed, with the CPU also showing unstable behavior.
The video captures the reality of vintage computer repair. The 1541 drive required patience and observation, while the C64 demanded deeper troubleshooting and spare parts. By the end, Root42 confirms the machine can be restored with a replacement VIC-II, offering the owner a path to full functionality.
This Commodore 64 repair challenge demonstrates how persistence and methodical work can revive aging hardware. For enthusiasts and tinkerers, the video provides both an educational walkthrough and a reminder of the surprises hidden inside 40-year-old machines.
