In a message dated 10/27/05 7:00:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >My problem started when the PB arrived and I found the >previous owner had initialized the hard drive, so no operating >system. He had included a 7.5.3 system CD, but there was no CD-ROM >module.
If the system CD is "home brewed," are you sure it is not just an install cd, w/o any OS of its own on the cd? >So, I bought a 1400 6X CD-ROM off eBay so I could install an >OS. Removal of the floppy and insertion of the CD-ROM drive was >simple, but when I boot up the PB using cmd-opt-shift-del for the >CD-ROM (the 1400 doesn't use the standard Mac "C" key command >although I tried this also) while turning the PB on doesn't work: >the drive's amber light blinks, I can hear the CD spool up, but the >screen shows only a floppy icon with a "?" in it. It does this for >about three minutes, then turns itself off. The machine included a >boot disk with 7.5.3 which works fine, but that's as far as I can >get. One thing I try in these situations is the tried & true PRAM zap; sometimes it makes an unbootable cd-rom boot, for me at least. >I've tried removing the floppy drive after the PB is powered up >and replacing it with the CD-ROM drive, but all I get is nasty >windows stating I better replace the floppy drive or else. I am >assured by the seller of the CD-ROM module that it works. Okay, correct me if I am wrong listers, but you cannot swap any devices on the powerbook 1400 while it is on, can you? You have to swap the cd-rom/floppy modules while the laptop is sleep or off. >I tried copying the disk tools floppy to the desktop, but this didn't >work. In fact, I went into the disk tools floppy looking for >something (control panels, preferences, start up) which would do >anything. I ran Disk First Aid and it came up OK for the untitled >hard drive. Did you try copying the disk tools system folder to your untitled HD? >Networking with my iBook would be nice, but there isn't a single port >in common with the two machines; I do not like the idea of buying yet >more adaptors, cables (the PB came with various serial and SCSI >cables and adaptors), nor PC cards when I am not at all certain they >will work any better than the CD-ROM. I checked eBay and there are NO >operating system installations for 7.x nor 8.x on floppies (plenty on >CDs). Yes, you would have to either find a ethernet pc card or something, but nothing can be done until you get your 1400 up and running an OS. >Any suggestions or workarounds to either get the CD-ROM module to >work or to get an operating system onto this PowerBook or for >troubleshooting? I've researched the LEM site and didn't find any >hints. First, I would try starting up the 1400 with the cd-rom installed, and zap the PRAM. Then, see if it sees the cd-rom (assuming the cd-rom has an OS on it, as discussed previously. Failing that, you could put a copy of the boot floppy's system folder on the HD of the 1400, but I am doubtful it would see the cd-rom. Finally, as a last resort, you could see if anyone locally could assist you. Good luck, Ivy F. -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:powerbooks@mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
