[Steph]

I'm using an iMac DV (just upgraded to OS 9.0.4) and an Iomega USB Zip drive. I am using only the Apple USB extensions, there isn't any Iomega software on the computer at all.
I have a stack of PC-formatted Zip disks that I want to reformat as Mac OS. When I put them in, they come up on the desktop Ok, and I can get-info and see they are MS Dos format. When I go to Special / Erase Disk, I get the choice to erase it, and to key in a new name for the disk. But the format line just shows MS Dos, it doesn't let me change the type to Mac.
If I try to erase a floppy disk (on a USB floppy drive) I do get the option to change the format.

Any ideas?

--Steph

[Steph]

Ok I found a work-around. If I first take the dos zip-disks and reformat them on a linux box with a linux fs, then the iMac says they're unreadable and offers to initialize them for me in Mac format.

--Steph

Don't know which Zip - 250 or 100 but here's something else that may make life easier.

From the Iomega CD, custom install the software for just that model - or, (can't recall, and not at my home base) install it all and then trash the parts you don't want.

For example, with my USB Zip 100 I just kept the A & B drivers and the Tools part of the program. I keep them disabled normally (thru Conflict Catcher) and just enable them when I want to use the Tools.

The Tools permit you to choose the long initialization (recommended) in Mac format - AND - they let you measure the Format Life and Disk Life of each disk.

Each time you reformat, the Disk Life goes down slightly - when it reaches 25% Iomega recommends not using it anymore except for archival purposes.

This may be of interest to you.

WDL

Should have added - except for this use of the Tools I always keep the Iomega software disabled because it does conflict with the drivers built into the OS ROM.

Also, the Iomega update 2.2.1 does nothing to resolve the conflict.

WDL

[Steph]

Thanks for the info! It's a Zip100. I see that once I've got them into Mac format, the Erase Disk option at that point lets me decide what format to use subsequently.

Too bad the Iomega installation doesn't give the option of what to install and what not to... some of their little extensions and things, they don't put their name on so it makes it harder yanking them back out.

--Steph

[iPaul UK]

Many Mac dealers will sell you Zip discs that are ready formatted for Macs. Thus ensuring that you don't have to go anywhere near the Iomega software. Useful though some of it is, it's of no use if it can't be used reliably! At least we just about have the option of avoiding it altogether. But you would have thought they would have gotten their act together by now regarding the conflicting driver issue.. How long has it been now!?

iPaul UK - at last, I can thank you for first alerting me to the Iomega conflict several months ago!

You also raise an interesting point - you may be able to get Mac formatted Zip disks without much probnlem in the UK, but here in Canada it's almost a special order!

Which leads to yet another point - sometimes we Mac users are our own worst enemies since we buy IBM floppies and reformat them - and we buy DOS/IBM Zip disks and reformat them. For the analysts who look at the consumption stats Mac vs PC the figures are skewed to the extent that it probably appears there are hardly any Mac users at all.

Anyway, thank you again for pointing the direction.

WDL

Steph - not at my home base - using another person's Mac with OS 8.1 - but if I remember correctly, you can enter Iomega in Sherlock and it will bring everything up no matter what it's called (bt not the drivers built into the ROM which you wouldn't want to mess with anyway.

WDL