[pastusza]

Hello. I have been having a problem with my ZIP 250 USB with an Iomega FireWire adapter. Whenever I copied files that were large, either in size or number, the Mac would lock up. So, I tried to to zap the PRAM. Now the machine will not boot with the Firewire Zip 250 connected to it. It boots and right when all the stuff in my startup group, the machine locks up tight as a drum.

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Andy Pastuszak
andy_pastuszak@yahoo.com

[WDL]

Don't know what model Mac or operating system, but it sounds like classic USB syndrome.

Here's two quick & easy things to try:

1. If you installed the software on the Iomega CD that came with the Zip - disable it all. Then shut down (not restart) wait a few seconds and startup.

(I'm assuming your keyboard/mouse are connected directly to your Mac using the #1 USB port).

If you're using OS 9.0.4, the Zip should run fine using the drivers built-in to the system ROM.

Alternative:

2. Shut down, unplug the Zip from the Mac. Start up, and after startup is completed, plug in the Zip - again it should work fine.

However, those USB ports look pretty flimsy and I wouldn't want to be doing this too often.

WDL

[pastusza]

I have to use the Iomega driver, because I am using the FireWire adapter. The adapter came with IomegaWare 2.3. Used to work just fine a couple of weeks ago. I have not installed anything new that I am aware of.

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Andy Pastuszak
andy_pastuszak@yahoo.com

[WDL]

Have you actually TRIED it with the Iomega software disabled as above?

You just might be in for a pleasant surprise!

WDL

[garyp]

Definitely disable the Iomega driver.

[pastusza]

I disabled the Iomega driver and the drive stopped working. I install a fresh system folder and all is well now. Harsh measure, but it fixed the problem.

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Andy Pastuszak
andy_pastuszak@yahoo.com

[garyp]

I have just developed the same problem as Andy. Suddenly, the computer (B/W G3 400 OS 9.0.4 w/all updates) can't boot unless the Zip 250 with Firewire adapter is unplugged. It will freeze on the watch cursor just before the desktop finishes loading. It boots OK with drive unplugged, but freezes instantly if it is replugged after bootup. I have an email in to Iomega Support, but no answer so far. I am wondering if anyone else is having this problem... Funny thing is it worked OK at first. Andy said he installed a new System Folder and that fixed it. Could this mean the Firewire Adapter or its software gradually corrupts the System? Say it isn't so!

[WDL]

garyp:

Before you go to (shudder) all that trouble, why not download the just released Iomega update 2.5.1 and see if that addresses the problem(s).

I'm not at my home base, so have nothing else to refer to here.

WDL

[garyp]

WDL,

So far as I know, the version number of the latest Iomegaware is 2.5, and actually I just tried this a little while ago, but the problem remained unchanged. Looks like I'm heading for spending the weekend doing a wipe/reinstall.

Thanks, Gary

[WDL]

gary:

Iomega released the 2.5 update very briefly and quickly pulled it - they then posted update 2.5.1 that fixes problems with 2.5 which only a few people had downloaded.

It may be helpful to you yet!

WDL

[garyp]

Thanks for the info about the 2 update versions. I did my wipe/reinstall and so far it is working like a charm. I'm using Iomega Tools version 2.3 which came on CD with the drive. I'll stick with that 'till I have problems. Why? Because 2.5x doesn't include QiukSync. Apparently a sneaky ploy to get me to pay for QuikSync 2 or whatever that upgrade for money version is that they have out now. I hate that kind of sales approach.