This discussion is locked
Anhinga

Q: PB 1400 Floppy Drive Expansion Bay Module error message

When I insert the floppy drive module I get the following message:

"The correct software you need to use the PC Card in the 'Expansion Bay' is not installed. Do you want to eject the card now?"

If I choose "Cancel" an untitled PCMICA icon appears on the desktop. Info says it is a "Memory PC Card". If I choose "Eject" nothing happens and is not expected to.

The floppy drive(s) all get the same message. The CD-ROM drive module works fine, but it connects to a different port in the expansion bay.

This PB 1400 was recently upgraded with a Sonnet Crescendo 400 MHz G3 CPU, but the problem existed before that. The OS 8.0 was reinstalled cleanly. Preparing to install OS 8.5 and then OS 9.1.

Remedies?

PB1400c w/400 MHz G3 CPU, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Jun 5, 2008 2:45 PM

Close

Q: PB 1400 Floppy Drive Expansion Bay Module error message

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Niteshooter,

    Niteshooter Niteshooter Aug 19, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Anhinga
    Level 2 (454 points)
    Aug 19, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Anhinga
    I guess the easiest thing to try is zapping the pram and see what that does.

    I checked a 1400 running OS 8.1 and I found in the Extensions folder 'PowerBook 1400 floppy update' which is only a patch for using DOS floppies and doesn't address your problem. No other extensions in there that look like they are meant for the floppy module and if you are doing clean installs then sw for that PowerBook should be loaded and sw for other cards/drives should be eliminated.

    SS' only comments are to check the internal cable inside the floppy drive case, test drive, replace no mention of your specific issue.

    Kevin

    <Edited by Moderator>
  • by Anhinga,

    Anhinga Anhinga Jun 7, 2008 6:39 PM in response to Niteshooter
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 7, 2008 6:39 PM in response to Niteshooter
    I tried a Reset, both with the floppy drive installed and with it out; same results. I am trying to avoid "should-ing" on my PowerBook, but I think that one of the three floppy modules I have would work. The only other reference that I have found is to the effect that if more than one PCMCIA is in the slots, that the computer will not recognize the Floppy Module. This does not apply.
  • by Anhinga,

    Anhinga Anhinga Jul 20, 2008 1:06 AM in response to Anhinga
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 20, 2008 1:06 AM in response to Anhinga
    It has been suggested that I upgrade the BIOS as a remedy. Is there a download available? If so, where? Or, could I get one on a CD? I understand that there are particular steps to take, otherwise the computer is trashed. What are they, or where could I get them?
  • by jpl,Helpful

    jpl jpl Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM in response to Anhinga
    Level 7 (28,285 points)
    Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM in response to Anhinga
    Anhinga,

    Macs don't use 'BIOS' but instead a firmware control called Open Firmware; in addition, there are no firmware updates for the PB1400.

    I believe you have a hardware failure on the logic board and the only remedy is a replacement board. One of the potential failed components is the IDE Disk Controller (this is from Apple docs):

    "The Baboon custom IC provides the interface to the expansion bay. The IC performs four functions:
    -controls the expansion bay
    -controls the IDE interfaces, both internal and in the expansion bay
    -buffers the floppy disk signals to the expansion bay
    -decodes addresses for the PC card slots and the IDE controller"

    I had a PB1400 with both floppy and optical drives plus I used PCMCIA PC cards, all used without issue. I just don't see a solution to your problem other than a hardware fix.