User profile for user: tomnook10
tomnook10 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

iMac G3 + USB Stick

Hi all... I just recently acquired an iMac G3 strawberry (tray-loading). It is still running OS 8.6. I needed to transfer some files/classic apps to it from my main Mac via my U3 pen drive. When I plugged it into the USB port on the keyboard (on the iMac), OS 8 put up a message saying something like:
"The software for the device U3 Titanium is not available. Please refer to the device documentation and reinstall the software." The problem is, there is no software for a USB stick. I tried plugging it directly to the iMac, with no luck. I also tried another USB stick (a Lexar JumpDrive) with the same results.

My question is: does Mac OS 8.6 just have a problem with newer USB drives, or is there something possibly with the hardware? I'm pretty sure that the USB sticks are backwards compatible with USB 1.1.

The same USB stick works on my iBook G3 running OS 9, so would it be advisable to just install OS 9 on the iMac?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 15.4" Mac OS 10.5.3 & iBook G3 SE (Firewire) Lime 12" Mac OS 9, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jun 24, 2008 8:06 AM

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User profile for user: Allan Jones
Allan Jones
User level: Level 9
78,410 points

Jun 24, 2008 8:41 AM in response to tomnook10

Almost universally in my experience, you get errors when using the keyboard USB port to connect a flash drive. It should not occur if you use a main USB port on the computer or a port on a powered hub. The keyboard port doesn't get much power and is only suitable for mice and other low-powered USB devices.

If that still does not work, someone has uninstalled some USB mass storage support files from the iMac. If changing ports does not work, post back and I'll see if I can find the level of USB support that shipped with 8.6 and, hopefully, a link to it.

I have three sticks--two PNY and one generic "gimme" model given out at a trade show--and all three work in USB 1.1 ports.

I don't think dragging an OS9 system folder from one machine to another is a good idea. Some machines needs a model-specific version of OS9, or require specific hardware support files that only a retail installer can tell are needed.
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User profile for user: tomnook10
tomnook10 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Jun 24, 2008 8:52 AM in response to Allan Jones

Okay, I will try to plug it in again directly to the machine. But I would not be surprised if the previous owner had lost some files, since the rest of the machine was in shambles.

And I wasn't planning on dragging the OS 9 system folder. I just put in the bit about the iBook to determine if I should install OS 9 or not.

EDIT: I tried using the other USB port on the iMac - still to no avail. The error message text was as follows:

"The software needed to use the USB device 'U3 Titanium' is not available."

I would assume that means that the USB drivers for the iMac are missing. Unfortunately I do not have any of the original disks for the mac. Do you think you may be able to find the necessary files?

Message was edited by: tomnook10
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iMac G3 + USB Stick

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