PowerBook 3400c

My question is can the harddrive be formated and a newer OS installed?

Yes, but make sure that you look for a generic retail system CD (not a machine-specific disc intended for another Macintosh computer). You will find a list of supported systems in the technical specifications here.

Mac OS 8.1 should be OK for this model. Have you checked cables/connectors? The TCP/IP control panel settings? If necessary, a manual can be found here.

Jan

Addendum

It works great but wont connect to the internet via my cable in the rear of the laptop to my cable modem.

If you are using a direct Ethernet connection, and if the TCP/IP settings are in order, you may want to try to disconnect and power off the cable modem for a while (something like half an hour).

Jan

Hi,

After looking the powerbook over I think it only has a dial up modem, is that possible?

According to KB article TA36582, a combined Ethernet/modem card was used for most 3400c configurations sold in the United States. You may want to compare this to Appendix D in the 034-0296 and 030-9139 manuals.

Or could someone point me to a page that will walk me through settings for connecting to my cable modem.

Normally, this is fairly uncomplicated. A DHCP setting is often used in the TCP/IP control panel (can be found under Control Panels in the Apple menu, or via the System Folder). See also the built-in Mac OS 8.1 help system. Your ISP ought to be able to provide you with detailed data for a manual setup. Do let us know which ISP it is and which cable modem model you are using, should you need further information.

Jan

Hi Dave,

Install a suitable web browser (there are not many to choose from; iCab could be one alternative), an email program and perhaps an FTP client.

If you only have access to a Windows PC with an Internet connection at this point, you could transfer any downloaded files as they are (do not decode or decompress anything on the PC) to the PowerBook via CD-R or PC-formatted floppies. Once on the Mac, use StuffIt Expander for the decoding/decompression (drag .bin, .hqx or .sit files onto the StuffIt Expander program icon).

If you do not have StuffIt Expander for Macintosh, try this: Use a PC to download the MACDISK.EXE file here. Prepare an empty PC-formatted 1.44 MB diskette via FORMAT A: in DOS or the full formatting option under Windows. Launch the MACDISK.EXE program on the PC. Follow the on-screen directions. The result will be a Mac-formatted disk with a ready-to-use StuffIt Expander 4.0.1 installer.

I could not find exact instructions for System 7.6.1 at the Road Runner site, but with a bit of help from Windows tutorials ( here) and the Windows TCP/IP information in the SB5100 series user guide ( here), I would suggest the following to begin with: Open the TCP/IP control panel. Make sure that a connection via Ethernet has been chosen. Configure to use a DHCP server. Leave any remaining fields empty. Close the control panel (the upper left box). Choose to save the settings.

Jan