Getting 3.5 floppy files onto MBPro.

Question

Level 1

9 points

Getting 3.5 floppy files onto MBPro.

I have a working Powerbook 520c (1996) but it has an almost unreadable screen. I want to be able to access many files (mostly Claris or MacWrite II) on any one of my three newer Macs- a Mini, a G4, and a 13" MB Pro.

I bought an external 3.5 drive, but can't get any of the three to recognize files on the old floppies.

Ideally, I'd like to use the PB 520 (via AppleTalk, Ethernet, whatever) to read the files and transfer to one of the three. BTW, the Mini has System 9 as an alternate OS if needed.

Ideas? Solutions?

Thanks!

Posted on Jun 19, 2012 9:48 AM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,337 points

Jun 19, 2012 2:57 PM in response to Jim Mcdade

Hi,

The PowerBook 520c has built-in Ethernet, so that could be one way of transferring files. You would need an external AAUI to RJ-45 transceiver (such as the Apple Ethernet Twisted-Pair Transceiver) for this. Depending upon the exact operating systems involved, it may or may not be possible to set up file sharing between the PB 520c and more modern computers.

See also the following link.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4015006?answerId=18636466022#18636466022

The simple server solution in the last message there should not be too difficult to use.

It is not merely a question if transferring files though. You would have to check whether programs on the modern Macs are capable of correctly opening the file formats used. If necessary, try to re-save (Save As) into a generic format (Plain Text, RTF, et cetera) already on the 520c.

Jan

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Answer 2

Jim Mcdade Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 19, 2012 6:19 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Thanks Jan!

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