FILE TRANSFER WITH FIREWIRE

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FILE TRANSFER WITH FIREWIRE

Hi, I just purchased a MacBook running OS10.4.8 to replace my 7 year old G4 PowerBook with OS9.2.2 and attempted to transfer files between the mackines using Firewire. My G4 did convert to the Firewire drive mode when I started it by holding down the T key, but the G4 drive did not show up on the desktop of the MacBook. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated as I really need to get my files across to my new computer. Thanks and regards. retlaw3

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8) Purchased11-21-06

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.8), Purchased11-21-06

Posted on Nov 29, 2006 8:58 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 29, 2006 11:49 AM in response to retlaw3

Just to be clear, since you didn't actually say, you did connect the two computers with a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable, right? If so, in your Finder Preferences (you can open them by clicking on the Finder menu from your Desktop), do you have "Hard disks" checked on to "Show these items on the Desktop"? Are any of those options unchecked? Does the LaCie hard drive appear on the Desktop if you plug it into the MacBook?

-Doug

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Answer 2

Nov 29, 2006 1:19 PM in response to retlaw3

Okay, then it seems to be an issue with your PowerBook, since the MacBook appears to be functioning correctly. It's been a little while since I played with Mac OS 9, but if you startup the PowerBook normally and then select the icon of the PowerBook's hard drive on the Desktop and "Get Info" from the file menu, does the window tell you if it's a "Mac OS" or "Mac OS Extended" format hard drive?

You might try starting up the PowerBook in "target" mode and THEN plugging the FireWire cable in. It should be safe to do this, just don't unplug the two without ejecting the "target" drive first (if it does finally appear).

-Doug

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Answer 3

Dec 3, 2006 9:32 AM in response to Larry Rutherford

You might shut down, take out the battery and unplug the AC power for ten minutes. Then put the battery back in and plug the AC power back in. Then startup again. This should reset all the ports.

FireWire Target Disk Mode is controlled by open firmware, not Mac OS X. So, if there's a software reason your port doesn't show up, this won't have any affect on starting up the computer in "target" mode.

-Doug

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Answer 4

Nov 29, 2006 3:21 PM in response to Joel C.

The Migration Assistant will not move files over from a computer running Mac OS 9. You must be using Mac OS X 10.1 or later.

But there are two firmware updates for older model PowerBooks listed here:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117

You just need the one update for your model.

-Doug

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Answer 5

Joel C.

Level 6

15,919 points

Nov 29, 2006 2:39 PM in response to retlaw3

Is your Powerbooks firmware completely up to date? You might also try running Migration Assistant from the Macbook and see if you can get it to transfer through it.

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Answer 6

Nov 29, 2006 4:04 PM in response to John Bazz

You would have to buy a retail copy of Mac OS X for a computer you're about to stop using, so that might not be the most cost-effective solution. Also, since FireWire Target Disk Mode is run from the firmware on your computer, it's doubtful it would solve the original problem. I think Joel is on the right track, make sure the firmware is up-to-date.

-Doug

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Answer 7

Joel C.

Level 6

15,919 points

Nov 29, 2006 5:05 PM in response to retlaw3

I'm pretty sure you don't need a cross over cable for your Powerbook and you definitely don't need one on the Macbook. I think your Powerbook should be auto sensing. Basically a crossover cable switches the wires from one jack so they don't run straight to the other jack in the same configuration. Older computers use them. You're Powerbook may be one.

One more suggestion. Have you thought about emailing the files to yourself? Or using online storage to transfer the files if the ethernet solution doesn't work for you?

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Answer 8

retlaw3 Author

Level 1

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Nov 29, 2006 6:01 PM in response to Joel C.

I'm pretty sure you don't need a cross over cable for
your Powerbook and you definitely don't need one
on the Macbook. I think your Powerbook should be auto
sensing. Basically a crossover cable switches the
wires from one jack so they don't run straight to the
other jack in the same configuration. Older computers
use them. You're Powerbook may be one.

One more suggestion. Have you thought about emailing
the files to yourself? Or using online storage to
transfer the files if the ethernet solution doesn't
work for you?

Do you mean that a regular ethernet cable is likely to work?

As to the emailing option, I know that is there but it will be PAINFUL since I have many files and experience teaches that I can't attach more than three or four files to one message at a time. So, If I can use a regular ethernet cable, i will probably give that option a go first.

Thanks,

retlaw3

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Answer 9

Joel C.

Level 6

15,919 points

Nov 29, 2006 6:58 PM in response to retlaw3

Well I really don't know what Powerbook you have but if you click on the link in my above post you'll see which computers won't need a crossover cable. If yours is one of them then yes a regular ethernet cable will be fine. If not then you can purchase one which isn't expensive.

Yeah I know it's a hassle to email them to yourself. Just trying to provide you another option.

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Answer 10

Nov 30, 2006 2:39 PM in response to retlaw3

I believe the problem is that OS 9 doesn't have the smarts to make itself visible to the MacBook. If I recall correctly, open the TCP control panel on your G4 and find its IP address. Then type that into the Server dialog box on the MacBook.

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Answer 11

Dec 1, 2006 11:10 AM in response to retlaw3

On your MacBook, when the two computers are connected via Ethernet, from the Desktop, type "Apple + k" or choose "Connect to Server" from the Go menu. In the window that pops-up, type the IP address of the MacBook like this:

User uploaded file

I really think that FireWire Target Disk Mode is the way to go, though. I believe that if you make sure your PowerBook's firmware is up-to-date then it will work correctly.

-Doug

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Answer 12

retlaw3 Author

Level 1

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Nov 29, 2006 10:30 AM in response to Benny P.

benny,

Thanks for your interest. Yes, I purchased a d2Lacie drive to use as backup for the new MacBook. The use of the Lacie HD as a transfer mechanism was plan B. However, even after loading the Lacie software on the G4 which I was coached to load by the Lacie literature, the G4 would not recognize the Lacie drive. I do not have another external drive. Plan C was to use CDs but the G4 has no CD burner and I don't have an eternal CD burner either.
So, I need to make plan A, Firewire transfer, work, or come up with plan D. Regards, retlaw3

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Answer 13

retlaw3 Author

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Nov 29, 2006 11:57 AM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Doug,

Yes, I had the two computers connected with the Firewire cable. And, yes, in the Finder for the new MacBook Hard Drives was checked under "Show these items on the desktop. Both add'l choices are also checked (CDs, DVDs, Ipods and Connected servers). Yes, the Lacie HD will show up on the desktop of the MacBook when I plug it in. Thanks and regards,
retlaw3

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Answer 14

retlaw3 Author

Level 1

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Nov 29, 2006 1:59 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

The Powerbook HD is Mac OS Extended format.

I am not clear what key(s) to hold down while starting up the Powerbook to put it into the Target mode. Just the T key? Can you tell me? If so, I will give it a try, starting up in the Target mode, THEN plugging in the Firewire cable.

If things go well, then the Powerbooks HD should appear on the MacBook's desktop. If it does, I will transfer my files, then "eject" the Powerbook HD off the Macbook desktop, then unplug the Firewire cable and restart the Powerbook. If the Powerbook HD does NOT appear on the Macbook desktop, then I will just unplug the Firewire cable and restart the Powerbook.

I think I have it right. Just need the confirmation on what key(s) to hold down while starting up the Powerbook. (I think it is T only, but would appreciate confirmation.)

Thanks and regards,
retlaw3

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Answer 15

troy enn

Level 5

4,250 points

Nov 29, 2006 2:10 PM in response to retlaw3

Yes, it is 'T' - press it down as soon as you hear the start-up chime. You'll know it worked when you have the 'bouncing' firewire icon floating along your screen.

Everything else you said makes sense - have fun 🙂

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