Please help! My zip disk is stuck in my internal disk drive in my G3 tower. I tried the paper clip in the front to try to encourage it to come out and it won't. The disk is not being recognized on the desktop either. What can I do to get this out without damaging my computer trying?
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Zip Stick in Internal G3 Zip Drive 1
- Thread starter Sarzeznik
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1
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There are two reasons why a zip disk may be stuck: software hiccups or physical jams.
software error:
Your zip drive may be steadily flashing right now to indicate that it has gone wacky. You need to reset it. Try shutting the computer all the way down on the computer[POWER OFF]. Then turn the computer back on. The zip drive should not be flashing now. See if eject works.
physical jam:
If the drive is not flashing but the disk is still stuck, you have a physical problem. It is time for a butter knife. Zip drives can be opened with a jeweler's screwdriver set but since you came to this forum for help, you may not be willing to crack open the drive. If the butter knife approach seems too reckless, take the drive/computer to a service center.
good luck
- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?
software error:
Your zip drive may be steadily flashing right now to indicate that it has gone wacky. You need to reset it. Try shutting the computer all the way down on the computer[POWER OFF]. Then turn the computer back on. The zip drive should not be flashing now. See if eject works.
physical jam:
If the drive is not flashing but the disk is still stuck, you have a physical problem. It is time for a butter knife. Zip drives can be opened with a jeweler's screwdriver set but since you came to this forum for help, you may not be willing to crack open the drive. If the butter knife approach seems too reckless, take the drive/computer to a service center.
good luck
- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?
- Thread starter
- #3
Jimoblak,
Thank you for responding so quickly. The drive is blinking still after I shut it down and started it up again. (I didn't restart but shut it down all of the way). It still blinks and is not visible on the desk top. Anymore suggestions?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Thank you for responding so quickly. The drive is blinking still after I shut it down and started it up again. (I didn't restart but shut it down all of the way). It still blinks and is not visible on the desk top. Anymore suggestions?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
1) Try shutting down and <i>unplugging</i> the computer for a few seconds to be certain that the drive is powered down.
2) Try holding down the SHIFT key while booting to disable all extensions (including the iomega/zip extension). If the drive still flashes and refuses to eject the disk with the paper clip, then there is no other option but to open the computer, open the drive, and yank the disk. You or a service center can do this. The drive may become damaged when you try to remove the disk - - but the drive may have been already damaged if it is refusing to eject.
If the drive is making loud clicking sounds, you need a new one.
- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?
2) Try holding down the SHIFT key while booting to disable all extensions (including the iomega/zip extension). If the drive still flashes and refuses to eject the disk with the paper clip, then there is no other option but to open the computer, open the drive, and yank the disk. You or a service center can do this. The drive may become damaged when you try to remove the disk - - but the drive may have been already damaged if it is refusing to eject.
If the drive is making loud clicking sounds, you need a new one.
- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?
Sorry, I meant to say, try rebooting with the mouse key held down. This should force an eject (though doesn't in all cases).
Also check the connection to the back of the Zip drive is securely plugged in at both ends. I have seen a similar problem with a G4 CD drive in the past.
Also check the connection to the back of the Zip drive is securely plugged in at both ends. I have seen a similar problem with a G4 CD drive in the past.
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