OS installation problem

[KeithWiggers]

This is basic, but I am having a problem.

I am trying to do a full install of OS 8 to two new HDs on the Solitaire. One HD is a Maxtor, one is a Seagate. The Smart Media card that I have always used to boot up with (to do a full or update installation) has OS 3.6 on it. The problem is, only the Casablanca / Solitaire window comes on and it just sits there. Even after 20 minutes or so, I never get to the window where I can start the installation.

The jumpers on both HDs are set to CS (as are my other working HDs).

I have tried several combinations of; Seagate alone (top sled space), Maxtor alone (top space again) and both sleds in with the Seagate on top.

I also tried booting up with a working HD (with a lower OS) with the Smart Media card in place. Same problem, it just sits there with the Casablanca / Solitaire window on. The window that gives the choices of installation never appears.

Hopefully I am just forgetting something (I only do a full installation about once a year).

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Btw, my recently purchased Maxtor 300 / 320 GB HD does not fit in the Maxtor sled, but does fit the Seagate sled. I suppose a result of Seagate buying out Maxtor.

Keith

[Operations]

Keith,

Do the drives boot normal with no smartcard in the machine? If so, it is very possible that the smartcard is bad. You can send it to MSUS and have it re-burned, or go to your local dealer and have them re-burn it for you.

Dennis

[TimKennelly]

HI Keith,

Missed you at MGT.

I agree with Dennis that your card has likely gone bad (or the reader).

Unplug the Solitaire.

Try a little rubbing alcohol on the gold metal portion of the card and run it in and out of the reader slot before it evaporates off the card.

Let is sit for ten minutes, plug the Solitaire back in and try it again.

There was an OS that required a Seagate to be the primary drive (top sled position) and I think that was fixed sometime later than 3.6.

The older OS drive you mentioned does come up normal when you power up without the OS Smart Card in the slot and this is in the top sled position, correct?

[KeithWiggers]

Thanks Dennis and Tim. I suspect that you are both right - bad card (or hopefully not the reader).

I tried the alcohol rub. No luck.

I will try to answer your last question Tim. I have several HDs, both Maxtor and Seagate, with completed (and in progress) projects with OS's from 4.2 to 7. They all work fine. I did try starting the SOL with the Smart Card inserted with 2 or 3 of these HDs. I had the same results, just the Macrosystem / Solitaire screen.

I do remember the issue of needing a Seagate in the top position. I can't remember either when that changed, but I have added new Seagates and Maxtors several times without problems. Just to be sure though, I have put the new (and a working) Seagate in the top position.

I will take the Smart Card to a dealer. It's time to get an updated one anyway (even though the 3.6 has always allowed me to boot up before).

Thanks again.

Yeh, I missed seeing everyone at MGT too. Hopefully next year.

Keith

[TimKennelly]

SE3 started with SE3.5 so I am pretty positive 3.6 did not fix that Seagate issue so it would have to be formatted in the top drive.

I am wondering whether the "new" Maxtor drives might not have the same issue now that they have "changed".

I would guess it was about 3.8 made the fix, but I would definitely have your dealer put the most up to date 3.x on the Smart Card and check the Smart Card functionality at his place prior to taking it back to yours.

[KeithWiggers]

Dennis and Tim,

This might be a second message - the first one just disappeared.

Gary McNally (Blaine, WA) mailed me a Smart Card w OS 8 on the day I called. I rec'd it today and it works like a charm.

Do those cards go bad? Or can they usually be written over? I tried to read it and format it in my card reader. It gives me the correct size (64 mb) and then says it is Write Protected so cannot be formatted.

I will send him a card to replace the one he sent, but want to be sure it is a usable one.

Thanks.

Keith

[TimKennelly]

They can go bad, they can also be short circuited.

I have not used a SM card in years, but I believe they have a notch that you cover to physically write protect the card and removing the cover allows writing to the card.

Good to hear your issue is resolved.

[Martyn]

Yes SmartMedia cards do go bad. I have a stack of them here which either show a very small capacity or cannot be "found". When I had an ancient Windows 98 PC I could re-format some of them, but unfortunately the pc passed away Since '98, Windows doesn't seem to want to know. Anyone with a series II Casablanca should be aware that these cards are still required should you ever need to install a new hard drive, and of course more especially for those without a DVD burner. SmartCards are now obsolete so are VERY valuable. Keep them in a safe place (well ok, a place you can remember)

Martyn
Dalco uk

[Beachy]

I found that instead of rubbing the alcohol on the media card, drink all of it, then you wont give a toss wether it works or not!!