The likely cause of this error is starting up the computer using the Shift-Option-Command-Delete key sequence. Holding down these keys at startup forces the system to start up from the next SCSI device (above 0), which is the CD-ROM disc. However, if you start up the computer using this key sequence on a computer with an IDE hard drive, the system may have difficulty seeing the hard disk.
Instead, you should start up the computer while holding down the C key (lower case) when you need to restore your system software. (This is noted in the User's Manual for the Macintosh Performa 6400 series computers)
Holding down the C key at startup has the same effect as does the Shift-Option-Command-Delete key sequence, but it allows the hard drive to be properly recognized.
This article was published in the Information Alley on 31 October 1996.
Article Change History:
12 Nov 1996 - Added alley blurb and keyword.