PowerBook 1400: Read Me

This article contains the Read Me document for the PowerBook 1400.
Important Information
For Your Macintosh PowerBook Computer

Contents

Important Information About Expansion Bay Modules

Important Information About SRAM PC Cards

Important Information About Using an External Monitor

Important Information About Using Your Computer as a Hard Disk or Using External SCSI Devices

Important Information About Printing with an Apple Printer

Important Information About Audio CDs in an External CD-ROM Drive

Tips
Troubleshooting
Compatibility Issues
Important Information About Networking

Important Information About Virtual Memory

Important Information About Macintosh PC Exchange
Important Information About Expansion Bay Modules

WARNING Before removing or inserting a module (such as a CD-ROM drive or floppy disk drive) in the expansion bay, be sure to shut down your computer or put it in sleep. Also remove any media, such as a CD or floppy disk, from the module before switching the module. If you remove or insert a module while the computer is turned on and not in sleep, you may lose data or the computer may not recognize the module.

Important Information About SRAM PC Cards

Don't use an SRAM storage card (also called a flash RAM card) as a startup disk on your PowerBook. Use SRAM cards for extra storage only. If you try to use an SRAM card as a startup disk, you will see an error message. You must remove the SRAM card before you can restart the computer.

Important Information About Using an External Monitor

If you have an external monitor connected to your computer, be sure that the PowerBook's display is open whenever you start up or wake from sleep.

Important Information About Using Your Computer as a Hard Disk or Using External SCSI Devices

You May Need to Install the Slow SCSI Extension for SCSI Operations

Your PowerBook needs additional software to transfer data correctly with external SCSI devices that are relatively slow, such as an Iomega Zip drive or a 1x or 2x CD-ROM drive. Also, you must install the Slow SCSI Extension to use your PowerBook as the "controlling" computer for another PowerBook that is connected to it as a hard disk (called SCSI disk mode). To install the Slow SCSI Extension, follow these steps.
1. Locate the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk and open it.
2. Drag the Slow SCSI Extension to the icon of the System Folder.
3. Click OK in the dialog box that appears.
4. Restart the computer.
Note: Do not install the Slow SCSI Extension if you do not use a slow external SCSI device or control another PowerBook in SCSI disk mode.

Installing System 7.5.3 on a PowerBook in SCSI Disk Mode

Avoid installing System 7.5.3 on a PowerBook that is being used as a hard disk (SCSI disk mode), if possible. When SCSI disk mode is used, the Installer program cannot identify the computer as a PowerBook, and the correct system components may not be installed.

Important Information About Printing with an Apple Printer

If you use an Apple printer, the system software installed on your PowerBook includes software that puts an icon for your printer on the desktop and lets you change default printers from a menu or from the Control Strip. For complete information about desktop printing with an Apple printer, see "About Desktop Printing" in the folder About the Mac OS located in the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk.
Note: The desktop printing software does not create an icon on the desktop when you use Fax Sender (part of the Apple Telecom software on your hard disk).

Important Information About Audio CDs in an External CD-ROM Drive

If you connect an external CD-ROM drive to your computer, you can record sounds from an audio CD in the drive (using the Simple Sound program in the Apple menu). You won't be able to hear the CD's sound through the computer's speaker, however. To record sound, you use a miniplug cable to connect the Line Out plug on the CD-ROM drive (or audio CD player) to the Sound In port on the PowerBook.

Tips

Backing Up the System Software on Your Computer's Hard Disk

It's a good idea to make a backup copy of the System Folder and other system software that is installed on the hard disk of your PowerBook. You can use the System Backup folder, located inside the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk, for this purpose. The programs and files inside the System Backup folder allow you to create floppy disks of the system software and to reinstall the system software from special files (disk images). See the file named "System Backup Read Me" in the System Backup folder for instructions.

Reinstalling System Software from the System Backup Folder or the PowerBook 1400 CD

If you experience issues with your System Folder or other system software on your computer's hard disk, you can reinstall the system software from three sources:
You can use the Launcher to reinstall system software or make floppy backup disks. Follow these steps to find the backup programs in the Launcher.
1. Open the Launcher control panel (in the Control Panels folder, in the Apple menu).
2. Click Service/Support at the top of the Launcher window.
3. Click Install System Software to reinstall core system software, or click Make System Floppies to make a backup set of floppy disks for core system software.

If you can't start up the computer as usual, use the Disk Tools floppy disk or the PowerBook 1400 CD that came with your computer to start up. Then use one of the options above to reinstall the system software.

Using a PC Card Modem

The PC Card Modem Files folder contains files for use with some of the software on your hard disk. If you don't see the name of your modem listed when you set up America Online, Apple Internet Connection Kit, Apple Remote Access, or Apple Telecom, check this folder for the file you need. You will have to put the file for your modem in the same location as files for other modems used by the software.

Using IR File Transfer

When using the IR window on your PowerBook, be sure to position the computer so that the IR window faces the IR window of the other computer and that the two windows are within 3 feet of each other. Adjust one or both computers' positions until they recognize each other (when Apple IR File Exchange is the active program).

Using Audio CDs

The Control Strip contains new software you can use to control audio CDs. You use this section of the Control Strip to start, stop, or pause play, choose individual tracks, and eject a CD.

Troubleshooting

IMPORTANT For more troubleshooting information on the issues described below and other topics, refer to Macintosh Guide (available in the Guide menu when the Finder is active) and the manuals that came with your computer.

Serial Port Issues with the Apple Internet Connection Kit

You see a message that the serial port is in use, or you cannot use Apple Internet Dialer. This issue can occur when the software controlling the modem does not recognize the port to which the modem is connected. You can work around this issue by following one of the procedures below for the type of modem you have.
* For a PC Card modem:
1. Open the Apple Internet Dialer program (by clicking its icon in the Launcher control panel or double-clicking the icon in the hard disk window).
2. Click OK in the greeting window.
3. Click the Settings arrow to display the modem information in the Dialer window (if necessary).
4. Open the Port pop-up menu and choose Printer-Modem Port.
5. Open the Port pop-up menu again and choose the PC Card Slot (Lower or Upper) in which the modem is located.
6. Click Register.
* For an external modem:
1. Turn off AppleTalk using the Control Strip (the AppleTalk section has a small Macintosh icon with a cable below it).
2. Disconnect the network cable from the Printer-Modem port (if necessary).
3. Connect the external modem to the Printer-Modem port.
4. Open the Apple Internet Dialer program (by clicking its icon in the Launcher control panel or double-clicking the icon in the hard disk window).
5. Click OK in the greeting window.
6. Click the Settings arrow to display the modem information in the Dialer window (if necessary).
7. Open the Port pop-up menu and choose Printer-Modem Port.
8. Click Register.

Printing Issues

Your system freezes or experiences other issues when you print on a desktop printer that is not connected to the computer. This issue can occur when you attempt to print and then close the PowerBook display, putting the computer to sleep. When the computer wakes, a dialog box reports that the printer could not be found. Clicking any option in the dialog box causes the computer to freeze. You must restart the computer, by pressing Command-Control-Power (on/off).

Your system freezes or experiences other issues when printing on a LaserWriter Select 300 or 310 printer. This issue can occur when you attempt to print but your printer is not connected to your computer. Trying to cancel printing in the Print Monitor does not solve the issue and may produce a flashing error message or cause your computer's performance to slow down.

Connect the printer to the computer. If you see a message with a Continue button, click Continue. Normal printing is resumed.

You have trouble printing on a StyleWriter or StyleWriter II printer. If you use a StyleWriter or StyleWriter II printer with your computer, use the StyleWriter 1200 printer driver that came installed on your computer. Do not install your older StyleWriter driver; it is not compatible with current PowerBook computers.

You have trouble printing with Apple PhotoFlash. If you have issues printing images with the PhotoFlash software, make sure that you choose a printer in the Chooser before you choose the Print command from the File menu.

You see a low-memory warning when you print Stickies on a StyleWriter, StyleWriter II, or StyleWriter 1200 printer. This issue can occur when the amount of memory Stickies uses is set below 150K. Try increasing the amount of memory available to Stickies. For instructions on changing the memory a program uses, refer to Macintosh Guide, available from the Guide menu when the Finder is active. The Stickies application program is located in the Apple Menu Items folder (inside the System Folder).

Performance Issues

You see a message that not enough memory is available. This issue can occur for several reasons. For detailed tips on memory-related issues, refer to the troubleshooting information in the manuals that came with your computer, and the information on memory in Macintosh Guide (available in the Guide menu when the Finder is active) In many instances, simply restarting your computer will restore normal performance.

Issues with Sound

When you play back sound you've recorded, you notice clicks, pops, or skips. This issue can occur if you have virtual memory turned on while you're recording sound or when you have AppleTalk turned on when recording or playing digital audio. Turn off virtual memory (in the Memory control panel) and AppleTalk (in the Control Strip or the Chooser) before recording or playing sound.

Adjusting the volume slider in a sound application has no effect on the volume, or turns the volume all the way up or all the way down (no in-between settings). This issue occurs on some newer models that handle sound differently from some application programs. You can use the system sound settings to adjust the volume. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Apple menu and choose Control Panels.
2. Open the Monitors & Sound control panel.
3. Choose the sound input device you want to hear from the pop-up menu. (For an internal CD-ROM drive, choose Expansion Bay from the pop-up menu.)
4. Use the slider to adjust the sound volume of the sound input device you want to hear.

You are using a keyboard and a MIDI interface with your PowerBook and you can't play or record any sounds. If you are using MIDI applications, a keyboard, and an Apple MIDI interface with your PowerBook, you may need to change the serial cable between the MIDI interface and the keyboard. To avoid incorrect transmission of data, use a 2-foot serial cable from the MIDI interface to the keyboard (or to another computer). A longer serial cable, such as the 6-foot or 7-foot ones commonly used, can result in transmission errors or failure.

You are using an application that requires the Sound control panel. Some application programs that use sound require the Sound control panel, an older control panel that has been replaced on your computer by the Monitors & Sound control panel.

You can install the Sound control panel by doing a custom installation of system software from the Launcher control panel on your hard disk or from CD that came with your computer. To install the Sound control panel, follow these steps.
1. Insert the CD in a drive to which your computer has access (CD only).
2. Locate the folder for installing system software (CD only).
3. Open the Installer program (in the Launcher control panel of the hard disk or in the system installation folder on the CD) and click Continue in the welcome screen.
4. Choose Custom Install from the pop-up menu at the upper-left corner of the Installer window.
5. Click the triangle next to Control Panels in the list.
6. Scroll through the list of control panels and click to put an X in the box next to Sound.
7. Make sure your computer's hard disk is the destination disk. (Click the Switch Disk button if necessary.)
8. Click Install.

Networking and File Sharing Issues

You open the MacTCP control panel and don't see the icon for the network connection you want to use. MacTCP displays the icon for the network connection currently in use. To use a different network connection in MacTCP, you must first open the Network control panel and select the icon for that network connection. Then open MacTCP again and the icon for that connection will be available.

AppleShare displays incorrect information for large drives. If you use file sharing to share a disk larger than 2 gigabytes (GB), some older computers connected to your computer may display an incorrect size for the disk in the Get Info box. (Get Info reports the disk to be 2 GB in size, even if it is larger.)

Since these older computers do not support the larger drives, they also cannot report correct information about the drives. (Computers with System 7.5 display correct information.)

You can't reconnect to a server. If you unexpectedly lose a connection to a server on which you have items in use, and then choose the server from the Recent Servers item in the Apple menu, you get a message that the disk could not be opened because you do not have enough access privileges or because the server can't be found on the network. Before you can reconnect to the server, you must close any open files. If you need to save work in a file, use Save As to save it on a different disk.

You see zones or servers listed in the Chooser, but the network cable is not connected to the computer. This issue can occur if you disconnect the network cable from the back of your computer while the Chooser is open. Be sure to shut down your computer before disconnecting a network cable.

Issues Using a RAM disk

You see a message that your RAM disk is unreadable. Under some circumstances you may see the following message after setting up a RAM disk:

"This disk is unreadable by this Macintosh. Do you want to initialize the disk?"

Decrease the size of the RAM disk. If you see the message again, decrease the size again. Continue to decrease in small amounts until the message no longer appears.

Issues with Programs Freezing or Quitting Unexpectedly

The PowerBook freezes when it is being used as a hard disk (while connected to another computer). Occasionally the PowerBook may freeze when it is connected to another computer and being used as a hard disk (often called "SCSI disk mode"). This issue can occur when the other computer is turned off. If the PowerBook freezes while being used as a hard disk, press the Reset button on the back of the computer to turn the computer off. Then turn off the other computer, if necessary, and either disconnect the two computers or restart the PowerBook (first) and the other computer (second).

The PowerBook freezes when it is starting up. When a certain combination of application programs is installed, the computer may freeze during startup because the extensions for the programs conflict. If you have installed Global Village modem software, Meeting Maker, and QuickMail, you may experience this issue. To work around the extension conflict, follow these steps.
1. Start up the computer with extensions off (by holding down the Shift key during startup).
2. Open the Extensions folder (inside the System Folder) and add the letter "z" as the first letter of the Global Village Toolbox extension. (This will cause the Global Village extension to load after other extensions and thus avoid the conflict.)
3. Restart the computer.

QuarkXPress freezes when you attempt to modify an item. To use QuarkXPress on your computer, you must upgrade to QuarkXPress version 3.3.2 or later.

Maple V quits unexpectedly when you change your monitor resolution. This can occur if you use the Control Strip to change the monitor resolution while the Maple V program is active. Use the Monitors & Sound control panel instead of the Control Strip to change screen resolution. For instructions on using the Monitors & Sound control panel, refer to Macintosh Guide (available in the Guide menu when the Finder is active).

When you try to install Adobe Premiere Deluxe, the pointer freezes. This can occur if you have virtual memory turned on and AppleTalk active when you try to install Adobe Premiere Deluxe. Turn off virtual memory and make AppleTalk inactive before installing. For instructions, refer to Macintosh Guide, available from the Guide menu when the Finder is active. This issue does not occur if you select Adobe Premiere 4.2 installation instead of Adobe Premiere Deluxe.

Issues Using a Modem

You have trouble using a modem. If you use a PC Card modem with your PowerBook, you must designate where the modem is located. Use the setup or configuration command of your communications program to select the PC Card slot in which the modem is installed.

If you connect an external modem to the printer/external modem port on the back of the PowerBook, you must choose that port in the communications software.

Issues Sending a Fax

You have trouble sending a fax. If you use PowerTalk Direct Dialup Mail and have trouble sending a fax, it may be because both Direct Dialup and STF PowerFax PE are set to auto-answer. To turn off STF auto-answer, open the STF Setup window and set 'n' to "never" (in the "Answer on 'n' rings" section).

Compatibility Issues

Japanese and Chinese Language Kits

To use the Japanese Language Kit with your computer, you must install version 1.2 or later. In the United States, you can obtain an upgrade by calling Claris Corporation at 1-800-293-6617.

To use the Chinese Language Kit with your computer, make sure you use version 1.1.1 or later. To install the Chinese Language Kit version 1.1.1, follow these three steps:
1. Install the WorldScript Updater 1.0.
2. Install the Chinese Language Kit version 1.0 or 1.1.
3. Install the Chinese Language Kit Updater to update your software to version 1.1.1.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to follow the steps in the order shown.

QuarkXPress

To use QuarkXPress with System 7.5.3 on a PowerPC-based computer, you must upgrade to QuarkXPress version 3.3.2.

Microsoft Office

If you are using Microsoft Office 4.2.1, you need the "Office 4.2x Update For Power Mac" version 1.0.1 extension, and the "Microsoft Office Manager" version 4.2.1b control panel. These can be found on the Internet. Download the MC1164.HQX and MOMPATCH.HQX "patch" (update) files from Microsoft. The patches are available on the Internet at:

ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/softlib/mslfiles

SAM Virus Detection

SAM (Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh) version 4.0 does not work with System Software version 7.5.3. To use SAM, you must obtain SAM version 4.0.8 from the Symantec Corporation. Note: The first time you restart your computer after installing SAM 4.0.8, the screen may be only partially redrawn after you dismiss the SAM startup message. This screen issue only occurs once after you install SAM 4.0.8.

Important Information About Networking

Your computer can use either of two sets of network software, classic networking or Open Transport. You use the Network Software Selector program (in the Apple Extras folder) to switch between these sets of network software.

Open Transport and classic networking have different ways of storing information in the parameter RAM (PRAM) that are not compatible for anything but LocalTalk. Switching between Open Transport and classic networking will usually cause the network connection to revert to LocalTalk. After switching and restarting, you can use the Network control panel (for classic networking) or the AppleTalk control panel (for Open Transport) to reselect the desired network connection.

When classic networking is in effect, you use the Network control panel to select a network connection. The MacTCP control panel shows the network connection currently selected in the Network control panel. Therefore, to change the network connection in MacTCP, you must change that connection in the Network control panel.

Important Information About Virtual Memory

Virtual memory (VM) is a feature of the Macintosh that lets you use part of your hard disk as additional memory. If you are using an application program designed especially for Power Macintosh computers (often called a "native" application program), turning on virtual memory lets your application use less memory. Your computer comes with virtual memory turned on.

If you notice performance issues (such as your computer's responses seeming unusually slow) using certain application programs, you may want to turn off virtual memory. For information on how to turn virtual memory on and off, choose Macintosh Guide from the Guide menu, and select the Memory topic area. Then select the two topics "How do I use hard disk space as memory?" and "Tips for PowerPC-based computers."

For best performance, try setting virtual memory to no more than 150% of the memory (RAM) installed in your computer, or no more than 50% of your currently available hard disk space, whichever number is lower. For example, if your computer has 16 MB of RAM and your hard drive has 50 MB of available space, set virtual memory to a maximum of 24 MB.

To improve performance, you can also add memory (RAM) to your computer. See the user's manual that came with your computer for more information.

Important Information About Macintosh PC Exchange

AutoDoubler

To use AutoDoubler with Macintosh PC Exchange, you must first open the AutoDoubler control panel and turn off the "Show DD on Compressed Files" option from the DD menu.

Compressed PC Disks and Files

Macintosh PC Exchange does not work with DOS-format floppy disks or SCSI hard disks that have been compressed using Stacker or other DOS or Windows disk-compression utilities. Before transferring compressed DOS files to a Mac OS-based computer, you must decompress the files and save them on a noncompressed DOS-format floppy disk.

DMF Format PC Disks

Microsoft provides some PC software on floppy disks that use a formatting scheme called DMF. PC Exchange version 2.0.5 can't read DMF-formatted floppy disks. Standard DOS-format floppy disks work correctly with PC Exchange 2.0.5.

Working With Disks Containing Multiple Partitions

If a SCSI hard disk or removable media cartridge has been formatted to contain multiple partitions, you can use PC Exchange to mount the Mac OS-, DOS-, or ProDOS-format partitions as individual volumes on the Macintosh desktop. If the disk contains both Mac OS- and DOS-format partitions, PC Exchange will recognize only the Mac OS partition. In addition, PC Exchange will recognize ProDOS-format partitions only on SCSI hard disks that are less than 32 megabytes.

You can use PC Exchange to erase existing individual partitions on a SCSI hard disk or removable media cartridge if they have the same format. However, you cannot use PC Exchange to reformat and resize individual partitions contained on the disk. Nor can you format a Mac OS-format hard disk or removable media cartridge as a DOS-format disk. To resize or reformat multiple Mac OS, DOS, or ProDOS partitions, you need to use third-party software designed for partitioning hard disks and removable media cartridges.

Working with DOS-Format SCSI Removable Media Devices

In order for PC Exchange to recognize any SCSI removable media device, you must turn on the device and eject any cartridges before you turn on your computer.

Do not install the device driver software that came with your removable media device. Instead, open the PC Exchange control panel, click the Options button, select your SCSI device from the list, and then restart your computer. PC Exchange will install its own device driver for that SCSI device.

The Eject Disk command is unavailable when you are working with removable media devices. To unmount and eject a removable media cartridge, drag the device's icon to the Trash. Once the device has stopped spinning and the red light goes out, you can manually eject the cartridge from the drive. To access a removable media cartridge that has been ejected, simply reinsert the cartridge in the drive.

When initializing and formatting Bernoulli and SyQuest cartridges on a DOS or DOS-compatible computer, use the disk setup and partitioning software that came with the SCSI controller card installed in your PC or that came with your Bernouli or SyQuest device. (Do not use the MS-DOS FDISK command.) Also, use the MS-DOS FORMAT command to format a newly initialized removable media cartridge on a DOS or DOS-compatible personal computer before you copy DOS files onto it.

When you initialize a removable media cartridge on a DOS or DOS-compatible PC, you must fully partition, initialize, and erase the cartridge using the software that came with your SCSI controller card or removable media drive. If you do not, PC Exchange may not recognize the new DOS-format partitions on that cartridge.

Working with DOS-Format SCSI Hard Disk Drives

In order for Macintosh PC Exchange to recognize a SCSI hard disk drive, you must turn on the drive before you turn on your computer.

Do not install the device driver software that came with your removable media device. Instead, open the PC Exchange control panel, click the Options button, select your SCSI device from the list, and then restart your computer. PC Exchange will install its own device driver for that SCSI device.

When initializing and formatting an external SCSI hard disk connected to a DOS or DOS-compatible PC, use the MS-DOS FDISK command or the disk setup and partitioning software that came with the SCSI controller card installed in your PC. In addition, you should use the MS-DOS FORMAT command to format and erase the disk before you copy DOS files to a new SCSI hard disk connected to a PC.

Tips and Issues


Copyright 1996 Apple Computer. Inc. All rights reserved.
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleLink, AppleTalk, AppleShare, LaserWriter, Mac, Macintosh, MacTCP, PhotoFlash, Power Macintosh, PowerBook, PowerTalk, QuickTime, StyleWriter, and WorldScript are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. AudioVision, Balloon Help, Extensions Manager, Finder, MacinTalk, and Macintosh PC Exchange, are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mention of non-Apple products is for informational purposes and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these products.

Revised 8/16/96
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012