MPC 3000 cant format internal Zip

Hi everyone, I just got me a Mpc 3000 off ebay and it came with an internal Zip installed by Forat. However it did not come with any disks so I bought a bunch of Disks from two guys out here. The 3000 is an absolutely wonderful machine but I just cant get to work any of my 30 disks with the 3000. They are not formatted.

I bought a few disks from one guy and one from another, so I am sure that it aint possible that theyre all corrupted or sth.

I am not sure if I have to format a floppy or SCSI hard disk since the Zip drive is internal and I read somewhere that forat installed the drives as a floppy replacement so that the external SCSI would still work. I tried both options but they both dont work.

When I hit format a floppy it says: There is no floppy disk in the drive. Please insert a disk. Error Code FF80. And when I hit Format a SCSI hard disk it says the same.

Additionally to that when I try to make SCSI device active, it says: No SCSI device was found. Make sure the SCSI device is connected, power is on and Auto or the correct SCSI address is entered in the SCSI Status screen. Error Code FF48.

Does it mean the internal Zip Drive is damaged? Or do I have to format the Disks on a PC?

I would really appreciate your help!

Thank you guys

ates102 wrote:I am not sure if I have to format a floppy or SCSI hard disk

As far as I know an internal Zip is a SCSI device so you should be formatting a SCSI hard disk not a floppy. Installing a Zip drive in the floppy bay may involve some non-standard connections/ adaptors or third-party wiring, particularly if the external SCSI port remains active. Open up the machine and have a look for any loose or disconnected cables or connectors, these can work themselves loose during transit if its a bumpy ride. Forat installs will usually be pretty tidy, but who knows whats been done to the machine by the previous owner.

If you do open the machine, take some photos for reference as these may help us to identify potential problems. If the Zip drive is dead (highly possible), nothing you try will work, so testing the external SCSI port is advised as soon as possible.

Hey clint, thanks for the fast reply. I will open up the machine and post some pics asap.

I just called Mr. Forat and he helped me through the process. What a nice guy. It turned out to be a cable that was unpluged during transit. Thanks for your help though.

clint246clint wrote:Open up the machine and have a look for any loose or disconnected cables or connectors, these can work themselves loose during transit if its a bumpy ride.

Always the first thing to look for, glad you got it sorted.

Absolutely Clint. Great post! Thanks for your help