Iomega drive recognized but not reading

[andrewisonemail]

Iomega drive is recognized by my computer, but it only reads the disk that was provided with it. I have 8 other Iomega 100mb Zip Disk and computer says insert disk when it's already inserted in the drive. Do i have to use a specific zip drive?

Are not all iomega zip drives compatible with all iomega zip disks?

 

[Mark RM]

No, you can't read a 750mb zip disk in a 100 meg drive. Higher-capacity Zip disks must be used in a drive with at least the same capacity ability.

Edit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip_drive#Compatibility

 

[andrewisonsemail]

I am using a 100mb drive with 100mb disks. It is the same size Dr in each discs a zip 100mb on them. I have noticed that the only one that works for this drive has the word Mac written on the front.

 

[Mark RM]

If they were formatted with the Iomega software and not with Windows, then you'll have to have a machine with the Iomega software installed, they format out different. I recall this from ancient times when I used to order LS 120 drives instead of just floppy disks in my laptops. (LS drives were competition to Iomega drives but the drives could still read floppies)

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Is there any way to download the old software for iomega drives? I have both than XP and Windows 8 computer so I could use either one to download it.

 

[Mark RM]

The software was called Iomegaware, there's a few versions floating around if you do a quick google. You'll have more luck with XP than windows 8 for sure.

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Anyone know where I can download the iomegaware software?

 

[Mark RM]

you mean like if you type iomegaware into google and get this link right away?
http://download.cnet.com/IomegaWare-Tools-Windows-NT/3000-2122_4-10004980.html

it works for win 2K so it will work with XP mostly likely, same driver set.

 

[andrewisonsemail]

I tried that one before you answered me back and it nearly shut my computer down took me 30 minutes to get it back up must be virus encrypted

 

[Mark RM]

more than likely it contains some adware with the download.

I generally download those and manually extract them with 7 zip and go right to the software folder and bypass the third party install.

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Ok thanks for all the help, I'm hoping the install will make the Drive read my disk!

 

[Mark RM]

Me too or I wouldn't spend time helping, good luck!

 

[andrewisonsemail]

No, you can't read a 750mb zip disk in a 100 meg drive. Higher-capacity Zip disks must be used in a drive with at least the same capacity ability.

Edit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip_drive#Compatibility

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Hey Mark I can't seem to get a download version of the iomega software without adware attached. I tried using 7-Zip but it says it cannot open an archive file whatever that means. Any ideas here?

 

[Mark RM]

Did you try the one at Major Geeks?
http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/iomegaware,1.html

I was able to install it on Windows 10 with XP SP3 compatibility mode. It has no adware.

I mean it doesn't work because I don't have a drive... but the program seems fine

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Is there a comparability mode on Windows 8?

 

[The Paladin]

install it, right click on icon, goto advanced and set compatibility mode to win xp

 

[Mark RM]

yes, right click the file and choose compatibility troubleshooter. But there may be driver issues (like I said I don't have a drive) so install on XP if possible.

 

[andrewisonsemail]

I did all those steps and set it as Windows XP. For some reason after it installs it asked me to restart the computer to finish and when I do, my computer always has trouble loading backup and asks me to do a system restore.

 

[Mark RM]

On windows 8 right?
The driver isn't going to load on that OS even though we tried compatibility mode. The driver framework for the Iomega is basically NT 4.0/5.0 compliant and will work till it hits an actual Windows XP (NT 5.1) install in most cases.

 

[andrewisonsemail]

After successfully installing iomegaware onto my Windows XP computer, it still says please insert a disk into drive J when there's already a disk in the drive. Again only the disk that came with the drive seems to work but the other zip discs are not being read for whatever reason.

Not sure how to format do adjust any different from here.

 

[Mark RM]

The OS is saying please insert a disk, not Iomegaware right? Just to be clear

 

[andrewisonsemail]

Yes the operating system when you go to my computer, and view the individual Drive.

 

[Mark RM]

That means the drive is not formatted and mounted and ready for use.

You can use the Iomega software for this function, once the file system is laid on it, it will be accessible.