[DuoList] PowerBook 2400c booting external CD-ROM

[Clark Martin]

On 3/25/10 12:53 PM, Ward Curry wrote:
> I am trying to re-install the system software on a PowerBook 2400c. I
> just purchased an external SCSI CD-ROM drive off eBay for this purpose.
> I have a connection cable and a terminator on the other SCSI port. Every
> time I try to boot holding down the "C" key it comes up in SCSI disk
> mode with a "2" flashing across the screen. How do I get it to boot off
> the CD-ROM? I have an OS 8.1 system software disk I am using, I just
> can't get it to boot off the CD-ROM.

The "2" means the laptop is coming up in SCSI Disk Mode.  That means the 
laptop is making the internal harddisk appear as a SCSI drive, number 2. 
  The intent is to allow you to plug the SCSI cable into a Mac and do 
formatting / installations on the PBs hd via the other Mac.

Take a look at your SCSI cable, the part that plugs into the PB (or via 
an adapter).  There should be either 29 or 30 pins, the difference is 
one pin in a corner.  If the pin is missing you have a standard SCSI 
cable.  If the pin is there you a SCSI disk mode cable, either full time 
or switch selectable.  See if there is a switch located somewhere on the 
cable.  If the connector has the pin (it should since your PB is going 
into SCSI Disk Mode) and has no switch then you need to get another SCSI 
cable.


-- 
Clark Martin
Redwood City, CA, USA
Macintosh / Internet Consulting

"I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway"