Problems copying files to/from Zip/Jaz cartridges: Iomega replies

In Troubleshooting Mac OS 8.5.1, we cover continuing reports of problems copying files to and from Zip/Jaz cartridges. Several readers (although not all!) found that downgrading from Iomega driver 6.x to a 5.x version eliminated the problem. An Iomega employee, speaking off the record, sent us this information:

For Mac OS 8.0 and higher, Iomega recommends version 6.x or higher. We've not seen any persistent problems with copying files. Mac OS 8.x has many major changes to the operating system that requires the newer versions. No one should be running a driver version earlier than 6.0 with Mac OS 8.x.

Any read/write errors are usually solved by a close examination of the SCSI chain. Termination is the most problematic issue.

Despite this, readers continue to report that a downgrade works. Brian Bard adds: "Note that in order for the downgrade to work consistently, you have to go to Iomega Drive Options, select Advanced Options and set the driver to 'Always update driver' on the disk." Sean Murphy confirms that this is useful advice even if you use a 6.x driver. He writes: "The control panel was originally set on 'Update only when driver is older than current version,' but that didn't seem to work properly."