This article is the About the PCMCIA Update file.

You should install the PCMCIA Update on your PowerBook 500 series computer if you use a PC Card (PCMCIA) modem, the PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module (Model No. M2864 V1), and are experiencing performance problems. The PCMCIA Update can substantially increase modem driver performance when operating at speeds greater than 9600 bps. It also provides necessary compatibility and performance improvements when you use some 28.8 kbps modem cards.

The PCMCIA Update revises the modem driver software that is permanently stored inside the PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module. The software you received on the PowerBook PCMCIA Software disk provided with the module has not changed, so you do not need to reinstall it.

Installing the PCMCIA Update

1. To install the PCMCIA Update, you use the Updater program. Follow these steps:

2. Make sure your PCMCIA Expansion Module is installed in your PowerBook.

3. Remove all PC Cards from the PC Card slots.

4. Double-click the PCMCIA Updater icon.

5. Click Update when you are ready to update the module. Follow the instructions on the screen.

6. Click Quit when the update is complete to quit the Updater program.

7. Choose Shut Down from the Special menu.

8. Restart your computer.

You may want to make a note that you updated your module, since there is no way to tell if a module has been updated or not. (However, updating your module more than once should not damage it.)

Using DOS-formatted PC Cards

NOTE: This section explains how to use DOS-formatted PC Cards in a PowerBook 500 series computer with PC Exchange installed. This information is not necessary for using the PCMCIA Update.

Most storage PC Cards are preformatted in a DOS format. PowerBook 500 series computers have the ability to use DOS-formatted cards because of the Macintosh PC Exchange software that ships with every PowerBook.

You need to use Macintosh PC Exchange version 2.0.2 or greater when using DOS-formatted PC Cards. (This version is included with System 7.5).

Installing a newer version of Macintosh PC Exchange

To install a newer version of Macintosh PC Exchange, follow these steps:

1. Drag the PC Exchange icon into the Control Panels folder of your System Folder.

2. Click OK to replace the older version of PC Exchange.

3. Restart your Macintosh.

Macintosh PC Exchange cannot be used to change the format of a PC Card from DOS to Mac OS, or from Mac OS to DOS. If you wish to change a DOS-formatted card to a Mac OS-formatted card, follow these steps:

1. Eject the card you want to reformat.

2. Turn PC Exchange off (open the PC Exchange control panel and select the Off option).

3. Reinsert the PC card.