TITLE
    PowerBook G3 Series: Mac OS Extended Format Compatibility Issues
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
30541
5/6/98
9/1/99

TOPIC

    This article discusses compatibility issues with the PowerBook G3 Series' new and improved file format called Mac OS Extended format.


DISCUSSION

    Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. To visually identify which type of computer you have, close the display and inspect the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 has a small, six-color Apple logo on the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computer has a large Apple logo on the display case that is not six-colored.

    The PowerBook G3 Series' hard disk uses a new, improved file format called Mac OS Extended format (sometimes called HFS Plus). Mac OS Extended format has two benefits: it increases the number of files you can store on your hard disk, and it lets your computer work with data more efficiently than previous formats.

    Using Norton Utilities
    Norton Utilities version 3.5 is not compatible with Mac OS Extended format. When version 3.5.3 or 3.5.2 detects a Mac OS Extended format drive, it will not attempt to repair the drive.

    Warning: Norton Utilities versions 3.5.1 and earlier cannot recognize that a hard disk is in Mac OS Extended format . Using Norton Utilities version 3.5.1 or earlier on your hard disk can result in hard disk corruption and loss of all your data.

    If you experience problems with your hard disk, Apple Computer recommends using the version of Disk First Aid included on your system software CD. See the Symantec Web site at:
    " http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/num/kbase_num.html " for more information on Norton Utilities and Mac OS Extended format.

    Using Other Hard Disk Utility and Disk Locking Programs
    Some other disk utility and disk locking programs are incompatible with Mac OS Extended format. Before you attempt to use a disk utility or disk locking program, make sure the version you have is compatible with Mac OS Extended format. Check the documentation that came with the program or contact the manufacturer or the vendor that supplied the program.

    Using SCSI Disk Mode
    To use your PowerBook in SCSI disk mode, the computer to which you are connecting your PowerBook must have Mac OS 8.1 or later installed. If the computer has an earlier version of system software, you will not be to access your PowerBook's hard disk.

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: PowerBook
Sub Category: PowerBook G3 Series

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