Zip Disks

[imported_goku]

Do Zip Disks need to be formatted with the Iomega utility only or can I use format? I was trying to use command prompt (in XP) and format the drive but it would fail and I was wondering if the disks were defective or not.

The reason I'm testing out these disks is because I was wondering if it would be worth my time to ebay my PATA Zip drive and the Zip disks I have.

 

[Zepper]

I can't imagine anyone buying an extremely unreliable Zip drive and disks when they probably already have an only moderately unreliable CD-RW burner and the media is so much cheaper and can hold so much more.

I think that Zip disks do require you to install the Zip utils and use their formatter. For further testing, visit http://www.grc.com - I think they still have Zip media and drive testing utils free for the download. Also a good source for info on the Zip "click of death" syndrome.

.bh.

 

[Lemon law]

I do have cd-rw drives on both my computers---I also have usb zip-100 drives on both--to exchange files on these computers its lots faster to do it with a zip drive than cd-rw.
As to super unreliable---I have never had to replace either a zip drive or disk.

 

[eastvillager]

I thought zip drives were banished to the outer hells shortly after god created USB thumb drives?

 

[WackyDan]

Never had any issues with my zip media when I used them.

 

[Zepper]

Well there were more than enough of Zip and Jaz drives with problems for Iomega to have to settle several class-action suits over them. Be happy you were some of the lucky ones. In any case, they are both long obsoleted now and most have switched to something else for the purpose.

Take a look on eBay and see how well they are selling... I see quite a few there asking under $10. for used ones with no bids - looks like only the new-in-box ones are getting any bids. IMO, it's not worth selling on eBay if you can't make at least $10. on it - unless you're doing large quantities of the item.

.bh.

 

[jadinolf]

Now a serious answer. Yes, you can use the windows format utility.

I've used Zip Drives on all of my computers since December of 1996 and never had a problem. Also never lost a drive or a disk.

 

[LASTGUY2GETPS2]

Originally posted by: jadinolf
Now a serious answer. Yes, you can use the windows format utility.

I've used Zip Drives on all of my computers since December of 1996 and never had a problem. Also never lost a drive or a disk.

True but if there is a problem go look for Iomega tools or Iomegaware or something like that.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Put Iomega down and walk away nobody gets hurt. Seriously, the only company with more predatory business practices is our beloved M$.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Put Iomega down and walk away nobody gets hurt. Seriously, the only company with more predatory business practices is our beloved M$.

Yep, my first two Zip drives (1996) were $200 and had a fifty dollar rebate. Iomega took many months to send the rebates. There was a class action suit and Iomega was forced to give us $3.00 off on an Iomega product purchased from their choice of dealers.

The lawyers, however, made out.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Iomega also 'Betamaxed' the Orb drive. A lesser known larger capacity and faster drive.

 

[phisrow]

I've never had trouble using standard linux tools to format zip disks, dunno about windows format. (A transparency scanner at school will accept nothing but zip disks, not my fault, really.)