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Would like to retrieve data from my old 7100/66 hard drive to either my Power Mac G4 or using an USB cable to another machine.
The Apple hard drive has a 50 male pin connector on it.
Note: I thought I posted this a few minutes ago, but I don't think it sent. If it did, sorry for the confusion...
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Hi,
The Power Macintosh 7100/66 contains a SCSI hard drive, which makes it more difficult (an IDE/ATA drive could use a USB adapter without a problem; not so easy with SCSI).
There may be alternative solutions, including networking.
To begin with, is the 7100/66 computer still OK? Does it have a working operating system, and a monitor?
http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/desktops/0305916APM7100UG.PDF
Power Macintosh 7100/66: Technical Specifications
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_7100_66.html#macspecs1
Also, which exact Power Mac G4? Operating system version?
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g4/index-powermac-g4.html
Allan, that SCSI card is a Windows version. Adaptec cards for Macs that were bootable had Apple firmware, but their equivalent Windows cards did not and weren't compatible. Adaptec's retail version PCI cards for Macs were labeled "Power Domain." Their PCI cards that were Apple factory-installed had the Adaptec name on the PCB. For the O. P.'s purpose, the Adaptec 2906 (non-bootable) or the 2930CU (bootable) PCI card would be suitable. Both of these have the connection port for a 50-conductor ribbon cable. This Adaptec AVA-2906 includes the ribbon cable, so connecting the 7100's hard drive would be easy, as long as a Molex power supply cable is available to connect. The 2906 is driver-based and is compatible with PCs and Macs, provided that the specific driver has been installed. The Mac driver for the 2906 can be found here. The 2930CU is a Mac-only card that's firmware-based and doesn't require a driver.
The very first G4s had an Ultra ATA/33 (ATA-4) hard drive interface, so no logic board connection for you.
However, there were PCI adapter cards that allowed SCSI devices to be connected in the absence of logic board ports. The one I have for a G4 MDD was used to externally connect a SCSI flatbed scanner but I believe it also had an internal SCSI drive connection. You'll be shopping for one of those on the used /pulled market today since most SCSI adapters are now discontinued. This one:
Shows both 50- and 64-pin connectors internally. I'm pretty sure my was Adaptec.
It would be prudent to brush up on SCSI knowledge before spending money. I've not used SCSI on my G4 MDD since 2007 and have forgotten many of the nuances. I am confident that our Jan H remembers far more than I!
I do recall that my SCSI add-ons seemed to work better when I showed them this picture:
Hi Jan
I ended up salvaging the 7100 due to either the power supply or mother board having a problem. I had to keep reseating the power supply. Finally it wouldn't work after reseating the power supply and I was told to upgrade the business computer... I did keep the good components. So my old 7100 is out of the question.
The G4 is a Dual 867 MHz Power PC G4. Model 8570. The data decal on the back says PMG4 867MHz DP/256MB PC2100/60GB Combo/GF4MX 56k.
It does have 1.5 GB memory now and 4 hard drives. Looks like there is no simple IDE to SCSI adapter. I may just pick up an old 7100. I have the pc boards.
Hi Allen
I hear you about brushing up on the SCSI knowledge base. However that is probably not in the future. I just wanted to see my old business records and games. That was back in the early 2000's. I had a laser tag business and all my internal documentation was MAC.
If I come across a 7100 (probably eBay) that I can use, that may be my best bet.
I kept the super drive and pc boards from my old machine, so I have spares. I was hoping to plug in the 3.5" drive and see whats on the disks. I did buy a USB "drive". It'll do the job.
I like the photo! However I reserve those tools for PC's not Mac's!
Thanks for responding.
Hi Jeff
I'm going to look into the Adaptec 2906 and 2930 solution. I have the ribbon for the old drive(s)drives. Aparently I had another similar computer that I kept the hard drive for. It's like looking back in time when opening the dives from 20 years ago.
Thanks Jan.
How to recover data from my old 7100/66 Hard Drive?
