My Zip® ATAPI drive is assigned drive letter B and does not function properly, how do I change the drive letter assignment?
Document # 30065.html

If the BIOS of the computer is controlling the Zip® ATAPI drive, the following symptom's can occur:

Iomega® does not support the Zip ATAPI drive when controlled by the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). If you are experiencing the above symptoms, use the following steps to correct this issue:


STEP ONE - Disable the BIOS control for the Zip ATAPI drive
  1. Enter the BIOS on your computer by pressing the key combination recommended. See your computer documentation for more information on entering the BIOS.

  2. Locate the section about disk drives.

  3. If the Zip ATAPI drive is listed in the BIOS, change the selection to Auto or none.

    Note: If the BIOS cannot be changed, you may need to upgrade the BIOS. Contact your computer manufacturer for more information on BIOS upgrades.

  4. Save changes and exit the BIOS.

  5. Reboot the computer for changes to take effect.

  6. Test the Zip ATAPI drive to see if it functions properly.

If the Zip ATAPI drive functions properly, the problem is resolved.

If the Zip ATAPI drive does not function properly, please continue with the next step.


STEP TWO - Change the position of the drive on the ribbon cable

If the Zip ATAPI is placed as a slave behind a CD-ROM drive, the drive may be assigned drive letter B. Use the following steps to change the position of the Zip ATAPI drive on the ribbon cable.

  1. Shut down the computer and turn off the power.

  2. Remove the case cover from the computer.

    Warning: Before opening the case on your computer or before touching the internal components of the computer; always turn off the power to your computer and disconnect computer's power cord from the electrical outlet. To discharge personal static electricity, touch a grounded metal object such as a metal screw attached to the cover of the computer. If you do not discharge personal static electricity, you risk damaging your hardware and possible loss of your data.

    Caution: Removing your computer cover may void your manufacturer's warranty agreement. Before removing your computer cover, check your computer manufacturer's warranty information.

  3. Carefully remove the Zip ATAPI drive from the computer, noting cable connections to the CD-ROM drive and motherboard.

  4. Change the jumper settings on the Zip ATAPI drive to Master (refer to the diagram located on top of the drive to determine jumper settings).

  5. Reattach the ribbon cable to the Zip ATAPI drive, ensuring the red stripe on the ribbon cable is placed on pin 1.

  6. Carefully remove your CD-ROM drive from the computer.

  7. Change the jumper setting on the CD-ROM drive from master to slave.

    Note: Refer to the documentation that came with your computer or CD-ROM drive for more information on changing jumper settings.

  8. Reconnect the ribbon cable to the CD-ROM drive and remount both drives into the computer.

  9. Check cable connections to the drives and motherboard to ensure they are tight and the red stripe on the cable is connected to pin one.

  10. Replace the computer cover and reboot.

  11. Test the Zip ATAPI drive and CD-ROM drive to ensure both drives function properly. If either drive is not recognized, recheck cable connections and jumper settings.

If both drives work properly, the problem is resolved.

25 February 2002