Here is the story ... I got a PB3400c with no OS on HD, given from a friend to my young kid. I tried to install the original OS 8 cd but the cdrom drive can't read. Since there is no OS 8 floppy disks, I read an old post elsewhere that one can install via scsi ports but there wasn't much guidance as to how. If any one know more, very much appreciate that you guide/show and share the steps in connecting PB3400c (no OS) via scsi port to another Mac G3 desktop to use its cd rom drive to run the installation cd. If a special cable is required, please let me know the type(part) so that I can buy if available.

Thanks in advance.

Note: If there are floppy disk images (backups) of the original factory built HD of a similar PB3400c, t would be much better to restore ours. Just PM me.

You have to find the CD that came with the machine as it has a powerbook 3400 enabler on it. If you use a standered OS install dics you do a universal install. If you have a square SCSI port you need a special cable a hdi-30 scsi system adapter cable. its light gray and is missing one pin.The last one I found was at a thrift store,you might look o Ebay. Good luck

You did hold down the C key when you boot from the CD rom?

Thanks Mac SK.

I took the other 'easy' route by using floppy disks. Found an old 3400 Mac OS 7.6 cd and restore the floppy images, totalling 26 disks (25 Install disks + Disk Tools Disk) on borrowed G3 tower. Happy to see the PB 3400c is up and running OS 7.6 from HD without further configuration(s). Going to use it for basic stuffs with good old floppies.

The 3400 has a ethernet port and now you have an OS on it you can Network to other Macs. An OS 8 Dics should boot now in the cd rom.

Seems like being satisfied - the old machines have an attitude you have to live with. System 8.6 should work, no enablers there. A 1400cs does start from an iMacs 8.6-Installer-CD (using 13.9 megs of RAM). Enjoy !