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Digital Media Transfer Kits: Zip Disks

This guide explains the various devices available for use in Distinctive Collections to transfer digital files from obsolete or hard-to-access media such as floppy disks, zip disks, memory cards, and hard drives in a user's personal collection.

About

 

ZIP100

Your Iomega Zip disk like the one pictured above can be accessed through the USB external drive. The Zip 750 drive can read Zip 100, Zip 250, and Zip 750 disks formatted for Mac or PC.

Using the Drive

Iomega Zip 750

 

  1. Remove the drive from its box and plug it into your computer's USB drive.
  2. Plug the DC cable into the back of the drive and the two prong plug into a standard wall outlet.
  3. Insert the Zip disk with the metal shutter entering the drive first and the side of the disk with the circle facing down. (see video below for generally demonstration).

     

  4. Once the disk is inserted, the drive will pop up as an external USB drive in your file explorer/Finder.

zip disk contents in Windows explorer

  1. Click on what has popped up and see if you can view your files.
  2. If so, you can copy and paste them onto your computer (e.g. to a Documents folder). If comfortable, you may consider using a tool like TeraCopy or RSync, in order to ensure nothing changes in the transfer process.
  3. Once you have transferred your files, you can eject the disk pressing the button on the front (see video above).
  4. Right click on the device in the system tray and eject it as a USB.
  5. You can now remove the USB cord from your computer and the wall outlet and return the drive and cords to their box.

Note: These devices are solely for use with personal material and not any of the collections stewarded by the Department of Distinctive Collections.

Warning: The Department Distinctive Collections is not responsible for any data loss or damage to items that may occur in the transfer process. Proceed at your own risk.