Member Avatar for normanhilda

Happy new Year to all. I think the color is more beige.I am looking for a printer or modem splitter so I can connect a camera to either Computer.To save unplugging when I use the camera. The 7100/66 works ok but does not like opening pictures freezes up most times. Also freezes when I try to use Norton Utilities,any ideas.Regards.Norm. :cry: :cry:

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Brief context: the thread involves two vintage Macs (a G3 and a 7100/66) and a Coolpix camera; the goals are to stop the hassle of unplugging the camera between machines and to stop the 7100 from freezing when viewing pictures or when Norton Utilities runs. ’s hardware-switch idea is the right direction — the key is matching the switch to the camera’s interface and isolating the software conflict that causes the freezes.

Practical switch guidance (quick checklist):

  1. Identify the camera cable/port visually (flat rectangular = USB Type A host; small trapezoid = USB mini; 9-pin D-sub or round multi-pin = serial).
  2. If the camera is USB, use a manual USB-sharing switch (powered if the camera draws power) or a simple USB hub + manual selector.
  3. If the camera uses a serial-style connection, use a switch rated for Macintosh serial (Mac ports use RS-422 signaling on many classic models) — avoid generic RS-232-only boxes unless an appropriate adapter is used.
  4. If the camera has removable media, a card reader removes the need for port switching entirely and is often the simplest, most reliable option.

Troubleshooting the 7100 freezes:

  • Boot with extensions off (hold Shift during startup) or use the Extensions Manager to test for an extension/extension-set conflict.
  • Run Disk First Aid (or an equivalent) and verify plenty of free disk space — older Macs need room for virtual memory and caches.
  • Increase the image-viewer’s memory allocation via Finder Get Info if available, and try a lightweight viewer to rule out a bloated app.
  • Norton Utilities is known to install system-level helpers; test with Norton disabled or removed (backup the system first) to see if stability improves.

Safety note: back up important files before changing extensions, uninstalling utilities, or switching hardware. The least-invasive path for many vintage setups is a proper port-sharing switch or a card reader plus the simple extension-isolation steps above.

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Member Avatar for gortonsfi

Don't use Norton's ? :) You can probably find a Serial modem switch on eBay. Out of curiosity what kind of camera are you using?

Member Avatar for normanhilda

Don't use Norton's ? :) You can probably find a Serial modem switch on eBay. Out of curiosity what kind of camera are you using?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS I WILL TRY E BAY. THE CAMERA IS A NIKON COOLPIX 990. It connects ok but it is a pain pulling out the tower from under the desk to plug into the modem or printer port.Regards, Norm. :rolleyes:

Member Avatar for gortonsfi

Wow that's cool your camera and computers are still in good shape. Apple's sure last don't they

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