Reading very old floppy disks

I have a Powerbook G4 OSX 10.5.5 but want to read floppy disks from an ancient Mac that only has OS3. (The programme was Works 3.0a.) Apple told me first that I just needed a compatible floppy disk reader, which I have, then, when I couldn't open files, that I needed i-Works, though it still might not work. I couldn't download the free trial as it said my - newer - computer was too old.

When you say "read" what do you mean:

1. Insert the floppy into the floppy drive, and have the disk mount to your desktop?

Or:

2. Be able to open the files on your floppy disk with the appropriate program?

Basically what I'm asking is...what have been able to do successfully (or unsuccessfully) so far?

Thanks,

- Nick

The files come up on the screen but I can't open them. C.

You will need a copy of Apple Works (latest is version 6) to open those files.

Another possible solution is MacLinkPlus Deluxe File Types Supported: Convert and Decode Windows Files On Your Mac.. It supposedly converts that format. I used to use an earlier version of this program fairly often. It will set you back about $80.00 though.

Thank you.

And also search for ClarisWorks, which was the name of the company prior to Apple taking them over and renaming AppleWorks, of course. MUGs may well be a good place to start.

depending on how bad you want your old files, have you considered just buying a vintage mac? I am sure something like that wouldn't cost more than $25 if you can find one on craigslist or a used computer store.