Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: hirhodes on May 05, 2008, 02:53:55 PM
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My computer does not want to read 3.5 floppy disks anymore. I receive this message when I try to access a floppy disk: A:\ is not accessible. The floppy disk controller reported an error that is not recognized by the floppy disk drive.
I've been going insane trying to figure out what is happening. Can anyone out there assist me please?
I have a Dell Dimension 8250, Windows XP Professional, Intel Pentium 4 CPU, 2.66 GHz, 512 MB RAM, Service Pack 2.
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Check the cable, try a known good disk, try a different floppy drive.
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The cable is secure. I did install a new floppy drive and it didn't work. I did not get the same message as before. The new drive was not able to find any disk in the drive.
Any other ideas that I might look into?
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it is configured for 3 1/2" 1.44MB in the CMOS setup isn't it? not 5 1/4" or 720K or anything?
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That is correct BC_Programmer. I realize my office is still in the stone age because of our floppy disk usage but thank god we're not THAT outdated. LOL :D
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I still have a 5 1/2" drive. You just wait, I'll be the one laughing when Windows 2010 comes out on 3000 360K floppy disks!
the Microsoft meeting that determines to use floppies:
Manager: Well, Billy says we need to be more "innovative". Any suggestions?
Ronald: How about instead of annoying our customer with the software itself, we make setup as long and boring as possible, and prevent users from leaving the computer for more then 30 seconds during the installation?
Manager: Well, It's already pretty long, and the ads don't exactly scream interest, but I like the leaving the computer prevention, makes them at least see the boring ads.
Freddie: How about we make software that works fine and is easy to install?
Manager: your fired. Anyway, I suppose we should use a outdated medium...
I'd go on, but the results are obvious! Ha! Now I at least will not need to by a drive for Microsoft's innovative new removable storage system!
Anyway- back to the problem at hand
Now, somebody could have switched the CMOS setting accidentally wasn't saying you guys used 5 1/4" drives :D . Let's see what info we have here:
Original:
attempts to read floppy give:
A:\ is not accessible. The floppy disk controller reported an error that is not recognized by the floppy disk drive
(PS: don't you have that backwards? wouldn't it make more sense(well, to me it would anyway) like this:
A:\ is not accessible. The floppy disk drivereported an error that is not recognized by the floppy disk controller
in any case- you replaced the floppy drive, and no longer get that error, now I am supposing you are recieving simply the generic device not ready error for A:.
Hmmm. It's a shot in the dark, but you could try a different floppy cable. I know I've had ATA hard drives have problems with bad cable, floppy drives are probably susceptible as well.
If that doesn't work, it's also possible that the Floppy disk controller has failed... (as you probably know, thats integrated on the mobo, so let's hope that isn't the case).
You could also check the CMOS for settings. I know I've had problems with settings like "floppy 3-mode support" or something. pretty much just look for floppy drive related settings.
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Is the light on the drive always on ? ?
This means the cable is in backwards...
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I was going to mention that before but then thought that they might have mentioned that the light was always on. Then again, sometimes we don't hear details...
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The indicator light on the floppy disk drive does not stay on constantly.
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The drive may have been DOA...wouldn't be the first time.
Swap it into another machine and use a brand new floppy connector cable to confirm this...
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hirhodes,Perchance are you getting a message that says (or something similiar) "this device has been permenantly disabled" ? truenorth
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No I'm not truenorth. This problem here has me so vexed. We've given up and called over someone who might be able to help us. Good thing my boss is paying for it. Ha ha.
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be sure to post back if you learn what the problem was! I know my curiousity has piqued.
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I certainly will BC.
I'd like to take this time to thank everyone for the suggestions. These types of forums can be a great help and I'd like to think one of the best things about the internet.
Thank you!