I'm having two problems:

1. My computer is not recognizing formatted disks as such, and wants to format them. I would thereby lose files already on the disk.

2. I cannot save files from C drive to disks. I constantly get a "not responding" message from task manager.

The principal word processing program I'm using is Works for Windows.

This is a relatively recent problem.

Edit: I should add that my OS is Windows XP Home

This message has been edited. Last edited by: juanruiz,

See *Note below:

The "driver" file for the floppy disk drive may have become corrupted. You can remove it, then restart the computer. During start-up, the system will detect the floppy drive and automatically reinstall the correct driver.

To do this, right click on "my computer".
Choose "properties".
Click the Hardware tab.
Click the "Device Manager" button.
Scroll to the Floppy disk controller and click the + sign to left of the entry.
Right-click on the Standard floppy disk controller entry
Choose "Uninstall" from the right-click menu.
If prompted, select OK from the permission dialog box.
Restart your computer.

See this picture

During restart the floppy disk controller should automatically be reinstalled. If the system does not auto-reinstall, the ribbon or power cable may have come loose. If you don't see the floppy disk controller listed in the Device Manager after restart, post again and we can go through the procedure to open the case and check the plugs.

If this doesn't work, and if the disks work in another machine, it is likely that the floppy disk player has failed. You can replace the drive for $20 or less. It is pretty easy to do and I can provide you with instructions. If this is the case, please post again and ask for instructions.

*Note: If the auto-reinstall works, but the disks still cannot be read or accessed please attempt to read the disks on another Windows computer. If the disks cannot be read on a different system, the problem is likely with the disks themselves, not the disk reader.

I hope this will help!

Dwight

That seems to have done the trick. Thanks a lot.

Thank you for your feedback.
Dwight

Well, it's acting up again and, from what I can tell, it's the A drive that's crapped out. I have a Dell Dimension 8300 computer. Do I have to buy a specific kind of replacement drive?

If you want to replace the A:\ drive itself, then no you don't need a specific brand.

Dell has a warranty program, so you might check there first to see if they will send you a new floppy disk drive. Often, if it is still covered under the warranty, they will send you the new one. When you install the new one, you send them back the old one. Your only cost is the mailing fee for returning the old drive. The new drive will include detailed installation instructions.

If you want to just use a used floppy disk drive, you can find them for about $5 or so at most used computer parts stores. One place I like is Computer Renaissance. You can see if there is a franchise store near you.

The drive itself is quite easy to replace. When you open the computer, take note of the power cable and where the white or yellow wire is (toward you or away).

When reinstalling, place it in the same position in the new floppy drive.

And note the ribbon cable; you will see a red streak along one side. When you plug the ribbon cable into the floppy drive, insure that the red streak is on the side of the power cable (next to the power cable).

Also, should you send for a new one from Dell, or until you can get a replacement unit, you can do the same reinstall process as shown above to be able to continue your work until the replacement unit arrives.

I hope this works for you.

I image that you have important information backed up on floppy diskettes. May I suggest that once you get the floppy drive working again, that you consider an alternative removable media to replace the floppy diskettes. I would suggest a jump drive, like this one: PNY Attache jump drive

If you're running Windows 2000 or Windows XP the installation is automatic when it is plugged into a USB port. If you're running an earlier Windows version, you can download drivers for it.

You can copy all of your floppy diskette information over to a jump drive. If the data is really valuable, then I would suggest getting two of them to double backup the data.

Please note, I linked to Tiger Direct only to show you the product that I am pointing out. I'm not endorsing the business.

Dwight

I finally got a new drive, will let you know how the installation goes.

Ok, ok, I know I'm a procrastinator, but one resolution was to install the new drive, which I did today. Well, somewhat of a success: some discs have no problem, others still give me a "needs formatting" message when already formatted. Also, sill can't transfer docs back and forth for C to A. Any ideas?

I would guess the problem is with the disk(s) themselves. Do you know how to "lock" the disk to prevent over writing? The disk(s) may be write protected. About floppy disks

You may be able to open floppy disks on one computer but not another. If you have access to a different machine, try opening the disks and then copying the files to another disk. I would suggest using a flashdrive because I think you would find these easier to use: PNY flashdrives

I hope something here will help!

Dwight

Picked up a flash drive the other day, and it's working well. Thanks for the advice.