Floppy drive flops

[nordiknorm]

All of a sudden my floppy diskette (A:) drive fails to
recognize any media. It prompts to format every diskette
inserted. Device manager says everything is operating
fine. I have replaced the drive but get the same
result. I want to install a second HD, but worry I won't
have the drive to boot. (XP Home) Any ideas why would be
appreciated. Thanks.

[hustedj]

make sure your floopy cable is connected correctly on the back of the floppy
drive.

also check the BIOS and see if the floppy drive is active. I am sure it is
already being that you can see it in Windows.

"nordiknorm" > wrote in message
...
> All of a sudden my floppy diskette (A:) drive fails to
> recognize any media. It prompts to format every diskette
> inserted. Device manager says everything is operating
> fine. I have replaced the drive but get the same
> result. I want to install a second HD, but worry I won't
> have the drive to boot. (XP Home) Any ideas why would be
> appreciated. Thanks.

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

Here are some steps to take for troubleshooting floppy drive problems.
1. Check to see if drive is unchecked in Tweakui.
2. Check system to make sure it is free of a Virus or Spyware.
3. If installed, turn off Dr. Solomon anti virus program.
4. Restart the computer. Hold CTRL while the system is booting.
Pick Command prompt only and test the drive.
5. Restart your computer by holding down the ctrl key and use the
"boot menu" to enter a safe mode windows session. Then in Device Manager,
locate and delete floppy drives *and* the floppy disk controllers. Restart
to see if Win98 re-detects properly.
6. If using a tape backup unit, remove/disconnect to see if
floppy function returns; if so, hunt for new tape drivers.
7. If using Norton Utilities, upgrade to 3.07 (or later, if
available) and/or disable Disk Doctor against the floppy drive.
8. Start | Run | msconfig | Selective startup | Un-select all
entries | restart | turn on one startup item, in turn, with restarts
between | when floppy ceases to function, you know the problem
is in the last file activated, so search and edit as needed.
9. CMOS settings are incorrect: write down all settings, then
re-set to defaults, restart to CMOS, re-enter the written down settings.
10. CMOS settings are incorrect: if "Swap Floppies" is enabled,
disable it.
11. Ribbon cables are 180 degrees out, or otherwise
mis-aligned/tilted: to correct, properly position connectors and
tracer color wire always to pin number 1 at both ends.

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/
How to Configure Outlook Express for Internet News:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=171164

"nordiknorm" wrote
> All of a sudden my floppy diskette (A:) drive fails to
> recognize any media. It prompts to format every diskette
> inserted. Device manager says everything is operating
> fine. I have replaced the drive but get the same
> result. I want to install a second HD, but worry I won't
> have the drive to boot. (XP Home) Any ideas why would be
> appreciated. Thanks.