Floppy Disc Drive

[mizmog]

We have put a FDD into my sons computer- I know shouldnt need but school work with flopppies-How do I get the computer to recognise the drive is there- we have looked in add hardware but cant see anything relevant- its a Dell Inspiron compo & it runs Windows XP- Any ideas?

[tommy39]

floppies use a crossover cable ,,,, one with a split in the end when you install the floppie if the L E D is on constantly ,,,,, its wired wrong , it should be flashing . if there is still nothing happening go into system tools computer management ,you should be able to sort it from there.,,,,,good luck

[mizmog]

we have got the cable right- followed diagram on internet. I can find system tools but no computer management- sorry I have really basic knowledge !

[Phantaxus]

1. The red stripe on the cable should go to pin 1 on the motherboad. this is probably marked on the board with a 1 or an arrow. Or see you r motherboard manual.

2. if the LED is on contantly you have the connector on the wrong way round at the floppy drive end

3. have you been into your BIOS and told it you have a floppy drive. at boot (straight after you power the pc on) you probably press del or f1

floppies are old hat. check with your school if he can use a usb thumb drive/memory stick - more storage more relieable.

If you must use floppies never keep the only copy of a piece of work on a floppy.

as an ICT Technician in a school I should just add that the last batch of machines I bought didnt come with floppy drives. This is now the industry standard when you order a machine from many suppliers.

[mizmog]

Thanks Phantaxus- I tried emailing the school & he said their system may be antiquated but I was the only one who had a problem with it ! Must sit in the corner, I think ! When I started the computer I tried pressing delete or F1 but it just carried on loading. I have paid �10 for the privelege of having the school programme, paid �5 for new floppy & �5 for new lead- just wish I could get the computer to know its there

[mycats]

I just bought an external floppy drive lol It was so much easier it just plugs into front with a usb, couldnt you justget one of those?

[mizmog]

Amended BIOS so I now have an icon for floppy drive- now even tho I put a floppy in the drive it says "insert disc into drive A"
Any ideas?