Unable to access data from floppy drive

Question

I have saved several files (all MS word) on a 3.5in 1.4MB floppy (already formatted) without problem, and accessed them without problem, till now. I now try to open files in the disc, and I am informed that the disc is not formatted, do I want to format? This message happens on another PC also, so it's not just the computer.

However, this problem has happened twice with 2 separate discs, and it has first occurred both times using this same computer. I know that if I format I will lose all data. Anything I can do to retrieve my data?

Answer

This question was answered on March 13, 2006. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

A floppy drive may not work because of one or more of the below reasons.

1. Bad floppy diskette.

2. Not setup in CMOS.

3. Confliction with other hardware.

4. Not connected properly.

5. Bad drivers.

6. Bad hardware.

Try:

1. Verify that the floppy diskette that you are attempting to read from is not write protected or bad. Verify that the diskette is not write protected by sliding the tab into the position not allowing light to shine through it. If you do not have a tab place tape over this hole.

2. Make sure the drive is set up properly in CMOS, or bios. While computer is booting up, press either f1, f2, or esc, or del until you are in bios, go to floppy drives and make sure bios sees it, set to 3.5, 1.44 mb

3. Temporarily disconnected any recently new hardware.

4. Open up the tower and make sure the cable is still connected to the floppy drive and the mother board.

5. The dell website should have an update section where you fill in your computer information and click on updates. Update you bios to see if the floppy drive will work after that.

If after all of this your floppy disk does not work, then I would say you have a bad disk and cannot retrieve your information. Try saving your work on a flash drive from now on which is more reliable and can save more data.

Author

Posted by kara of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on March 13, 2006