[OPLINTECH] Floppy disk problems

[Ed Liddle]

This may shed some light on why some floppy disks work and some don't
seem to work with windows XP.  
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q309623

"Some 3mode FD drivers may be installed on PCs with Windows XP by OEMs,
although Microsoft does not provide the end-user support for 3mode
drivers. Please contact your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) if
you have any questions on 3mode drivers."

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics/browse_thread/thread/20c270c1e99f11c/d9d55e04ec64e5ef?lnk=st&q=floppy+disk+reading+xp+pro&rnum=9&hl=en#d9d55e04ec64e5ef

Link I found on google groups about floppy drive problems and windows
xp 
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This worked out for me.
Summary:
Download the driver from:

http://downloads.viaarena.com/WinXPE/Oct02/XPe_3mflp132_v10.zip

And here are the steps necessary to install it (make sure there isn't a
floppydisk in the drive!): 

1.   Download driver. 
2.   Unzip the driver.
3.   Open Windows XP's Device Manager.
4.   Expand the "Floppy disk controllers" heading.
5.   Double-click the listing for "Standard floppy disk controller". 
6.   Click the "Driver" tab and click the "Update Driver" button.
7.   Select the "Install from a list or specific location" button.
8.   Click the "Next" button.
9.   Select "Don't search. I will choose the driver to install." 
10.  Click the "Next" button.
11.  Click the "Have Disk" button and then the "Browse" button.
12.  Browse to where you extracted the files.
13.  Double click the"VIA3MFPY.INF" file.  Then, click the "OK" button.
14.  "VIA 3-mode floppy controller" is now highlighted in the drivers
list.
15.  Click the "Next" button to begin the driver files copy.  Click
Finish.
16.  Expand the "Floppy disk drives" heading, and repeat the above
steps.
17.  Once the driver is updated for your floppy drive, reboot your
machine.
18.  Now you can read floppies created with earlier versions of
Windows!!!


Hope this helps

-- 
Ed Liddle

Computer Technician
Marysville Public Library
231 S. PLUM ST.
MARYSVILLE, OH  43040
(937)642-1876 ext.45
http://www.marysvillelib.org


On Thu, 2006-07-27 at 13:39 -0400, Avery Shifflett wrote:
> Dan,
> 
> It may sound odd, but I believe the floppy disk problem exists on purpose.
>  I really think floppy disks/drives are being designed flawed in order to
> aid the phase-out process.
> 
> I used to be able to carry a floppy disk in my pocket, throw it around,
> and use it on any computer...no matter how dirty or old the drive was and
> had no problem at all.  I still have floppy disks off in a corner that I
> obtained back in the early 90's.  They *all* still work on any computer
> and in any floppy drive.  But, I'm lucky to get a couple disks in a brand
> new box of floppies, no matter what brand, to work at all.  Coincidence? 
> I don't think so.
> 
> In conclusion, I think we need to go with the tide in this instance and
> start recommending that patrons and staff alike get something like a flash
> drive.  They can be obtained for $5-10 (128MB) and are much more durable
> and hold a lot more.
> 
> ---Avery Shifflett
> Technology Coordinator
> Carroll Co. Dist. Library
> 
> 
> > Folks
> >     I am starting to see more and more problems with floppy disk not
> > being able to be read on both our public and staff machines.  So far I
> > have not been able to find any thing common with these occurances as the
> > next disk will work just fine.  In some cases the files were created on
> > computers out side the library and in some they were created in house
> > and the disk never left the building.  I have even replaced some of the
> > drives which did not cure all. The computers are all running windows
> > 2000 and the patches are up to date.
> >     If any one has any ideas, their input would be much appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks in advance............
> >
> > --
> > Dan Moore
> > Automated Services Coordinator
> > Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike Co.
> > 207 N. Market St.
> > Waverly, Ohio. 45690
> >
> > gawasc at oplin.org
> > Phone: 740-947-4921
> > Fax: 740-947-2918
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OPLINTECH mailing list
> > OPLINTECH at oplin.org
> > http://mail.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
> >
> 
> 
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