Can't read some files from floppy

[Maggotry]

I copied 3 files to a 3.5" floppy from an old DOS pc. One of the files reads fine on my WinXP box, but the autoexec.bat and config.sys files will not read. I've tried several disks on 2 different pc's with the same result. I turned on "Show All" in the files options, but that didn't help. How can I read these files on an XP machine?

 

[nebula]

I'm assuming you can read the two files in question on the DOS pc just fine. OK then, after you copy them to the floppy, can you read them back from the floppy on the DOS pc? I guess I don't think it's uncommon to get crappy floppy disks that just don't work right.

 

[TWills]

Are the files read-only?

 

[corkyg]

The files should be readable even if read only is set on them. Floppy drives are frequently subject to corruption - and it may be that the source files are corrupted. When all else fails, go back to the source machine that can read them and copy them by hand - then write them with Notepad (with exact syntax) and name them.

 

[Maggotry]

Originally posted by: corkyg
When all else fails, go back to the source machine that can read them and copy them by hand - then write them with Notepad (with exact syntax) and name them.

That may be what I have to do. The DOS pc reads the floppy with no problem. The 2 WinXP machines can only read one of the 3 files. Like I said, I've tried mulitple disks and 2 different XP machines.

 

[Maggotry]

I found a way to read the disk. I launched the command prompt and busted out my DOS skills on it. From the command prompt window, I can read all 3 files. Then I just copied them to my temp directory on the C: drive. I don't understand why I can read the disk from the command prompt, but not from explorer, though.

 

[corkyg]

Apparently Explorer doesn't speak DOS too well - too much foreign accent. 🙂