"The disk is not formatted. Would you like to format it?"

Alphathree33

Platinum Member
Dec 1, 2000
2,419
0
0
That's the message I get when I insert any floppy into my brand new floppy drive.

And yes, I have the cable installed properly. And yes, I have the power supply attached properly. And yes, I've double checked it. And no, I didn't disable my floppy drive in the bios.

What should I do?
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
Sounds like a bad floppy drive if you have checked everything else.

Edit: Have you tried going ahead and letting it format a floppy? If so, does it do it and is it useable then?
 

Alphathree33

Platinum Member
Dec 1, 2000
2,419
0
0
McFear, how dumb do I look?

Everyone else... no, I have not tried going through the format it suggests. And I haven't tried it with a brand new disk.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
What's your problem? We're trying to help.

Why won't you go ahead and format a floppy just to see what happens? You have to start somewhere.

BTW, I don't know how dumb you look. Your choice of a tiger to identify yourself would suggest that a.) you are very aggressive, or b.) you are extremely introverted and want to project an aggressive presence.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
239
106
That is not uncommon. Floppy drives wear out frequently. Sometimes disks formatted in one, especially a worn one, will not work in others, especially new ones. The head alignments can differ significantly. Reformat with the new drive and you should have no problem.

On the other hand, if you are talking about pre-recorded program floppies (now collector's items), then the new drive could be out of whack. In which case, exchange it.
 

Alphathree33

Platinum Member
Dec 1, 2000
2,419
0
0


<< BTW, I don't know how dumb you look. Your choice of a tiger to identify yourself would suggest that a.) you are very aggressive, or b.) you are extremely introverted and want to project an aggressive presence. >>



Actually I thought it looked cute
 

XeonTux

Golden Member
Dec 4, 2000
1,475
0
0
Personally, I never trust windows....

I would boot (attempt to) off a floppy, or an 98 CD (in which case the floppy would be B: ) to DOS and test it there.

Because I have seen this happen in windows when there was not a thing wrong with the floppy drive. Of course usually it does end up being a bad drive.



edited for unwanted smilies