need some quick fast advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter Matt
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Matt

My boss has one of those new compact Dell computer towers and it doesn't
have a floppy. Unfortunately he has some software that needs to be
installed from a floppy. We have an older drive laying around so could
I just open up the case and temporarily install the drive long enough to
get the software installed or do you think this might cause problems?
 
Copy the floppy to CD and install from CD.

Matt said:
My boss has one of those new compact Dell computer towers and it doesn't
have a floppy. Unfortunately he has some software that needs to be
installed from a floppy. We have an older drive laying around so could
I just open up the case and temporarily install the drive long enough to
get the software installed or do you think this might cause problems?
Click to expand...
 
No can do, The initial install comes from a CD, then the software asks
for a config file from floppy and it won't let you browse for the file
or change drives. I've tried every trick I know to get the software to
look other places for the config but it will only take it from the
floppy drive.
 
if there is a floppy controller and you set the bios to the correct configuration there is no reason why you couldn't
 
I suppose if the MB has a floppy connection it can be done. You may have to
change some BIOS settings too.

You may want to check with DELL if it has one before opening it up. They can
probably do a step by step with you.

There is that "voiding warranty" if opening the case issue too,

Good luck!
 
As long as the floppy isn't disabled in the bios and I don't care about
the boot sequence, what other considerations should I be aware of? I
assumed that it would just be plug-n-play.


JAD said:
if there is a floppy controller and you set the bios to the correct
Click to expand...
configuration there is no reason why you couldn't
 
The mobo has to have a controller for a floppy drive for you to install one.
You need a cable, too. Go in bios and set it to Auto for the A drive.

You can get a usb floppy drive for about $40.
 
It should have the controller because a floppy drive was an add-on
option for the system. I have both the drive and a cable.

I thought about getting a USB floppy, but this should be an isolated
incident.... hopefully
 
Guido said:
Note to self:

Remermber to include the $8 floppy option if I ever buy a DELL.

lol.
Click to expand...

Nothing to add to all the useful advice to the OP but doesnt it make anyone
else feel old when people start asking for advice on floppy drives? ....
time for my cocoa and bed methinks.
 
It depends on whether the Dell proprietary motherboard even has a floppy
controller. They do love to cut costs.
 
My boss has one of those new compact Dell computer towers and it doesn't
have a floppy. Unfortunately he has some software that needs to be
installed from a floppy. We have an older drive laying around so could
I just open up the case and temporarily install the drive long enough to
get the software installed or do you think this might cause problems?
Click to expand...

Quick fix might be to get a USB floppy drive. Simple, easy, and you don't
have to open the case and void the warranty. They install as the A drive.

JT
 
It should have the controller because a floppy drive was an add-on
option for the system. I have both the drive and a cable.

I thought about getting a USB floppy, but this should be an isolated
incident.... hopefully
Click to expand...

Might be the tip of the Iceberg, you never know.
 
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