need a geek's help

[skybytch 273]

An important computer at work has an issue that I'm not geek enough to fix.

I can open files on 3.5" floppies but it won't write to them from any program. Is there a way to make it work without replacing the drive?

System is using Windows 98.

Note - if the fix requires going into DOS don't bother explaining how to do it, just tell me that it's over my head and I should call a geek to come fix it. I'm okay with that.

[shropshire 0]

Is the floppy Read-only Tab set?
\
Typical, I cannt find one when I need one... but there is a little tab with an icon that looks like a padlock on the side sonewhere....

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[skybytch 273]

Quote

Is the floopy Read-only Tab set?

No.

I'm geeky enough to know to check that first.

[Rebecca 0]

Oh yeah! I remember those - it's a little switch thingy on the disk.

People still use those?

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[shropshire 0]

Sorry

can you write to the disk on another P.C?

Is the P.C on a network?... you could copy the file to another P.Cs floppy.

Does the P.C have a writtable CD drive?

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[j0nes 0]

Couple questions:

Is the diskette full?

is the file you're tryin to save marked as read only?
can you save the file under a different name?

does the light on the floppy drive come on while trying to save? (if no, you're going to need a new drive)

does the floppy drive make 'the usual sounds' while trying to save?

[Guest]

Format a different floppy using the complete (i.e., NOT QUICK) setting in the computer which must write to the floppy. You should thern be able to write to the newly formatted floppy.

(If this fixes, the particular floppy and computer aren't happy with each other's alignment. Hopefully that newly formatted floppy will be readeable in other computers. Usually is.)

You can have it good, fast, or cheap: pick two.

[skybytch 273]

can you write to the disk on another P.C?

Yes.

Is the P.C on a network?

No.

Does the P.C have a writtable CD drive?

No.

Is the diskette full?

No. I've tried using a number of different discs, all of which have files on them that were written to them with this drive.

is the file you're tryin to save marked as read only?

No.

can you save the file under a different name?

No. Tried that.

does the light on the floppy drive come on while trying to save? (if no, you're going to need a new drive)

Yes.

does the floppy drive make 'the usual sounds' while trying to save?

Yes.

Okay, another geek question. What do I have to do to make a program written for Windows 95 work on an XP machine?

[gravitational 0]

A floppy drive should cost @ 10-15 at your local hack computer store. I think I've got a few on the shelf at home, but won't be there till this weekend.

------
Michael

[IanHarrop 43]

Quote

Okay, another geek question. What do I have to do to make a program written for Windows 95 work on an XP machine?

Try this:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/appcompat.mspx

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[skybytch 273]

Quote

A floppy drive should cost @ 10-15 at your local hack computer store.

I've got another floppy drive sitting here that I just pulled out of an older machine. No clue if it will fit in this machine though.

I'm trying to avoid having to swap them out. I'm a 'puter user, not a 'puter fixer. And I need this 'puter fixed last week.

[Zennie 0]

Sounds like the drive's write head is shot.

You can always email the file to yourself, then go to another machine that will write out to the floppy, open the email and save the attached file from there.

- Z
"Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

[wmw999 2,589]

Try copying it to another file (i.e. different name, maybe even different extension) on your hard drive.
Then copy that file to the diskette.
then rename either on diskette, or on the target system.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Feeblemind 1]

Lisa,

A 95 program should just install even to XP. An xp specific program will not install to lower versions. I am off tomorrow. I need to pick something up at flite suit anyhow and I can bring and install a new drive if you like. you just have to entertain my kids for 10 minutes.

Phil

Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked

[Zennie 0]

And git rid of those dang stone-age floppies!

USB flash drives are dirt cheap now. You can get one with the capacity of a couple hundred floppy drives for about 30 bucks.

- Z
"Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

[skybytch 273]

Quote

And git rid of those dang stone-age floppies!

Would if I could, but that's what the embroidery machine uses...

I'd email the files to another 'puter, but this is the only 'puter here that is online.

I'm gonna try doing what the link that Ian posted says to do. Crossing my fingers...

[Feeblemind 1]

All fixed, for those who wrote that the Write head on the floopy drive was bad, you were correct. Replaced the drive and all worked well, Bytch can now put "YOUR NAME or personal touch" on your flitesuit. She loves doing it to give that personal touch, so buy a new flitesuit and have bytchosized (customized by bytch).

Peace, love and anarchy,

Feeble

Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked