Lost floppy drive

[David H]

Recently my computer refuses to recognise my floppy drive (A), although it returned on a restart only to vanish forever. I ran the troubleshooter and the only idea was I had too many usb plugs in use, but that made no difference. How can I get it back without another trip to the shop as I am trying to save my accounts?

[Ethel]

If you are using Windows XP have you tried:

My Computer - view system information - hardware - device manager

Right click on A drive and update driver

[David H]

Latest research supports 'b*ggered' theory, there is no driver to update having tried every windows xp dodge yesterday.
I can't fit a new drive though as being internal I don't have the knowledge to remove the back and poke around. I wouldn't in a car and would definitely not with a computer.

The trouble is this accounts package refuses to save files to anything but floppies, there are still programs that require them and until they allow it to burn to CD it's that or lose the lot. Not a happy prospect...

[Ethel]

Be brave, David.

Mess up a car and you could kill somebody.

That is not going to happen with replacing a floppy drive.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Floppy-Drive-Blac k-Brown/dp/B0009P5ZB0/sr=8-1/qid=1166207988/re f=pd_ka_1/202-5704862-2283827?ie=UTF8&s=electr onics

[TeeGee]

Why not get a USB Floppy drive?
Disable floppy A in the BIOS, then the USB will assume drive A. No screwdriver needed. Problem solved !!!

[David H]

It's one way to learn the next level I suppose... If it's shot I know someone who can replace it. If it wasn't for the work aspect I'd live without it but it's the only way we can share computers.
As for bios that's where I've so far drawn the line. OK, it won't kill me but can make a dent in the bank account with one false move. Thanks for all the help.