Can't read/write or format floppy.

Question

I ran Dell Diagnostics and got the following error code regarding my diskette drive test.   Error Code 1100:0121  msg:  A system disk BIOS operation failed with the error code of 02h.   My floppy disk drive cannot read/write and will not format either.  I've tried to format in DOS, I've uninstalled and reinstalled my floppy driver and controller driver, I bought new disks, and I used a dust remover spray to clean the drive.  Device Manager says both devices are working properly.   Do you think my flashbios needs updating?  I haven't made any hardware changes inside the CPU, so I don't think it's a cable or anything.  Anybody have any ideas?

Flooby · Answer

It would certainly help to know which specific system model you're referring to (the operating system details might help as well), and which BIOS version you currently have installed vs. what's available might help also.

Note that "dust remover" sprays are not intended for use on drives. If you're referring to untreated compressed air, that's a different critter, but I wouldn't spray that dust remover stuff anywhere near a PC.

I think I'd try resetting the hardware configuration to the defaults first (how this is accomplished depend on the system model). Hopefully, that spray you used hasn't fried anything vital. Could be that your floppy drive has just failed.

BucNut · Answer

Thanks for your help Flooby!  I have downloaded the BIOS update like you said.  I'll let you know when I find out what's wrong, as I've noticed from searching for answers, that this isn't an unusual problem.  Again, I appreciate your help!

Flooby · Answer

I have the same system, and I believe that if resetting the default configuration via System Setup doesn't fix things, you probably need a new drive. You can order one from Dell Parts at one of the numbers below. Should be fairly inexpensive.

Dell Spare Parts:

1-800-372-3355

1-800-449-3355

1-800-624-9897 Extension 69937 - Option 5

You might want to consider updating your BIOS to the latest version, too.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_4550&os=NAA&osl=en&deviceid=308&devlib=1&category=1&releaseid=R67246

BucNut · Answer

My bad, I was talking about canned air.

Running Windows XP Home Edition SP2

Intel Pentium 4A, 2400 MHz (18 x 133)

Dell Dimension 4550

Intel Brookdale i845PE

BIOS Type: Phoenix (01/20/03)

Standard floppy disk controller Driver Date 7/1/2001 Version: 5.1.2600.0

DELL-Donald K · Answer

BucNut Have you taken off the front bezel, & see if the drive will read with the bexel off I've seen a mis-aligned bezel cause read/write errors

RBbuddog · Answer

B-N

Here is some more info. HTH

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=floppy+problems+Q309623&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&client=firefox-a&selm=sw0y9.28671%24VJ5.1732734%40bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net&rnum=1

Randy

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Can't read/write or format floppy.

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