3.5" Floppy Disk Drives - Not All Are The Sam

DocumentID: 659218
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 8:29:48 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 5.1 for DOS

Problem

Symptoms: 1. Users are sending 3.5" double density disks that are producing the errors "Abort, Retry or Fail" or "Disk Unusable" or similar errors. When Problem Resolution uses these disks, everything works fine. Problem Resolution is using a PS/2 or Compaq drive and the disk has been formatted for high density. OR 2. Problem Resolution sends a customer a double density disk formatted high density and it is unusable at their site, although they have a high density drive. They send it back and it works fine on the computer in Problem Resolution. Problem Resolution would first suspect that either the customer's or their own drive head is incorrectly aligned. Solutions: The customer may have a Fujitsu, older Compaq or similar 3.5" floppy high density disk drive type. These older drives will read in high density format only if there are two holes on the floppy disk rather than one. All the user has to do is punch a second hole on the opposite side of the floppy disk when they get such errors from the floppy drive. The reason why the Compaq and PS/2 in Problem Resolution can read the disks without a second hole is because the drive is more intelligent. Rather than looking for a second hole with an LED transducer pair, the drive reads side 0, track 0, sector 1 to obtain the media formatting layout type. As always, WPCorp suggests that if the disk is DD, then it should be formatted for DD to avoid such problems. This can be done by typing FORMAT A: /F:720 at a DOS prompt. This command is in the DOS manual and in Folio.

Answer:

Details:

Product specifications, packaging, technical support and information (*Specifications*) refer to theUnited States retail English version only. Specifications for other versions may vary. All Specifications, claims, features, representations, and/or comparisons provided are correct to the best of our knowledge of the date of publication, but are subject to change without notice.OUR MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU AND THAT OF OUR DEALERS AND SUPPLIERS IS LIMITED. IT SHALL NOTEXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION. SEE LEGAL DISCLAIMER.