During start-up the error comes up that the "Floppy disc has failed (40)"

Running Windows 98SE
Had problems with a virus. The Floppy was fine until I took out the hard drive and transferred some data to another machine. I replaced the drive and this error message started occurring since then. I've made sure that the connections are tight but the message still comes up.
I can just hit F1 and it completes the startup process.
How can I correct this error?

I bought a new computer but would like to keep this as a backup.I would like to format the C Drive and just erase everything and start over.
Is there another way to get this done or do I have to do the
"A: format C" method only? But that's through the Floppy???

Thanks for your response
Kalca1

Join the boot problem troubleshooting walkthrough here
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/comp/fdd/fail_Drive.htm

It began here
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/boot/walk/index.htm

You could try swapping in a known good drive.
If it still doesn't work and your PSU voltages are ok, the signal cable is ok, and every thing is connected properly:
then either the FDD controller is disabled, or "drive A = none", [in the BIOS], or your motherboard is faulty.

Get a copy of my diagnostic flowcharts from here
www.erniek.eclipse.co.uk/downloads/sylvanderdiags.zip
and print them.

Go into BIOS and make sure that the floppy drive is enabled as the first drive - then follow Sylvander's fault finding procedures.


Thanks:)

Sorry, I should have added you could format the drive and install the OS on the other machine you used to transfer data. As a backup machine the floppy drive is not critical.

The HDD is clear of viruses now - isn't it?

By the way welcome to PC Guide! :)

korky
I agree that Kalca could connect this HDD[1] as a slave to the HDD[2] in his new PC[2] and format it, but:
If Kalca were to connect HDD1 into PC2 and install the OS, then it would be set up for use with the hardware [that “Setup.exe” found] in PC2, with drivers and configuration and allocated resources etc matched to that hardware. [That assumes that Windows 98 is capable of working with that hardware.]
If he then connects HDD1 into PC1 [his original PC] it would not work happily with this different set of hardware. It might do so if he were to re-run Windows setup to “repair” the Windows installation. This, if it works successfully, would detect the new set of hardware, add this new setup to the hardware tree in the registry, install new drivers, make new non-conflicting resource allocations, and new configurations.
Now this installation of Windows would be capable of working with either hardware combination. [He could switch it between PC’s.]
At startup, the particular hardware set connected would be detected, and the appropriate registry settings used.
I think there’s a problem though.
How does he re-run Windows setup on PC1 when he has no FDD in operation?
If he had copied the Windows installation files to the HDD [ideally to a partition other than C: but C: would do], he might be able to use the startup menu to go to “Command Prompt Only” and run “Setup.exe” from the HDD in DOS.
Not so simple is it?

Kalca
Perhaps you could help me understand better what took place?
1. Running Windows 98SE.
2. Had problems with a virus.
3. The Floppy was fine.
4. Took out the hard drive and transferred some data to another machine.
Did you connect this HDD[1] as a slave to the HDD[2] in the other PC?
Some data files can harbour infection I believe. Did you scan for infection?
5. I replaced the drive.
Does this mean you put HDD1 back in PC1?
Or do you mean you put a new HDD[1a] in PC1?

Yes Sylvander is right of course - I stand corrected, jumped in with both feet.

My initial thoughts were to install the HDD1 into PC2 and do the format, then install boot disk files from the host onto the HDD1. Next install HDD1 into PC1 and load Windows 98SE from the Windows CD.

A lot depends what the configuration and Operating System of PC2 is - I had assumed its similar to PC1 if it is then its not too difficult to reconfigure to match PC1.

However, on reflection its nice to have a floppy available, even though they are becoming virtually obsolete, and it should be a fairly simple task to get this one operationl again.


Thanks:)

Sylvander,
I have answers to your questions:
4--I installed the HDD[1] into the new HDD[2] computer for transfering files.
I ran virus scan and found nothing wrong with the files.

5--I returned the HDD[1] to it's original problem PC


Problem PC Since my last post.
I replaced the floppy with a different (working) one and still get the same error message.

I have a 30G HD and a 10G HD in the computer. I was able to format the 10G with no problem just by right clicking. However the 30G HD will not allow for me to format because windows are in use.
Is there another way around this and then install new win98?
Thanks folks.

If the floppy id disabled in bios, you won't get a boot message. The message appears becuase the bios lists a floppy, but the system cant find one.

Riddle me this, Does the Light on the floppy come on during the boot process? Does it stay on? There are several possibilites

1) The ribbon cable connecting the floppy to the motherboard is not plugged in correctly. Either not fully inserted on the motherboard or reveresed on the floppy.

2)The ribbon cable connecting the floppy to the motherboard is damaged.

3) The power supply to the motherboard is not hooked up correctly

4) The floppy controller is bad.