Can't Format a Floppy disk

[Paul]

I cannot get my 98 computer to format a 1.44 (3.5) floppy
disk,I keep get the same error message "Windows could not
format this disk. Either the selected capacity is not
valid for the disk,or the disk is damaged and may need to
be replaced". I have tried several disk and also get the
same message, I know that all the disk I have tried are
good. What is up with this?

[Bert Kinney]

Hi Paul,

Here are some steps to take for troubleshooting floppy drive problems.
1. Check to see if drive is unchecked in Tweakui.
2. Check system to make sure it is free of a Virus or Spyware.
3. If installed, turn off Dr. Solomon anti virus program.
4. Restart the computer. Hold CTRL while the system is booting.
Pick Command prompt only and test the drive.
5. Restart your computer by holding down the ctrl key and use the
"boot menu" to enter a safe mode windows session. Then in Device
Manager, locate and delete floppy drives *and* the floppy disk controllers.
Restart to see if Win98 re-detects properly.
6. If using a tape backup unit, remove/disconnect to see if
floppy function returns; if so, hunt for new tape drivers.
7. If using Norton Utilities, upgrade to 3.07 (or later, if
available) and/or disable Disk Doctor against the floppy drive.
8. Start | Run | msconfig | Selective startup | Un-select all
entries | restart | turn on one startup item, in turn, with restarts
between | when floppy ceases to function, you know the problem
is in the last file activated, so search and edit as needed.
9. CMOS settings are incorrect: write down all settings, then
re-set to defaults, restart to CMOS, re-enter the written down settings.
10. CMOS settings are incorrect: if "Swap Floppies" is enabled,
disable it.
11. Ribbon cables are 180 degrees out, or otherwise
mis-aligned/tilted: to correct, properly position connectors and
tracer color wire always to pin number 1 at both ends.

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/
How to Configure Outlook Express for Internet News:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=171164

"Paul" wrote
> I cannot get my 98 computer to format a 1.44 (3.5) floppy
> disk,I keep get the same error message "Windows could not
> format this disk. Either the selected capacity is not
> valid for the disk,or the disk is damaged and may need to
> be replaced". I have tried several disk and also get the
> same message, I know that all the disk I have tried are
> good. What is up with this?