Upgrading computers - Installing floppy disk drives

Power down the computer, open the case and discharge any static buildup by touching the chassis. Unplug the power cord, as some motherboards are powered even with the switch off.

If you are replacing a bad drive, locate it and remove the power connector (yellow and red wires) and then remove the ribbon cable. The power connector on 3 ½” drives is the smaller power connector.

Installing floppy disk drives

Remove the screws holding the drive in the bay and remove the drive, sliding it out the front of the case.

Installing floppy disk drives

Just pop the new drive in it’s place being careful to flush it with the front of the case and screw it in using the screws supplied with the drive. Don’t use screws too long as this can damage the drive and prevent operation.

Plug the power connector back in.

and then the ribbon cable, making sure to orient pin one in the proper direction (usually towards the power supply). A floppy cable is distinguished by having a twist in one end.

Plug the computer back in and power up. Watch the light on the floppy drive, if it comes on and stays on, the ribbon cable is on backwards so you’ll have to power down and flip it the other direction.

If your computer has never had a floppy drive, you should verify the BIOS has recognized that the drive is there. To do this, watch the drive after you power up the computer, most of the time the computer will search for the floppy drive before it boots. This feature can be disabled in the BIOS however. When windows loads, double click ‘My Computer’ and make sure the new 3 ½” drive is listed there.

Thats concludes my installing floppy disk drives article.

More Build/Upgrade articles

Installing a motherboard
Installing a cpu
Installing a cpu fan
Installing memory
Installing a graphics card
Installing a sound card
Installing a network card
Installing a hard drive
Installing floppy disk drives
Installing a cd drive