Zip, Floppy, And Cd Rom Drive Problem

ru2ageekgal · Joined: May 20, 2003 Posts: 2

I am running Windows 98 on my pc and until recently had no problems with the zip or floppy drives or the cd rom. I ran a virus scan and the scanner reported two incidents...one called dialer and the other MusicSearch (trojan.) I removed both, but I still can't get the drives to read. They are recognized by the operating system, but when I put a disk in the floppy drive I get error message (Drive not ready.) The cd rom drive just opens but doesn't read any data and the zip drive asks to format disks that have been formatted and used in the past. Does anybody have any ideas as to what's happening? I'm clueless... :unsure:

Bodosan · Joined: Apr 28, 2003 Posts: 8

Dear ru2ageekgal,
It sounds if the cleaning of your computer has corrupted some systemfiles or drivers.
You can use the System File Checker to verify the integrity of your operating system files, and to restore them if they are corrupted. The System File Checker also gives you a convenient way to extract compressed files (such as drivers) from your installation disks (Keep your windows 98 cd handy).
You can start the System File Checker by clicking Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information, and then selecting Tools > System File Checker from the Microsoft System Information toolbar.
If this doesn't work ask your question again. But as for now this is the most sensible thing to do.
Bodosan

oftentired · Joined: Jan 01, 2003 Posts: 1137

SFC is a bore to run the first time. I would try this first.

I would use Device Manager to remove the drivers for each piece of hardware in question

• WinKey+Pause > System Properties > Device Manager
• highlight each device in question and remove the drivers for them
• Click Ok, Click OK, allow the computer to restart

This will allow Windows to rediscover them and install the drivers for them

Have a nice day.
David