Reference number: CH000343

3.5" floppy being detected as 5.25" floppy.

Issue:

3.5" floppy being detected as 5.25" floppy.

Cause:

This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Floppy not setup properly in CMOS.
2. Floppy not connected properly.
3. Windows 9x not detecting floppy properly.

Solution:

Floppy not setup properly in CMOS

Verify that the floppy drive is properly setup in CMOS. If the floppy drive is not setup as a 3.5" floppy or not setup at all, the drive will not be detected as a 3.5" floppy drive.

• Additional information about how to enter CMOS setup can be found on document CH000192.

Floppy not connected properly

• Open computer after powering down and unplugging it, being aware of ESD and its potential dangers.
• Verify that the floppy connection is connected to the motherboard FDD connector. If it appears to be connected, disconnect and reconnect cable to verify cable is seated properly.
• Verify that the floppy cable coming from the motherboard is connected to the back of the floppy drive. If connected, disconnect and connect the floppy drive cable to verify seated properly.
• Verify that a power connection is also connected to the back of the floppy drive.

• If your floppy cable has more than one connection, verify that you have connected the floppy to the appropriate connection. The above picture illustrates what drive should be connected where.

Windows 9x not detecting floppy properly

If the floppy drive is working, verify that Windows is detecting the floppy drive properly by verifying no conflicts are present in Windows Device Manager. If conflicts are present, resolve those conflicts before referring to the next paragraph. Additional information about Device Manager can be found on our Device Manager page. 

If no conflicts, attempt to reinstall the floppy drive by removing the floppy drive under the Disk drives category. Once removed, reboot the computer and allow Windows to redetect the floppy drive.