Cannot read files on floppy disk

[anyquist]

Hi, I have files that I know are good on a floppydisk. On trying to access them a message says the disk need formatting. I have tried to use PhotoRec from the UBCD but it will apparantly only read HDD or CD/DVD.

Can anyone suggest a freeware program that might work. Thank you for your help.

[Tatty_One]

You can try this........

http://www.jufsoft.com/badcopy/

It's a repair tool, just choose the free trial download.

[anyquist]

Thank you very much for replying Tatty One, yes badcopy can see the files but the free download wont go beyond just showing that the files are there unless you buy the product $38. Before forking out $38 I am wondering if I could use cloning to get the files on to a HDD or CD

[qubit]

Floppies were notoriously unreliable. If you can get hold of a couple of extra floppy drives, you might find that one of them can read the disc ok. The head/track alignment between the recording on the disc and the drive is critical, so if it's off a bit, you can get the problem you're seeing. Also, the discs themselves tended to develop errors at an alarming rate as they easily got worn and damaged.

You can still get them for a few dollars. I just did this quickie search on Newegg and there's quite a lot to choose from on there.

[anyquist]

Thank you qubit, the drive has been reading several floppies ok. I have a spare drive which i will sub as you suggest. Lesson learnt must switch totally to memsticks. Thank you for your help.

[anyquist]

Hi qubit, have tried 4 floppy drives no change. I have put it down to experience, learnt my lesson, and decide to rebuild the data. It is not worth the hassle to buy badcopy from abroad. Really appreciate your interest and help.

[Tatty_One]

Originally Posted by anyquist

Hi qubit, have tried 4 floppy drives no change. I have put it down to experience, learnt my lesson, and decide to rebuild the data. It is not worth the hassle to buy badcopy from abroad. Really appreciate your interest and help.

There are plenty of other similar freeware programmes you could try, just google and you will have plenty of options..... just not sure if they will work though.

[anyquist]

Thank you again Tatty One, time is rapidly over taking the need for me to solve the problem for free. It is not the end of the world and I have learnt and enjoyed the use of a forum as a new boy. Thank you for your interest and advice

[animal007uk]

What are the files you need to get from the floppy? can't you just download them elsewere?

Or are they files that you saved for a project or something like that.

I also found this website, There seems to be a free utility for recovering data from floppys but i cant test as i havent used a floppy drive for maybe 6 years now.

http://www.dtidata.com/free_data_recovery_software/

Floppy Disk Data Recovery Tool - This tool can recover data from even damaged floppy disks. Quick and easy tool for those still using the ole floppy disks.

[anyquist]

Hi animal007uk, thank you brilliant problem solved. I was trying to recover some very old archived reports that I never expected to read again. This is a super forum with most helpful members. Thanks to all.

[animal007uk]

No worries mate, Happy to help if and when i can.