up vote 1 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I have found a floppy drive lying around. However, as all my computers are connected to the net, I won't be needing it. What would be your recommendations for it, especially if I bump into situations where I may need it to repair really old computers?

link|improve this question
84% accept rate
If a discussion is what you want, this is the wrong place... – soandos Jul 25 '11 at 1:31
I edited your question a little so that it avoids being closed. – MaxMackie Jul 25 '11 at 1:41
Thanks @MaxMackie for the edit. – stanigator Jul 25 '11 at 1:51
Why on earth close this? Sheesh. – bill weaver Jul 25 '11 at 2:18
Well, the mods have the power. Oh well.... – stanigator Jul 26 '11 at 4:08
show 1 more comment
feedback

closed as not constructive by random♦ Jul 25 '11 at 2:15

This question is not a good fit to our Q&A format. We expect answers to generally involve facts, references, or specific expertise; this question will likely solicit opinion, debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

I'd keep it. Some BIOS updates are still written to be booted/loaded from a floppy. You can get around this, of course, but it makes the process more of a hassle. Hang on to it.

link|improve this answer
I agree - I just had a need to run the Hitachi Disk Fitness Test, which comes as an installer which creates a bootable floppy disk only. – Teddy Jul 25 '11 at 6:25
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

I'd say toss it. Pretty much the only reason you'd need a floppy drive in anything that runs a semi modern OS is for inserting drivers into xp (and you are better off slipstreaming drivers).

I have a spare usb floppy drive, but i haven't used it in the 8 years or so i've had it.

The one situation where i see a floppy drive is for installing really old oses without a bootable cd.

link|improve this answer
1  
+1 for the old OS'. Note that there are a lot of floppy linux distributions. Plus, having floppys around makes you look pretty badass. – MaxMackie Jul 25 '11 at 2:06
I don’t think slipstreaming is legal without a valid OEM agreement with Microsoft. – kinokijuf Jan 24 at 12:17
MS supports it - nlite/vlite et al merely make it doable for mere mortals – Journeyman Geek Jan 24 at 12:27
@JourneymanGeek The article is for updates, not drivers. – kinokijuf Mar 8 at 12:49
1  
"How to slipstream hotfixes that replace pre-existing driver files" "Note The instructions in this article are intended for slipstreaming driver-related hotfixes only. Non-driver hotfixes or security hotfixes must be slipstreamed by using the instructions that are documented in the following Knowledge Base article" Feel free to back up your initial assertation with a citation – Journeyman Geek Mar 8 at 12:54
feedback

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.