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jennifer_borman

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FDD - Low Density Disk Drive question (replace with 1.4 - but in 486)

Hello All,

  I've got a friend with a Low-Density (DD) FDD who uses the LD 740Kb disks.  It has burned out.  Can I replace it with a HD 1.4Mb disk drive?

   Do the older FDD's need adapters, etc.  I've seen adadpters on 5.25 Drives (and some FDD Cables).  Any good resources (with pics I hope) for this?  I know what LD/HD SS/DS SD/DD etc are. (Densities).

  Thanks for your time in advance.

-Jen
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jennifer_borman

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P.S. - The PC is a 486DX - I believe this might make a difference, but if a newer 1.4Mb Compat drive (3 Mode), might squeak by.  Thanks!
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zvitam
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FDD controllers are FDD controllers thus theres only cable issues here. Thats it... zvitam is absolutly right!!!

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You can swap out the old 740k floppy with a new 1.44 floppy no problem.  Cables will even be a perfect match.

You will need to go into the system BIOS and tell it there is a 1.44mb floppy instead of a 740k one though.  Just find the Floopy Drive A: option and select the 1.44mb instead of the current 740k.
Almost forgot. If you dont change the drive in the BIOS setting it will just recognize the new 1.44 as a 740k drive.
Thanks to all.  Some of you answered with similar answers and I feel compelled to award based upon accuracy and timing at this time.  Either way, I appreciate all of your help.  Thanks!!!
-Jen