Cannot Access Floppy Disk Drives after Changing Drive Letters

ID: Q145808

The information in this article applies to:
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

After you change floppy disk drive letters in your computer's CMOS settings, Windows may continue to access the drives using their original drive letters.


CAUSE

This problem can occur if the computer's BIOS swaps the floppy disk drives in firmware, which Windows does not detect automatically. Most computers swap the drives electrically, which Windows can detect.


RESOLUTION

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, delete the following key from the registry and then shut down and restart your computer:


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\Flop\GENERIC_NEC__FLOPPY_DISK_

If Windows still accesses the floppy disk drives incorrectly, use the Add New Hardware tool in Control Panel to redetect the computer's hardware. 


Keywords          : kbenv kbhw win95 win98 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 27, 1999