PRB: Windows Explorer Shows Nonexistent A Drive

ID: Q216385

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK), on platform(s):
- Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

Drive A appears in Windows Explorer even though it does not physically exist in the computer. Drive A is not associated with any device. If you try to use the A drive, it causes a long delay before returning to the system.

CAUSE

If you have a floppy disk drive and you use Device Manager to disable the floppy disk drive or controller, Windows Explorer correctly removes the A drive. If you physically remove the drive, regardless of the changes you make in the Device Manager, drive A appears in Windows Explorer even though it does not physically exist in the computer.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

The system uses the floppy disk drive icon when there is a non-Plug-and-Play floppy disk drive attached to the system. This allows you to use the drive normally when the hardware is attached.

Additional query words: Explorer A: floppy drive BIOS disabled


Keywords          : kbOPK kbWinOS98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: March 6, 1999