QUESTION

Here's my system:

Intel Pentium 75 MHz tower
1.6 GB hard drive
CD-ROM drive
SoundBlaster 16 soundcard
28.8 Kbps modem
15 inch monitor
Windows 95

I am getting "THE SYSTEM CANNOT READ FROM THE SPECIFIED DEVICE" messages when copying files from a floppy disk. Is this a hardware problem or a configuration problem? I have this problem with about 50% of my disks. I can always copy these disks on other computers. I paid $30.00 for this floppy drive two years ago. If you think this is my problem, could you recommend a name brand floppy drive?

ANSWER

I'd recommend a "Teac" floppy drive. They are pretty standard. I'd try replacing the floppy cable first, then the drive. If you still have problems, verify that your disks work on another machine, and you may have to get your motherboard replaced. That's the problem with having drive interfaces built into the motherboard. Of course, I'd bet you just need a new drive. You could even try a floppy drive cleaning kit. Maybe there's just some gunk stuck in there.