Bios

[mrpwn3r]

When I start my computer (Window Vista), Bios informs me that I do not have a Floppy Drive and tells me to press F1 to continue.

When I press F1, its starts normally, but I'd like to bypass that annoying thing.

As you guys probably know, Floppy's are extinct and I'm not keen to buy one.

I already changed Bios to look for the Hard Drive first, then CD-ROm second, then DVD - third, but it keeps on looking for my floppy.

Do you guys have a solution?

 

[Zelig]

There should be an option somewhere in the BIOS to disable the FDD port.

 

[GoodGame]

Yes in the BIOS there should be an option to set the boot order of the computer (usually 3 choices). You can set all the order to all Hard Drive for example.

One caveat: The floppy disk drive still exists because of the need to upgrade BIOS, and especially is nice if your BIOS corrupts (e.g. from a failed BIOS upgrade, or a virus).

Sidenote: Avoid upgrading your BIOS in Windows, because if that piece of &#*$@ OS ever goes unstable during a BIOS upgrade, there's a possibility that the BIOS chip will become worthless. A BIOS upgrade in DOS will usually only fail if say the power goes out.

 

[Zelig]

One caveat: The floppy disk drive still exists because of the need to upgrade BIOS, and especially is nice if your BIOS corrupts (e.g. from a failed BIOS upgrade, or a virus).

Which can be done from USB or CD. I haven't put a floppy drive in any computer I've built in over five years.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

If you still have XP you need the FDD to load raid drivers. ( Dont start about Vista not needing them, I know. But some of us still prefer XP.)

 

[Zelig]

If you still have XP you need the FDD to load raid drivers. ( Dont start about Vista not needing them, I know. But some of us still prefer XP.)

Or you can integrate RAID driver straight to XP install disc, been working fine for me since not long after the release of nlite supporting said feature. (Thankfully, XP sales end in a few months.)

 

[GoodGame]

On my Bios the Bios setup has the option to update without loading the OS, so I think I do need the FDD in that case. Though CD would be an option too.

Which can be done from USB or CD. I haven't put a floppy drive in any computer I've built in over five years.

 

[Zelig]

Sidenote: Avoid upgrading your BIOS in Windows, because if that piece of &#*$@ OS ever goes unstable during a BIOS upgrade, there's a possibility that the BIOS chip will become worthless. A BIOS upgrade in DOS will usually only fail if say the power goes out.

Hmm, missed this...:

Quoted for emphasis though, BIOS updates should never be done through Windows, almost every bad BIOS flash I've seen was a result of it being done in Windows.

They can be done from USB keys as well, rather than floppies, FWIW.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Not all BIOS support updating via USB. Especially older motherboard. Either way, a floppy drive is a good thing to keep around, but if you have an old electronics store around you ( old as in used parts ) you can find a few cables and splice up your own USB to FDD connector, and then you'll have an external FDD. Or you could buy one..they cost only 20$ or so.

 

[mrpwn3r]

All right. Thanks guys. I'll try your tips.

 

[GoodGame]

Yeah tell that to Shuttle PC and their stupid Winflash utilities. Fried my BIOS chip.

Hmm, missed this...:

Quoted for emphasis though, BIOS updates should never be done through Windows, almost every bad BIOS flash I've seen was a result of it being done in Windows.

They can be done from USB keys as well, rather than floppies, FWIW.