Reference number: CH000828

Floppy diskette stuck in floppy drive.

Issue:

Floppy diskette stuck in floppy drive.

Cause:

This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Bad floppy diskette.
2. Bad floppy disk drive.
3. Diskette inserted backwards.
4. A foreign object inside the drive. For example, something placed in the drive by a small child.

Solution:

Below are some suggestions on how to remove a stuck floppy diskette. Keep in mind that often when a floppy diskette is stuck in the floppy drive that trying some of the below suggestions may damage the diskette even further, causing lost data. If you're concerned about the data on the diskette, we suggest trying to save the data to the computer before doing any of the below suggestions.

Note: If after following the below steps you're able to get the diskette out, do not use that diskette in the drive again; it's likely already damaged and will more than likely get stuck again. However, if multiple diskettes get stuck in the floppy drive, you more than likely have a bad floppy drive and it should be replaced.

Finally, when trying any of the below suggestions, if you notice the diskette comes out with missing parts, such as missing the metal protective sliding cover, we suggest replacing the drive.

Press and hold the floppy eject button

Over time, the floppy drive and/or the eject button may become defective and not work properly. However, firmly pressing the button and holding it down may eject the floppy or allow you to grab the floppy and gently pull it out manually.

Press in, up, and down on the floppy diskette

If you're able to touch the floppy diskette, try pressing the floppy in further, press up, and press down on the diskette, trying wiggle the diskette into a position to where it can be ejected.

Note: If your floppy disk drive has a door that covers the floppy diskette and you cannot see this diskette, skip this step. If your floppy drive has a door yet you're still able to see the floppy diskette, it's likely the disk is not inserted properly. Try gently pulling on the diskette to get it out.

Use tools

If the above suggestions do not resolve your issue, unfortunately, there is not any other option other than trying to use a small screw driver, tweezers, or other tools to position the diskette so it can either be removed using the eject button or can be manually removed with the tools or your fingers.

Additional information:

• See document CH000447 for additional information about a stuck or broken floppy door.