Floppy disk drive buying tips

Updated: 09/23/2024 by Computer Hope
Floppy drive

Purchasing a computer floppy drive is not a crucial or expensive consideration. Below, we have listed different tips to consider when purchasing a computer floppy drive.

Considerations

Operating system

Today, all modern operating systems no longer support internal floppy diskette drives. If you're running a more modern operating system (e.g., Windows 7 or later), it cannot detect or use an internal floppy drive.

For users with modern computers that want to read old floppy diskettes, we recommend purchasing an external USB floppy drive that connects easily to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

If you're using an older computer and operating system, consider the following considerations.

Cables

Ensure your computer has the necessary cables. Most older computers already have a floppy cable; however, if you're building a new computer, it will not have this cable and may not even have a floppy port.

Type

Consider different options. Today, the floppy drive is obsolete, and other options exist, such as the Imation Super Disk drive if you're using an older computer. This drive lets the computer read standard floppy disks and special 120 MB floppy diskettes. Before considering the Imation Super Disk drive, ensure your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) supports this option.

Tip

A replacement for the floppy diskette used today is a USB flash drive.

Where to purchase floppy drive parts

Buying internal computer floppy drives, floppy diskettes, and floppy cables is becoming difficult as less companies supply these older parts. Below is an affiliate link with Amazon to finding floppy drive parts online and support Computer Hope. If Amazon isn't available in your area, we've also have a link to other places you can buy computer parts.

Floppy installation

Additional help and information about installing a computer floppy drive and other hardware is at the following link.