Help, floppy error

ladielee · 03-07-2006, 06:34 PM

I know no one uses floppy discs anymore but one of the computers I work with was invented just after fire and can't write CD's so here's the problem, I've got a floppy that I've used on several computers it's Office Depot brand 2HD IBM 1.44 MB formatted. The last computer I used it on was a laptop with WinXP. There are several documents in a folder on the disc, Microsoft Word and a few Notepads. I can open all but one, and I'm unable to save or edit any of the documents. It's the one I absolutely have to be able to open that won't open at all go figure. I've tried everything I can think of but I'm not brilliant with computers just alright. It's in Rich Text format, not sure how it got that way or exactly what that means but it is. Someone told me the file's probably corrupted and worthless but they didn't see it and I wan't a second oppinion. If I haven't given enough data just ask. I will worship anyone who can help me out here, the document isn't backed up anywhere and it's absolutly vital. Thanks.

**koala** · 03-07-2006, 06:56 PM

Do you mean the file on the floppy can't be opened because it's corrupt, or has its format been saved to one that MS Word can't read?

What format was the Rich Text file in originally? If it was a Word .doc then MS Word should be able to open it, it will just look a bit strange.

First thing to do if it's an important file is try and copy it off the floppy onto your hard drive. See if you can open it from there.

As you've used the file on several computers, see if any of them have stored an auto-backup if you can't get it off the floppy. MS Word does this in Tools > Options > Save > Always create backup. I'm not sure which folder they're saved to, but the extension is .wbk

btw, when you're using floppies to backup important files, it's a good idea to make 2 copies.

ladielee · 03-07-2006, 07:02 PM

I can't do anything at all with this file I've tried every option

**koala** · 03-07-2006, 07:12 PM

Can you see it in Windows Explorer? Does it have an extension and filesize? If not, then I think you've lost it. See if there's an autobackup file on any of your other computers.

If it's a corrupt floppy, run PC Inspector to try and recover the file onto your hard drive.

ladielee · 03-07-2006, 09:56 PM

Thanks you're my hero, I've never been so greatful in my life. I thought I'd lost days of work. Thank you thank you thank you. If I can ever do you a favor just ask and I'll try.

03-07-2006, 06:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
ladielee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3 OS: WinXP	Help, floppy error I know no one uses floppy discs anymore but one of the computers I work with was invented just after fire and can't write CD's so here's the problem, I've got a floppy that I've used on several computers it's Office Depot brand 2HD IBM 1.44 MB formatted. The last computer I used it on was a laptop with WinXP. There are several documents in a folder on the disc, Microsoft Word and a few Notepads. I can open all but one, and I'm unable to save or edit any of the documents. It's the one I absolutely have to be able to open that won't open at all go figure. I've tried everything I can think of but I'm not brilliant with computers just alright. It's in Rich Text format, not sure how it got that way or exactly what that means but it is. Someone told me the file's probably corrupted and worthless but they didn't see it and I wan't a second oppinion. If I haven't given enough data just ask. I will worship anyone who can help me out here, the document isn't backed up anywhere and it's absolutly vital. Thanks.

03-07-2006, 06:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Do you mean the file on the floppy can't be opened because it's corrupt, or has its format been saved to one that MS Word can't read? What format was the Rich Text file in originally? If it was a Word .doc then MS Word should be able to open it, it will just look a bit strange. First thing to do if it's an important file is try and copy it off the floppy onto your hard drive. See if you can open it from there. As you've used the file on several computers, see if any of them have stored an auto-backup if you can't get it off the floppy. MS Word does this in Tools > Options > Save > Always create backup. I'm not sure which folder they're saved to, but the extension is .wbk btw, when you're using floppies to backup important files, it's a good idea to make 2 copies. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here Last edited by koala; 03-07-2006 at 06:58 PM.

03-07-2006, 07:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Can you see it in Windows Explorer? Does it have an extension and filesize? If not, then I think you've lost it. See if there's an autobackup file on any of your other computers. If it's a corrupt floppy, run PC Inspector to try and recover the file onto your hard drive. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

03-07-2006, 07:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
ladielee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3 OS: WinXP	I can't do anything at all with this file I've tried every option

03-07-2006, 09:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
ladielee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3 OS: WinXP	Thanks you're my hero, I've never been so greatful in my life. I thought I'd lost days of work. Thank you thank you thank you. If I can ever do you a favor just ask and I'll try.