floppy says disks are read only

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 05:49 PM

floppy says my floppies are read only.

the are... dos formatted... I want to reformat them for linux. it won't let me format them. suse 10.0 won't let me write to them.

in /etc/fstab
/dev/fd0 /media/floppy auto rw, notauto, users 0 0

J.W. · 03-19-2006, 05:57 PM

Is the little write-protect tab switched to the unlocked position?

Emerson · 03-19-2006, 06:05 PM

Also, some computers have floppy read-only option in BIOS. Make sure it is set to read-write.

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 06:22 PM

1. my problem before this was I some how unplug the ide cable to the floppy, so ...

2. so yes, I did check the tabs.
3. this is an old computer that use to be used for a network workstation nt. I don't have acess to bios unfortunately.

Thanks...

Emerson · 03-19-2006, 06:43 PM

What's the problem with BIOS setup?

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 06:45 PM

Hi everyone.

ok. I tried bios. it didn't let me in. but it did say something about if I was using unix to use some compaq utility diskquette. I can go from there.

thanks...

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 06:48 PM

sorry,
um... I got the computer from my dad's work place. it had windows nt 5 on it.
the only option provided for function keys is an f12, a network boot. it's a 233 mhz, 320 mb ram...

I've never been able to get into bios.. if you have ideas... thanks

tamoneya · 03-19-2006, 07:17 PM

try keys like f2 f1 or delete. Sometimes the BIOS doesnt tell you what the key is. Better yet try all the function keys. And since it is from a company it may very well be password protected in which case you should remove the BIOS battery, 30 min should do. It is a coin cell battery on the motherboard you cant miss it

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 07:22 PM

I will try that. actually just there. I was looking for jumpers. none. I will try the battery.

Thanks

tomolesonjr · 03-19-2006, 07:50 PM

get this... the battery is attached to a bracket that is attached to the motherboard. it won't come off. I tried but it started to bend the bracket so I stopped.

tamoneya · 03-19-2006, 08:16 PM

hmmm....
that could be a problem because now that i think about it. the company may have hidden the prompt to get into bios from within the bios and probably password protected it. There are other wasy to get around bios passwords. Google bios passwords and you might be able to get by this problem. It is really odd thought that the battery is stuck. You sure it doesnt come out?

Emerson · 03-20-2006, 05:59 AM

Some of these computers do not have built-in BIOS setup programs and must be configured using extarnal program from floppy. You can also try your luck here http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

tomolesonjr · 03-20-2006, 11:48 AM

I found a jumper. not sure if it is to BIOS/CMOS. it's setup like one.

tomolesonjr · 03-20-2006, 07:30 PM

what would suse do if the ide cable to the floppy was not plugged in at installation? I'm thinking da, re install.

tamoneya · 03-20-2006, 08:52 PM

it iwll just not detect the floppy and then not mount. Whenever you finally connect and mount the floppy you willg et the same result. I would think....