Floppy drive light always on...???

I don't remember seeing this light on all the time (on the floppy A:/ drive). Haven't actually tried using the drive since I noticed this, so thought I should maybe ask/inquire about it first.

I'm sure it all has something to do with the fact that I cleaned inside the computer tower! I have a terrible dust problem here and knew the inside and fans would have a build up of dust. So I thought before I had any computer problems (i.e fans not running or overheating, etc., etc.) I would clean it out. And just I had expected, there was ALOT of dust inside!! So much for my trying to do myself a favor!

I did disconnect one of the those wide, flat cables (to wipe off the dust that had accumulated on there as well), but thought I had inserted it back correctly, as it only would seem to fit one way? I also cleaned the fans (held them in place so they wouldn't spin).

I have also tried numerous times to check to see if there is anything loosely connected, but all appears to be okay.

Is there any sort of diagram on this infamous "www" that would show me the correct connections of all those cables, wires, etc. found inside your computer??? Or if someone would be willing to try and explain to me (in very beginner language) what I should look for?


I have an IBM Aptiva computer, using W98, IE/OE 5.0, NAV 2001 but other than that, I don't know much about this thing!

Any help that I receive will be greatly appreciated!!! (I'm running out of tissues!)

Vicki

 

Vicki,

I had the same problem awhile back. What you need to do is turn the cable around. I found out that the 1 pin(red striped side) for that cable is the opposite of the hard drive 1 pin. So, if the hard drive cable has the 1 pin connection on your right, the floppy must be on the left. I hope that isn't too confusing.

There is an off chance that the cable could burn itself out by being hooked up wrong. You may have to replace it. Start with turning the cable and we'll go from there.

Mike

 

Mike is quite correct Vickie.
Just unplug the flat ribbon cable going to the floppy drive and rotate it 180 degrees and plug it back in.
I doubt if the cable is damaged though.
This cable reversal happens all the time.

Doodad

 

MANY thanks to you both for replying to my dilemma!! I'm so glad there's such a wonderful helpboard such as this! I'd truly be at a loss with out it!!

As I had mentioned in my original post, I thought that cable would/could only be inserted one way. I checked the end of the cable and there is one pin slot that is blocked and this lines up with the one pin not on the connection. But I think I may have figured out what I did wrong--only plugged in one side of the cable to the set of pins?? Anyway, the light is no longer continuosly on!!

I do think I remember seeing the light come on/flicker during the initial start up of my computer. Will it be safe now to try that floppy drive to make sure it's operational??? Any recommendations on how I can check it???

I do have one other question (not necessarily having to deal with this post). What is that switch on the back of my computer? (sort of like an on/off switch with markings "I" on the top, "O" on the bottom--located right above the power cord to the tower).


Again, many thanks! I'm sure I'll be back again requesting assistance, I'm forever messing up something!

Vicki

 

That strange looking thing that looks like a power switch is....
...wait for it...
a power switch!
Sorry, couldn't help it! Just why do they use those binary markings anyway? Because using O for "on" and O for "off" would be less confusing? Who knows. I am under the impression that the 1 stands for signal in much the same way 0 stands for lack of signal. That is, I is on, 0 is off. It is simply the power switch for your power supply (and therefore shuts power off to your entire computer if you leave it plugged in to an always on power source).
I hope that was of help, and that you can overlook my odd sense of humor.

 

Vicki,

Glad to see that your problem is solved. The light blinking at startup is normal. That is just the system accessing it to make sure it works. The only way to truely test it is to pop in a floppy. No need to worry, I'm sure your fine now.

Mike