Floppy Disk Formats That Are Supported in Windows XP (309623)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
This article was previously published under Q309623

SUMMARY

This article provides a list of the floppy disk formats that are supported in Windows XP.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows XP supports the following floppy disk formats:
  • 1.44 megabyte (MB) 3.5" floppy disk (read, write, format)
  • 720 kilobyte (KB) 3.5" floppy disk (read, write only)
  • 1.2MB 5.25" floppy disk (read, write only)
  • 360KB 5.25" floppy disk (read, write only)
Windows XP supports formatting only the 1.44MB disk format. Three-mode floppy drives (drives that are capable of reading/writing with 720KB, 1.2MB and 1.44MB 3.5" disks) requires special driver support, and support for this feature is not included in Windows XP.

Some 3mode FD drivers may be installed on PCs with Windows XP by OEMs, although Microsoft does not provide the end-user support for 3mode drivers. Please contact your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) if you have any questions on 3mode drivers.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/30/2001
Keywords:kbinfo KB309623
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.