Windows XP Build - Floppy drive options \ VOGONS

Windows XP Build - Floppy drive options

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First post, by stu_e_hughes

Posted on 2023-07-05, 07:47

stu_e_hughes Offline

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Hi everyone,

I'm planning my first XP build. I have this board which I got for free and is a fairly modern board for XP. From around 2010.

I'm wondering if I need to add a floppy drive (or Gotek drive) to my build though. I had one in my old XP PC and it was mainly needed for adding drivers and booting from floppy etc. SATA drivers I remember were always an issue. I don't know what options I have in the BIOS yet, so wondering if I can get away with only USB for booting?

I added the photo of the MB as I see that I only have one 40 pin connector so maybe adding a floppy drive isn't even possible on this board? or are there other options?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Reply 1 of 5, by RandomStranger

Posted on 2023-07-05, 07:59

RandomStranger Offline

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Not necessary at all, except if you want to use it to transfer files between your XP PC and a Win9x/DOS PC.

I think all versions of XP can boot from CD, I never had issue with that. It might come handy with some exotic drivers, but it's uncommon.

Also, indeed your board don't seem to have a 34-pin floppy connector.

Reply 2 of 5, by Doornkaat

Posted on 2023-07-05, 08:07

Doornkaat Offline

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Depending on BIOS one USB FDD will be bootable and treated like a regular A: floppy drive. Most 775 boards' BIOS support this in my experience.👍

Reply 3 of 5, by The Serpent Rider

Posted on 2023-07-05, 08:35

The Serpent Rider Offline

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Some can work with USB flash as FDD too.

I must be some kind of standard: the anonymous gangbanger of the 21st century.

Reply 4 of 5, by stu_e_hughes

Posted on 2023-07-05, 11:13

stu_e_hughes Offline

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Thanks all. I have an external USB FDD so I will go with this option. 👍

Reply 5 of 5, by Tetrium

Posted on 2023-07-05, 11:47

Tetrium Offline

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Personally I would go with an internal floppy drive even though I think WinXP doesn't really need it (and using them mostly because I have plenty spare 3.5in FDDs)
It's mostly handy for swapping files with older rigs.

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