Zap! Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I got my 1040 STe in 1991, accumulating loads of software. Well, it sat for 15 years and was filthy. Took it apart (there were missing screws, but they were replaced) and cleaned it real good. Ordered a nice RGB cable, hooked it up to my Atari SC1435 monitor, and powered it on. Screen comes up real nice, but none of my disks work so far, as all are getting an error. The second disk (old PD stuff) read the contents, but now it doesn't even do that. I know they are old, but none working leads me to believe it's a possible floppy drive issue. I'd be happy to replace it, but I'd like to know for sure first. Any good way to clean it? Maybe it's all my disks after all? Please help, I wanna play. Next up the XE GS comes out, but this first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemonday Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 It could well be your disks. Where were they stored? Try moving the metal guard on a few of them to see if there is any damage or mould on the actual disk surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParanoidLittleMan Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 If machine was filthy then there is likely dirt in floppy drive too. You need to clean it immediately, since it even may damage floppy disks. There are head cleaning kits, methods, but in your case best is to open drive and clean it thoroughly. Heads with little alcohol and fine cloth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 If machine was filthy then there is likely dirt in floppy drive too. You need to clean it immediately, since it even may damage floppy disks. There are head cleaning kits, methods, but in your case best is to open drive and clean it thoroughly. Heads with little alcohol and fine cloth. I actually had a new cleaning disk. Sprayed it and put it in. After I used it, I tried a bunch of disks and it read almost every one. But after a few more tried, it no longer read any disks again. I'm going to plead ignorance on how to clean it by opening it up. I did a quick search and could not find any videos. Do you know of any, or any kind of instructions with pics? Worst comes to worst, I can always order a new drive. By the way, what kind of drive is in the STe? 700k right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fedepede04 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 if your disk is also very dirty, then the dirt and dust, will be transferred onto your cleansed floppy-drive and make it dirty again.try clean your floppy-drive again using your cleaning set, and maybe consider to clean your disks, or buy some new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParanoidLittleMan Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'm going to plead ignorance on how to clean it by opening it up. I did a quick search and could not find any videos. Do you know of any, or any kind of instructions with pics? Worst comes to worst, I can always order a new drive. By the way, what kind of drive is in the STe? 700k right? In Ataris is not exactly standard 720K floppy drive. See this: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/229673-falcon-floppy-replacement/ Pics for opening floppy drive ? Every model is different. You can bring that drive to some service, where experts can clean it - if it will not cost more than new-old drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Well I did find one video that seemed to show how to clean a floppy drive, even though it wasn't an Atari. I'm going to try this tonight after work. Here's the video: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodLightning Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 The thread linked below adds yet another avenue to explore regarding problematic Atari ST floppy drives. It has been on my to-do list since last year. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/208904-atari-st-floppy-drive-repaired/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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