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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Software Issues and Discussion => Topic started by: J-Golden on July 30, 2012, 06:57:42 AM

Title: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: J-Golden on July 30, 2012, 06:57:42 AM

I finally have everything I need to get my A4000T up and running, minus a floppy drive.

The A4000T was the one donated by Bill P. to me a few years ago and has several software packages and hardware drivers scattered throughout the Workbench hard drive.

So I need to do a fresh install without floppy access.  I know ADF files are most likely the key to it all but I have never worked with them.  So what do you all think is the best course of action?

Currently I have CD-ROM access to can burn and transfer any necessarily files before I start the re-install but the real question is WHAT files do I need to have in place before I wipe everything.

What I'm thinking are the basic OS3.1 A4000T install disks, file updates like installer and the like and some sort of CD-ROM mounter.  Once I can get this up and running I think I can install OS3.9, Mediator and any other basic level files.

If I can get CD-ROM and NIC on the Mediator up and running, I can get everything else setup and installed, I just don't want to wipe away my ability to access CD-ROMs before I have every contingency in place.

TANKZ in advance!

Title: Re: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: nishtek on July 30, 2012, 08:06:56 AM

Get another IDE hard disk, then get yourself a floppy drive, you kind of need this to install OS 3.1, why make things harder than they should be???

Title: Re: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: danwood on July 30, 2012, 09:01:09 AM

You could plug the drive into a PC and set it up using ADFs in WinUAE, then transfer the drive back to the Amiga.

Title: Re: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: J-Golden on July 30, 2012, 05:31:19 PM

Thanks for the ideas guys, but both drives in the A4000T are SCSI.  I might have a spare IDE drive sitting around.  That and Amiga Forever already installed on my PeeCee is an option I hadn't thought of...

Title: Re: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: Karlos on July 30, 2012, 11:38:31 PM

Quote from: J-Golden;701593

Thanks for the ideas guys, but both drives in the A4000T are SCSI.  I might have a spare IDE drive sitting around.  That and Amiga Forever already installed on my PeeCee is an option I hadn't thought of...

I've used UAE to clone the contents of older hard disks to newer ones when upgrading my A1200, so in principle it ought to work.

Title: Re: Fresh install without a working floppy drive
Post by: J-Golden on July 31, 2012, 03:40:52 PM

That seems the safest way to go.  I'll have to start building up the install files I'll need so I can get it all done in one fell swoop!

Update on the floppy:  I didn't take a look before but just peeked at what type of floppy drive I have.  It is a Sony MPF 520-1.  The cable looks like a cheap mod and it goes from the floppy drive the the riser card without anything in between.

I know on my last A4000T there was a board  that connected to the floppy and then to the cable but I can't remember what the make or model the floppy was.  Am I missing that board or do you think it could be the dodgy cable?