Linux users can format a 1.44MB floppy disk to achieve a capacity of 1.7MB using the ext2 file system. In DOS/Windows, this can also be accomplished with specific programs, such as DiskSpace.exe, which allows for sector editing on floppies. Users have reported successfully storing files larger than the standard 1.44MB limit by utilizing tools like "dd" in Linux or "rawrite" in DOS/Windows. The discussion highlights the continued relevance of floppy disks for transferring small files and loading drivers, despite their limited capacity.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for retro computing enthusiasts, system administrators managing legacy systems, and anyone interested in maximizing floppy disk storage capabilities for file transfers and driver installations.
Yes, but you need a program to do it. I have two of them, trialware, and can email you the program or send you a link to download it if you need.Originally posted by Saint
Linux users said they can format the 1.44 floppy with the format of Ex2 and get 1.7 MB capacity,
can we do this in DOS/windows ?
No, you are talking about file compression. Cab files are just compressed. To read and write at > 1.44 mb you need to use a different file system which generally means a change in your operating system.Originally posted by BoulderHead
Yes, but you need a program to do it. I have two of them, trialware, and can email you the program or send you a link to download it if you need.
The windows .cab files (win95) were about 1.63 MegaBytes and to fit them on floppies means you need to extend the capacity of the discs to accommodate them. The first one or two win95 floppies are the usual 1.44MB but one of them contains a program (extract, I think it is called) that will enable the computer to deal with the larger capacity floppies that are soon to follow...
It is quite possible to go even beyond that figure;...add to that , that program don't work properly , once it told me that I'm albe to make the 1.44MB Floppy , a 10.12MD Floppy ... And this is IMPOSSIBLE!
Russ,No, you are talking about file compression. Cab files are just compressed. To read and write at > 1.44 mb you need to use a different file system which generally means a change in your operating system.
Ok, I misunderstood. I thought you meant that the CONTENTS of the cab file were 1.63mb and the cab file itself was 1.38. I get it now. I didn't know MS did that.Originally posted by BoulderHead
Russ,
I’m not sure I understand you. I have increased the capacity of floppies for the purpose of putting the ‘oversized’ 1.63MB .cab files on them. I have never until now used the these floppies for any other type of file storage. I deleted the .cab file and copied three files to the floppies that when combined require 1.61MB. I am able to read them without problems, though it seems to take ages to get the data on and off.
Well if your files are EQUATLY 4.00 Kb big (or n*4.00 KB) then you rawwrite will make no change at all (except maybe for the first 512 bytes ...).Originally posted by damgo
If you want to just get the maximum data on a floppy, you can use "dd" in Linux or "rawrite" in DOS/Windows with a tar/zip file... that sends the data raw to the disk with *no* formatting. I don't believe there are ext2 filesystem drivers for Windows -- at least not free ones.
Ah, so that is what Extract.exe does. You see we are all learning things in this thread. FantasticalOriginally posted by russ_watters
Ok, I misunderstood. I thought you meant that the CONTENTS of the cab file were 1.63mb and the cab file itself was 1.38. I get it now. I didn't know MS did that.
In any case, a cab file is still just another type of compressed archive like a zip file. Extract.exe is the cab extraction program. The ability to read a 1.63 mb disk must be built into the OS and has nothing to do with whether or not its a cab file - like you said, 3 files (not cab files) copied to the disk totaled 1.61mb.