Dell OptiPlex 170L

Hello all...

I was recently given a Dell OptiPlex 170L computer. While obviously a low
end machine (no AGP slot, Celeron CPU AFAIK) it does seem to be a nice
little unit. There is no floppy drive in this system...only a CD burner. The
former owner had apparently decided that didn't really like the machine for
a variety of reasons, so they bought a new HP. (But that's not overly
important.)

One thing I've noticed is that the motherboard does have a 34 pin floppy
connector available. Further, the lowest externally accessible drive bay has
a metal 3.5" device cutout. I presume that this would be where a factory
installed floppy drive goes. However, it looks like I'd need some kind of
installation kit--something that would include at least a bezel to surround
the floppy and replace the "blank" panel.

Anybody know where to find one of these? I didn't see anything in Dell's
accessories web site. Or, does anyone have one they'd sell?

William

 

Call Dell and ask for parts. They'll sell you the kit including the floppy.

 

(snip)

What Tom said. That unit takes a floppy kit that includes the drive, drive
cage, and ribbon cable. You then just have to remove the plastic blank from
the front bezel.


Stew

 

that said, unless you intend to regularly use the internally installed
floppy drive you may well be better off buying a external usb type drive
that you can move from system to system. it is very common to find new
systems without floppy drives today and so the external drive may prove
useful to you.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821118001

 

Hi!

I've got one, and I do use it. Most of the time it's plugged into a
Macintosh of some kind. It has been worth the purchase cost.

Yeah, I know. Whenever I order or buy a system, I *insist* that a floppy
drive be preinstalled. (Both my Dimension 8300 and Latitude D800 have an
internal drive.)

In any event, floppies still have a tremendous amount of use to me, because
they are the one thing that all my systems can use. (See the signature on
the initial posting...I collect and actively use those PS/2s and they don't
do USB. All have NICs, but sometimes that isn't the easiest way to transfer
information. Most of them do support 2.88 floppies, but that's another deal
entirely...) That's the "why" of why I want an internal floppy.

But I digress...anyone have a phone number they'd recommend (in the US) to
get to the Dell parts department or would any old Dell phone number do?

William

 

I don't have the phone number, but this web site has been posted here;
You want Dell Spare Parts Sales, and you can find them here:
http://warrantypartsdirect.dell.com/us/program/T1421000.ASP

Also some have recommended this site, but I have no personal
experience with it.
http://www.centrix-intl.com/

 

Holy museum piece, Batman!!! They *were* solid machines..... Congrats....

 

Get an external USB drive.......