=========
A FAQ list may be found in the fdutils package (see below), and also
-at http://fdutils.linux.lu/FAQ.html
+at <http://fdutils.linux.lu/faq.html>.
LILO configuration options (Thinkpad users, read this)
The floppy driver is configured using the 'floppy=' option in
lilo. This option can be typed at the boot prompt, or entered in the
lilo configuration file.
- Example: If your kernel is called linux-2.2.13, type the following line
+
+ Example: If your kernel is called linux-2.6.9, type the following line
at the lilo boot prompt (if you have a thinkpad):
- linux-2.2.13 floppy=thinkpad
+
+ linux-2.6.9 floppy=thinkpad
+
You may also enter the following line in /etc/lilo.conf, in the description
-of linux-2.2.13:
+of linux-2.6.9:
+
append = "floppy=thinkpad"
Several floppy related options may be given, example:
- linux-2.2.13 floppy=daring floppy=two_fdc
+
+ linux-2.6.9 floppy=daring floppy=two_fdc
append = "floppy=daring floppy=two_fdc"
If you give options both in the lilo config file and on the boot
prompt options coming last. That's why there are also options to
restore the default behavior.
+
+Module configuration options
+============================
+
If you use the floppy driver as a module, use the following syntax:
- insmod floppy <options>
+modprobe floppy <options>
Example:
- insmod floppy daring two_fdc
+ modprobe floppy omnibook messages
+
+ If you need certain options enabled every time you load the floppy driver,
+you can put:
+
+ options floppy omnibook messages
+
+in /etc/modprobe.conf.
- Some versions of insmod are buggy in one way or another. If you have
-any problems (options not being passed correctly, segfaults during
-insmod), first check whether there is a more recent version.
- The floppy related options include:
+ The floppy driver related options are:
floppy=asus_pci
Sets the bit mask to allow only units 0 and 1. (default)
master arbitration error" messages from your Ethernet card (or
from other devices) while accessing the floppy.
- floppy=fifo
+ floppy=usefifo
Enables the FIFO. (default)
floppy=<threshold>,fifo_depth
lower, the interrupt latency should be lower too (faster
processor). The benefit of a lower threshold is less
interrupts.
+
To tune the fifo threshold, switch on over/underrun messages
using 'floppycontrol --messages'. Then access a floppy
disk. If you get a huge amount of "Over/Underrun - retrying"
fifo values without rebooting the machine for each test. Note
that you need to do 'floppycontrol --messages' every time you
re-insert the module.
+
Usually, tuning the fifo threshold should not be needed, as
the default (0xa) is reasonable.
you have more than two floppy drives (only two can be
described in the physical CMOS), or if your BIOS uses
non-standard CMOS types. The CMOS types are:
+
0 - Use the value of the physical CMOS
1 - 5 1/4 DD
2 - 5 1/4 HD
5 - 3 1/2 ED
6 - 3 1/2 ED
16 - unknown or not installed
+
(Note: there are two valid types for ED drives. This is because 5 was
initially chosen to represent floppy *tapes*, and 6 for ED drives.
AMI ignored this, and used 5 for ED drives. That's why the floppy
in some more extreme cases."
-
Supporting utilities and additional documentation:
==================================================
The latest version can be found at fdutils homepage:
http://fdutils.linux.lu
-The fdutils-5.4 release can be found at:
- http://fdutils.linux.lu/fdutils-5.4.src.tar.gz
- http://www.tux.org/pub/knaff/fdutils/fdutils-5.4.src.tar.gz
- ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/Linux/utils/disk-management/fdutils-5.4.src.tar.gz
+The fdutils releases can be found at:
+ http://fdutils.linux.lu/download.html
+ http://www.tux.org/pub/knaff/fdutils/
+ ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/Linux/utils/disk-management/
Reporting problems about the floppy driver
==========================================
Be sure to read the FAQ before mailing/posting any bug reports!
Alain
+
+Changelog
+=========
+
+10-30-2004 : Cleanup, updating, add reference to module configuration.
+ James Nelson <james4765@gmail.com>
+
+6-3-2000 : Original Document