DIY Memory Lab - Transfer Floppy Disks | Los Angeles Public Library

Step 1: Attach the Sabrent 1.44MB External 2X Floppy Disk Drive

Ask a library staff member for the Sabrent external floppy disk drive.
Attach the drive's USB cord to a USB port on the back of the Station 1 computer.

Step 2: Insert your 3.5" Floppy Disk

When you connect the external floppy drive to computer's USB port, the drive should start flashing red. This is when you will insert 3.5" floppy disk.
Watch How to insert and eject 3.5" floppy disk if you have concerns on what to do.

Step 3: Grab Your Files

Select Open folder to view files at the prompt on the computer screen.
If the prompt does not appear, open File Explorer and select the floppy disk drive on the left-hand pane to view your files.

Windows Task Bar

Copy the files from the floppy disk drive to your storage device by:
- highlighting all of the files you want to copy from the floppy disk, and
- dragging the highlighted files to your chosen storage destination

Be sure to rename your files if the existing filenames are vague or inconsistent.
Some older formats such as WPD (Word Perfect Files) may not be able to open with contemporary operating systems. We recommend that you move all files off of your floppy and on to an accessible storage environment anyway. There are many conversion softwares available online for older and obsolete file formats.

Step 4: You are done

Eject the Sabrent Floppy Disk Drive by clicking the upward pointing arrow in the task bar, then select the USB icon.
Please return the Sabrent Floppy Disk Drive to Octavia Lab staff.
Do not forget your floppy disks and USB drive.

Find A Library

Choose Branch:

Support Your Library

Why support the Library?

The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest most diverse population of any library in the United States.

Through its Central Library and 72 branches, the Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.

With more people than ever before using the library—a record 17 million last year alone—your support helps the Library provide people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

How to support the Library

You can support the Los Angeles Public Library in several ways:

Join a “Friends” group. There is a “Friends of the Library” group for most branch libraries and departments of the Central Library. Friends groups raise money for improvements to their library through memberships, used book sales and other activities. For more information click here or talk to your local librarian.

Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Library enhancement programs such as adult and early literacy, children and teen reading clubs, technology, and cultural programs. Foundation members receive a variety of benefits with their membership. For more information, see http://www.lfla.org.

Make a donation by check to the Los Angeles Public Library and send it to:
Support the Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles CA 90071 or call (213) 228-7272.

Los Angeles Public Library

DIY Memory Lab - Transfer Floppy Disks

Step 1: Attach the Sabrent 1.44MB External 2X Floppy Disk Drive

Step 2: Insert your 3.5" Floppy Disk

Step 3: Grab Your Files

Step 4: You are done

What hardware are you using?

What software are you using?