Backing up Japanese 3.5" disks

I want to backup some ancient 3.5" disks from a Japanese developer. Problem is, Windows and DOS won't let me copy the files because the disks have Japanese headers/names. Any ideas?

 

Oh and another thing: they're DD so Windows XP has problems with them. I'm talking about these things btw.

 

Can a Japanese version of XP or Dos help?

 

Have you tried creating an image with WinImage?
I'm sure you can add support for japanese in both DOS and Windows, but never done it...

 

I've heard about DOS/V but it ain't free. Installing a Japanese XP copy sounds like a LOT of work (and probably money)

 

No. I'd have to look into that, not familiar with that program.

 

I think you can use this (free) util to create an image file:

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Floopy-Download-18305.html

 

WinImage says there's no disk in the drive, Floopy doesn't support DD disks

The quest continues..

 

Are you sure it doesn't support Double Density (720kB) disks, because there isn't anything else used except for High Density.

 

Im a student, so I can get al kinds of windows in different Languages for "free"(Educational purposes).
Maybe try making a image with Linux and then the DD command. (Make sure FDD supports Double sided high density, google your flopydrive)

In linux, :

# dd if=/dev/hda of=~/hdadisk.img

but replace hda with I think /dev/fd0

 

Hmm, why didn't you come ask me? I could have given you something to do it lol. You know I backed up all my floppies

Use a floppy disk imager - even MagicISO can do it.

What's on the disks?

 

Windows XP will support 1.2MB and 720K Japanese formatted floppy discs, although you will need an external USB drive as it will have issues with using a internal drive.

If you go to regional and language options, click the advanced tab and in the Language for non Unicode programs, select Japanese (you will need to install files for East Asian languages first, if you do not have this tab). Reboot machine and you can view the files properly.

 

A secret plan to build a giant robot that will then dig under Japan to fill it with cake to stop the earthquakes.

 

Hmm..going to try.

Had no luck with WinXP and an external USB disk drive. I'll check for the language files, pretty sure I have them installed.

Close. Actually I bought some stuff from a Japanese developer, might do a funded release sometime but everything needs to be backed up first.

 

If WinXP gives me no luck I might consider installing Linux. Thx.

 

Well, he didn't answer... so I suspect you're correct! Damn, those Japanese are ahead of their time!

 

You can use linux from a LiveCD (to avoid the installation time), or install it to a VM from an ISO (faster installation time).

 

Yeah, I'd use a Live CD if you're going down the Linux route.

First, though - do the files open?

 

BTW: I assume you get the list of files when you try to explore the floppy disks, right?

 

Windows should be able to read them whether you have the language files installed or not. It should also be fine reading a lower density disk..
I'd try dd in linux first, just to be safe. That'll get any data it can off them.