anyone know where I can obtain an old 5.25 disk drive to get data off of it? Failing that, is there a way I can get the data off the disks???

You will need a 5.25" floppy drive to read the data, if it is still readable. I suggest you check with vendors that specialize in reselling used equipment. We have a fleamarket my my home that has a computer show once a month. Many of the vendors sell nothing but used parts. Most from parted out older machines.

Another option might be to try an independent computer shop. They may have an older machine that has the needed drive. Should be a simple matter for them to copy the data to some other media.

How to proceed would depend on how many disks you need to read.

You may want to check your BIOS to see if it can configure a 5 1/4 drive. If so you will also need the correct cable.

There is a member here that may be able to fix you up. His handle here is DAVEINCAPS. Try sending him a Private Message here to ask.

i have not checked ebay but i would have thought it would be useful

Goodwill and other thrift stores usually have either a computer store or an area in the main stores that offer plenty of old stuff.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

Ebay right now has about 25 of them. I've got a dozen or so too. You'll want a 1.2 meg one and not a 360K as a 1.2 will read both type disks.

Because these drives are now so hold, you will be very lucky if you find one on a dumpster or in a thrift shop etc. Always worth a try though.

Look in:-

ebay/computing/vintage

when you have the 5.25 fdd installed, use the dos command XCOPY with /S /E options.

As a matter of interest, where are you based?

Advise how you get on.

Good Luck - Keep us posted.

I'd be willing to part with one of the drives that I have -- If you don't find anything local.