old 486 boot problems 2

[TFfan]

I need to transfer files from 5 1/4" disks to 3 1/2s so I've been trying to get my old 486 machine to run (unfortunately not IDE). The HD has crashed so I'm trying to use a boot disk to get to dos so I can do my thing. The only problem is that the only options for boot sequences are a; c or c; a and the computer refuses to see the 3 1/2 as a: during the boot sequence (even if I set it as such in the bios). Since I don't have a boot disk on a 5 1/4" it's a little frustrating.

I think I remember a keystroke or some kind of command that'll swap these drives, but I'm afraid I may be thinking of an old dos command. Please tell me I'm wrong or that there's some solution.

Thanks!

 

[edfair]

Some BIOS writers had a swap drive choice. But the other option is to swap the position of the drives on the cable.
The one hooked to the end (past the cut and twist) is a:.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[TFfan]

Brillant! Thanks.

 

[micker377]

The DOS command you were trying to remember was: subst