Disc missing
Amstrad Amstrad CPC
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Disc missing means the CPC tried to access the disc drive but no disc was found. Insert a formatted disc into the drive and retry. This commonly appears when trying to LOAD, SAVE, or CAT without a disc inserted.
Affected Models
- Amstrad CPC 664
- Amstrad CPC 6128
- Amstrad CPC Plus
- WinAPE emulator
Common Causes
- No disc inserted in the drive
- Disc inserted upside down or not fully seated
- Drive mechanism jammed or belt worn (on real hardware)
- Drive door not fully closed
- In WinAPE emulator: no disc image mounted
How to Fix It
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Insert a formatted 3-inch disc into the drive.
The CPC uses 3-inch discs (Hitachi format), not 3.5-inch PC discs. Make sure the disc is inserted with the label facing up and the metal shutter going in first.
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Check that the disc is fully seated and the drive accepts it.
Push the disc in until it clicks. If the drive does not accept the disc, the mechanism may be jammed.
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On WinAPE: mount a disc image (DSK file) in the drive.
Go to Drive A and select a .DSK file. You can also create a blank formatted disc image from the menu.
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If the drive mechanism is faulty, the belt may need replacing.
CPC disc drives use a rubber belt that perishes over decades. A worn belt causes the drive motor to spin but the disc not to rotate. Replacement belts are available from retro computing suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Amstrad CPC use 3-inch discs instead of 3.5-inch?
When the CPC 664 launched in 1985, Amstrad chose the Hitachi 3-inch format because it was cheaper to license. The 3.5-inch format (used by the Mac, Amiga, and Atari ST) eventually won the market, making CPC discs harder to find.
Can I connect a 3.5-inch drive to a CPC?
Yes, with a simple adapter cable. Many CPC users replaced their 3-inch drives with standard 3.5-inch PC drives. The CPC's disc controller supports both formats — only the physical drive differs.