CD/DVD not working - Inspiron 8200

Question

When i go into my computer, the D: drive does show BUT when I insert any disk, none of the files on that CD will show.When I went into Device Manager, it says the drive is working. I go to My Computer, click on the drive letter D: and then open Explore and still no files will show. When you insert a disk into the drive, you can hear it running but then just stops and nothing appears. I've tried audio disk,, several CD's with files on them but no luck getting anything to happen. Any other ideas on what to check to see if the drive is really "dead" or is something else preventing the files from being able to show? I've been trying to reinstall Microsoft Office Professional but since the drive isn't working to read the cd, I'm stuck.

I checked my computer under the HELP and SUPPORT area for installed hardware and under the CD-ROM Drive (D:) it says it is a SONY CD-RW CRX810E. The outside of the drive says DVD. If I need to replace the drive, what is compatible to install on the INSPIRON 8200? It is an old laptop but works fine for most of what I need to do.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Julia

PudgyOne · Answer

Julia,   Just a hunch. Did you try this?   How to Fix Error Code 39 with DVD or CD-ROM drive in Windows XP/Vista     Rick

SlamX · Answer

It could be dead. Not unusual for that old of a laptop. First go into device manager and uninstall the drive. Reboot and let window reinstall the driver. If that does not fix it you might try running a CD drive cleaner disk.

Run the dell diagnostic on it. If it fails then you need a new drive. Can get them for good price on ebay and should be easy to swap out.

SlamX · Answer

Another option is to use an external USB CD drive. About $45 on ebay.

daylily_ny · Answer

I already did the uninstall of the drive and the computer did recognize it and reinstalled it when I rebooted. I also checked for any updated drivers and bios. I'll try the CD drive cleaner disk. Haven't tried the Dell diagnostic and will do that next.

Julia

daylily_ny · Answer

Rick:

Thanks for the link but the CD Rom D: drive is showing in the Device Manager (no error codes or exclamation point) and according to Device Manager it is working. Checked to see if the Upper and Lower filters were in the registry and they are not there.

Ran Dell diagnostics on the computer and still no solution to my problem. Trying to find CD ROM disk cleaner to see if that would help.

Does anyone know what should be listed in the registry(right side of frame) for the CD ROM under the key {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}? I want to be sure all the right things are showing and something isn't missing or something wasn't added which is causing the problem.

Thanks again,

Julia

daylily_ny · Answer

Thought to come back and post the results with the disk cleaner. Still not able to read the files on the cd or any cd I put into the drive. Tried the cleaner twice.

The drive runs when you place a cd in the drive and then after about 1 minute or so it stops. Still no files showing when I have the cd in the drive and view the D: drive in either MY COMPUTER or use the Run.If I click on eject, it ejects the cd from the cd rom drive. Any other thoughts on what to try?

Julia

SlamX · Answer

Julia,

It appears the drive is dead. It is very easy to replace and a new CD/DVD drive is affordable on Ebay. Here is a link to several DVD writer combo drives on Ebay:

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=inspiron+8200&_sacat=131543&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&Brand=Dell&_dmpt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&_odkw=inspiron+2200&_osacat=131543 This is the correct link the first one I posted was wrong. Sorry

Here is the link on how to swap out the DVD drive in the Dell service manual:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/sm_en/hdd.htm#1084976

Basically remove one little lock screw pull the tab on the drive and it slides out. Hope htis helps.

SlamX · Answer

Julia,

This is the correct Ebay link for the drives. Sorry

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=inspiron+8200&_sacat=131543&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&_odkw=&_osacat=131543

daylily_ny · Answer

Thanks for the info on Ebay.

Not sure whether to start a new post but when I followed the link to the site for swapping out the old for the new drive, it doesn't say anything about replacing the drive only taking the old optical drive one out. Is there more to do? When I replace with the new combo drive and power up, will the computer recognize the new drive or is there more to do after putting the new drive in? A bit confused on inserting the new drive. Old drive removal looks simple enough but not sure about the next steps. Thanks for the help.

Julia

SlamX · Answer

Instalation of the new drive is just the reversal of the removal. Just slide the new drive in.

There is nothing you need to do after it is installed. Windows will install the driver automatically and it will be ready to use.

Gerry

DELL- Sreenath · Answer

No. Just replace the drive and turn on the computer. It should work. Nothing more needs to be done.

daylily_ny · Answer

Thanks for the replies. Sounds easy enough to do.

Last question(I hope). I notice that there are different listings for replacing the internal drive when looking on Ebay. They have listings under the categories for

CD-RW/DVD COMBO DRIVE and then there is DVD-RW/+RW DRIVES. Is there a difference? Do most sellers not offer a warranty?

Thanks again for all the help.

Julia

SlamX · Answer

Julia,

CDRW/DVD combo drives only write to CD's. DVD is ROM or read only. The DVD-RW/+RW drives write to both CD's and DVD's.

If you read all the sellers item descriptions carefully you will see most offer 6mos to 1yr warranty. And you usually can buy the Square Trade Extended Warranty after you buy the drive. For these drives the Extra warranty coverage probably will not cost more than $20.

Also note these drives are not Dell branded but that does not matter as Dell uses many makers like Sony, Toshiba, NEC etc.

If you have any questions email the seller befor you buy and check their seller ratings.

daylily_ny · Answer

Thanks for the explanation. Hopefully the new drive  resolves the problem. Julia

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CD/DVD not working - Inspiron 8200

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