Cannot burn DVD+R disks?

Question

I have a dimension 8400 with philips 8631 dvd burner installed. I can burn dvd+RW disks, but have no luck when using dvd+R disks. The burning software programs show the disk was successfully created, but the dvds don't respond when I try to access them via explorer, or a dvd viewing application.   In reading the specs sheet on this burner it appears to support both formats. The drive functions correctly when reading commercial dvds as well.   Dell support said I may have a bad batch of dvd+R disks. I recognize this is a possibility, but I would appreciate any input from the group on this type of problem. I read the posts related to the 8631, but my situation appears to be unique. I upgraded the firmware per the dell support notification that popped up on my computer.   As a sidenote, I  tested the burning using Sonic and Pinnacle studios software. Same results for both of types of disks.   thank you in advance

REtaurus · Answer

please state what brand of discs you are using, also, did u eject the dvd after burn and then put it back into the drive to see if it was burned. is it playing on ur dvd player?

Predator · Answer

Hi JW,Dell has three firmware updates for this drive, which one did you use?Best Regards! God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell thedifference. CD/RW Link

JW8400 · Answer

I used Memorex DVD+R, Sony DVD+R, and Imation DVD+RW media.   I'm happy to report that I successfully burned to DVD+R by doing the following:   Instead of burning directly to DVD, I created a DVD image on my hard disk using Pinnacle Studio Plus. I then used one of the Dell provided programs for burning DVDs to copy this image to the DVD+R. I cannot remember the name, something like Record it Now, or maybe the Sonic program? Sorry not in front of the computer right now.   I could play the new disk in my computer as well as a commercial DVD player.   In reading the properties for my burner it looks to me like the firmware update I recently applied was GD30. The Dell automatic update deal only showed one available patch when I checked. I will check again to see if there is something new.   Thanks in advance to Predator, and the wealth of information provided via links. This helped me take a different approach to resolving my problem.  I still plan to look into why I cannot burn directly from the software apps to DVD+R, but right now I'm happy with the workaround.   J

Predator · Answer

Hi JW,GD30 is Dell`s latest and it seems the best of the three. Double check that the drive is running in DMA mode, should be DMA 2.If the drive gives you trouble and it is out of warranty, give us a holler. I have a cross flash firmware on the CD/RW site that Dave got for us which converts this drive to a BenQ 1620. If you interested in reading some information on it, Section 5-1 of the CD/RW site.Best of luck with the drive and your system, also thanks for the kind words. God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell thedifference. CD/RW Link

Storage, Drives & Media

Cannot burn DVD+R disks?

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