cd burner malfunction

Question

I have a 2 year old xps 400 desktop. Had no problem burning cds until recently. (burn many cds through iTunes program) Now internal E-Drive will not read blank discs or playback. Tried to reinstall and download updated drive. Did not help. Is burner simply dead or can it be fixed without replacing. If dead, can I just get an external burner and use through usb port?  Need help! Message Edited by Sammy B on 08-09-2008 10:23 AM

Skybird · Answer

If you double-click the drive in My Computer with a disc inserted, can you see the contents?

Sammy B · Answer

Thanks for the response.  Yes, I can show contents on pre-recorded disc.  Seems to have trouble with ones I have previously burned.  Does the scanner maybe need to be cleaned?

Skybird · Answer

Run the Dell Diagnostics on the drives. The Diagnostics should be on
your hard drive. Press F12 at startup while the blue Dell is on the
screen. This will take you to the boot menu where the Utility Partition
or Diagnostics will be a choice. Run the Custom Test for the drives
and have a data CD (not music CD) ready for the read test.

Sammy B · Answer

Ran diagnostic tests as suggested.  Passed all tests.  Now what?

Skybird · Answer

What brand and type of media are you using?Have you tried other media? What is the brand and model of the drive?

Sammy B · Answer

I have sucessfully used Maxell and TDK blank

CD-R discs in the past. They no longer work. I have also tried Sony since the problem started. No luck. The device is identified as HL-DT-ST DVD+RW GWA4164B. Manufacturer is only identified as "standard CD-ROMS drive"

Skybird · Answer

This particular drive has been a troublesome one. You are using good media. Have you tried
this Firmware?

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R130051&SystemID=XPS/DIMENSION%20400/9150&servicetag=&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=10373&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=2&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=32&fileid=173334

If that does not work, I would cosider replacing the drive.

Skybird · Answer

An external burner should work, however, an internal burneris less expensive, easy to install and more simple to use.I have no brand recommendation for an external drive.

Sammy B · Answer

Thanks for the assistance.  I tried the firmware download.  Did not help. I think it needs to be replaced. One last question.  Can I simply disable the malfunctioning drive and use an external burner though the usb port?  Are there any issues with iTunes or other programs recognizing the external drive?  If this can be done, do you have recommendations for a good external burner?  Thanks again.

Sammy B · Answer

Generally how easy is it to install a new internal drive.  Can I do it myself.  I have (emphasis) limited computer knowledge.  You could probably tell that from my questions on this post.

Skybird · Answer

It is very easy to install a drive. Your system uses an IDE (not SATA)
drive. DVD Burners run abot $25 or so. A good place to look is
www.newegg.com.

Set the jumper position on the drive to the Cable Select (CD or CSEL)
position before installing it. You can replace the current drive or
add it as a second drive because your system has two drive bays.

The Service Manual is here ...........

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/index.htm

That should everything including how to open the system. Once open,
this is how to remove the drive panel .........

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/parts.htm#wp1059174

then installing the drive .....

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/parts.htm#wp1060028

Sammy B · Answer

Will this one work? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136147

Skybird · Answer

Yes, that should work fine.  It is an IDE drive.

Sammy B · Answer

Remember me.  I finally installed new burner.  That part was easy, just as you indicated.  However, now my computer does not recognize that drive or the other cd drive in my computer that was not replaced.  My compuer at log in indicated that the drives were not recognized and prompted me to the set up utility.  What do i need to do?  Thank you for your help.

Sammy B · Answer

Solved problem with new post.  Thanks much.

Storage, Drives & Media

cd burner malfunction

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