EXTERNAL DVD-ROM ISSUE.

Is this link appendable to the Windows Media Center.

If so, I think it might resolve my issues.

www.thefreelibrary.com/Sonic+Releases+MyDVD+for+Windows+XP+Media+Center+Edition+PCs%3B+Enables...-a096262967

Thanks,

Gerry

I don't know, Gerry, that link is really old. Not even sure you can find the software.

Osprey,

Along with a larger capacity internal local dive, it looks like we are going to go with Windows 7.

Any thoughts on a very reliable/dependable 500GB drive?

Thanks in advance,

Gerry

We are still not getting the "Select Format Screen" which would allow us to burn dvd's from the previously recorded TV programs in the video mode while using the Windows XP Media Center.

The only option we are given, is to burn the dvd's in the data mode.

The drag/drop/burn pictures from the folders to the drives has been resolved.

Thanks,

Gerry

Gerry,

Did you upgrade to Windows 7 or is this still XP? Did you find a 500GB drive? Honestly, hard drives are all about the same. Not sure I would recommend anything other than something with a decent warranty.

Not yet on Windows 7, but I have the disks that Microsoft sent us. (See pic).

Also a Western digidal 500GB Internal (Black) drive is on the way.

I was advised by WD that the Black drive is the most reliable.

Don't know why..........

As for the Media Center issue.

Everything I have researched would indicate that I should be able to

select a pre-recorded Media Center program, and burn it in either

Data or Video format.

Still no joy, but I'll work on it this week.

Thanks again,

Gerry

The WD Black is a good drive. Fast and reliable. I've got a link below to Phil's reinstallation guide, which might be helpful to you.

Ospey,

While trying to eliminate this pop-up during Windows

startup, I decided to re-install the O/S.

^^^^^

Using the disc provided with the computer.

^^^^^

Which provided the Media Center burn options we have been looking for.

^^^^^

However, when I recover my backup, these options are no longer available,

suggesting that some Microsoft update my have removed these options from

the O/S.

I could use the re-install disc, then re-install all of my progams, but that would be involved.

Any thoughts before I install Windows 7?

The startup pop-up is still there.........

As always,

Thanks for your time

Gerry

Hi Gerry,

Pretty hard to tell what's going on. There are a number of issues that can cause corrupt profiles. I wouldn't spend any time trying to sort it out, but go ahead and install Windows 7.

Osprey,

I was advised by HP that our XPS-410 is compatible with the installation of a hard drive in each slot.

Unfortunately I can't locate the second harness for the second slot. (our new 500GB drive).

Thanks for all,

Gerry

Gerry,

There are plenty of SATA ports. I think you need to buy the data cable. You have room for three hard drives and two DVD drives.

Hi Osprey,

Well, so far, so good. Well almost....

I did re-install the former 250GB drive in the second tower HD slot,

however the bios does not seem to detect the second slot installation

no matter which SATA connectors I try.

I called Microsoft, and was advised that the BIOS would have to be updated,

however, DELL said the bios is fine.

http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/168595enn_US/FAQ/168595ent

After reviewing the above link, it would appear that I may need to jumper some of the drive

connector pins.

However, those pins are not jumpered on this drive which was in slot #1 for 8 years.

Thanks again,

Gerry

The newly installed 500GB disc in slot #1 works fine.

^^^^^

CABLES

The cables a O.K., but the drive spins all the time!

CORRECTED LINK:

http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/168595en

http://www.seagate.com/support/internal-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/barracuda/
^^^^^our 250gb drive that the bios does not see in the second slot, but works ok in the first slot.

Osprey,

Is your site experiencing issues with posting pics?

65kb max size?

Thanks,

Gerry

Both pictures and links are having trouble with the new forum. 

Try jumpering the drive to the SATA 150 setting. Not all newer drives are backward compatible with all controllers. This will not impact the drive speed.