NEC 2100AD problem writing to DVD+R calibration error, medium error

Question

Dell Dimension 8300, XP SP2 all updates. Dell OEM NEC 2100 AD DVD +R/RW writer, latest firmware 106F (R92733 from Dell). Ultra DMA mode 2, status OK in system information.   I use purchased Roxio Creator 8 suite (creator classic module, build 805B56B ENU) to burn data to DVD +R disks as backups. This has worked fine until recently, but in the last two weeks or so I have been unable to burn a DVD +R. I get one of two error messages: either at the start of the burn I get a calibration error message, or it writes to disk apparently smoothly (constant speed of ~4MB/s) but right at the end when it is finalising, I get a medium error message. I have been using the same DVD media that worked well before (from the same spindle) and also tried a couple of other makes. I also tried using a DVD laser lens cleaning disk, so far without success.   I can burn to CD without problems, the drive reads CD disks, my previously burned DVD+R disks and DVD video disks without problems.   I don't have any other software that will burn to DVD.   Is there anything else I can try to fix this?   Originally (June 2003)  the PC came with a NEC 1100 DVD writer, but that died in 2004 and Dell replaced it with the 2100 AD; no problems until now. If it is an irrecoverable problem with the drive should I ask Dell to replace it (still under warranty until June this year).Or if they do not consider this to be a faulty drive and I replace it, I'd appreciate recommendations on what to buy.

osprey4 · Answer

What media?

JRosenfeld · Answer

The ones that worked OK until recently were Philips 1-8x 4.7GB data (spindle of 25 disks) . Have also tried Sony 1-8x compatible DPR120A3 Accucore and TDK 1-4x data/video. These are all on the list I have for recommended media for the NEC 2100. I'm in UK, if that makes a difference to what's on the market.   The firmware release notes stated   Firmware update 106F (WIN) A02-1 Adds Read Support for Recordable Double Layer DVD+R Fixes media recognition failure with DVD+RW version 3 media Allows drive to burn new media that has recently come into the market   I installed the firmware update and bought Roxio 8 suite in November last year and as I said I had no problems until recently.

osprey4 · Answer

Here's what Nero says: http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/enu/FAQs_Products_NeroBurningROM_Error-Messages.html#9

JRosenfeld · Answer

Thanks for the link. Following their list of possible causes and things to try, I have the latest firmware, I've tried several media. Since everything was working until recently and the drive can read OK and write to CD, I don't think it can be the connector or power to the drive. That leaves the last possibility, failing drive (advice: send the recorder for service).   Failing drive was also the conclusion reached by the experts on the Roxio forum. I'll see whether Dell will replace it (I'm still in warranty for a month). If not I'll buy a new one. Do you have any recommendations?

osprey4 · Answer

If Dell replaces it with a current model NEC, I'd take that. The other brands most often touted here are Plextor and Pioneer.

JRosenfeld · Answer

Just to update, mainly to post a good experience and positive response from the much maligned Dell technical service (from UK).   I got excellent service from Maeve and Peter. They made me run Dell diagnostics, but of course those are read tests so not really relevant for the power calibration error message when writing to DVD+R, and as I expected the tests all passed. Then to eliminate possible software causes, they made me try to write to DVD after doing a system restore to when it was working; as I expected, the same error message came up (none of the software updates could have affected Roxio Creator Classics). But having eliminated software as the cause they readily agreed to replace the drive. Overall, including the tests it took less than an hour, with only ten minutes of that on the phone (including them calling me back a couple of times to check progress with the tests).   A technician will come to fit the new drive next week, so hope it all works OK then (don't know what drive they will install, but I expect it will be their current NEC model).   This is only the second time I've had to use Dell technical service, and on both occasions I've found them very helpful. I can understand that they have to work to a checklist (even if it is not really meaningful) to eliminate other potential causes before they can agree to replace hardware, so although I grumbled a bit at being made to jump through a couple of useless hoops, I still rate it as excellent service.

osprey4 · Answer

So your experience is contrary to the popular notion that they never call you back. Good to hear.

Storage, Drives & Media

NEC 2100AD problem writing to DVD+R calibration error, medium error

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