Problem with SN-308B

Question

Hello,   I've been having this problem for some time and I'm wondering if there are any solutions or people who have same problem:   Problem: My SN-308B (CDRW/DVD) combo is having problems only when reading some CD's e.g. like games, programs, symptom during installation is various transfer errors something like CRC errors, couldn't read some file errors, crytical error and it always happens during some installation via CD. However I do not experience any problems with burning CD's, browsing file contents on CD's, accessing various files, it is only during with some installations except Windows XP installation and some other games and programs.   So please send me possible solutions or opinions or tell me I'm not the only one that having this problem =(

bacillus · Answer

that particular drive is known to have problems with reading copyrighted CD games. If you're not using the latest 007 firmware then I suggest you update though be warned that a few folk who have updated and posted here have ended up with a non usable drive because of a bad flash.

matt05 · Answer

Does anyone know where I can download new tested Firmware for my SN-308B (CDRW/DVD) drive on my Inspiron 8100?   I did read some posts that some people downloaded firmware from Dell site and caused SN-308B unfunctional. I also went to Sumsung site for firmware update for SN-308B but this perticular type is no longer supported. =(   If anyone knows or successfully updated firmware for SN-308B on Inspiron 8100 please send me link.

matt05 · Answer

OK

I have found Firmware updates for SN-308B CDRW/DVD combo:

Release Title Removable Storage: Samsung SN 308B 8X Slim Combo, Firmware, Multi OS, Multi Language, Multi System, v. U005, A01-01

Release Date

03/28/2002 Category Removable Media Storage Devices

D2R3101B.exe

Release Title Removable Storage: Samsung SN 308B 8X Slim Combo, Firmware, Multi OS, Multi Language, Multi System, v.U007, A02 Release Date 10/17/2002 Category Removable Media Storage Devices

D1G05502.exe

I have read one forum that somone updated SN-308B to U007 and had problems, I do not

know how credible that person was but can somone please verify that Firmware upgrade (U007) for

SN-308B on Inspiron 8100 was successful?

matt05 · Answer

Well I took a risk I have upgraded my Firmware SN-308B from U003 to U007 on Inspiron 8100,

upgrade was a success. :smileyvery-happy:

I'm able to play DVD's, access contents, etc...

Saddly I was still unable to perform Installation of my "Sims 2", received transfer error. I guess it's because this game just came out and possibly upgraded copy protection, meaning maybe U008 will come out. (though I was almost bearly able to install it on my 3 year old desktop, though at the first time i was getting transfer errors then I tried second time on my desktop and it worked out, I don't know about you guys but if that's due to copy protection I'm really getting irritated.

PS: remember to wait when updating firmware there is like 1-2 min. wait don't get scared just wait until it's done. I know it freak me out I was about to restart my laptop, be patient.

matt05 · Answer

Hello,

Those of you who still have problem with SN-308B and breaking their head on how to install the fallowing games: :smileysad:

Sims 2 :smileyvery-happy:

Sims Online :smileyvery-happy:

Look no more Download CloneCD 5.0.4.2 and Virtual Clone Drive 5.0.1.3 it's the new version, this will allow to create CD image (Important do not use SN-308b to make a image cause you make a image with errors that you will not be aware use any CD drive except SN-308B, if you have a desktop computer that is on the network via your laptop that would do it. Make a CD image then transfer it to your laptop via network. Then install Virtual Clone Drive on your laptop then run that image CD that you copied from desktop. This will solve your trauble 100%. :smileywink:

PS: :smileysurprised:

By the way those of you who wondering how come I didn't use CD drive on my network then run install, well I have tried using CD drive via network to install it - unseccessful got transfer error.

matt05 · Answer

Ohh one more thing if you really don't feel good about your SN-308b well you can buy eaither FIXED or MODULE CD- rom,CDR,CDRW,DVD/CDRW,DVD etc... Just make sure you don't buy sn-308b again :smileytongue:   You can select your laptop model then off you go, i like this site cause it very well orgenized, credible, to the point....:smileyhappy:   http://www.priorityelectronics.com/laptop-cdrw/dell-cdrw-dvd-inspiron-2500.htm :smileyhappy:   ps: If you don't want to say nanana na hey hey hey goodbye to your sn-308b :smileyvery-happy: well by a module but then you say nanana na hey hey goodbye to your battery or floppy drive :smileywink:

matt05 · Answer

Final message, if you want some help regarding messages i posted or you still not clear well send me a message or chat me on MSN, I'll be happy to help you :smileyvery-happy:   mateo_sw@msn.com      :smileyvery-happy:     :smileyvery-happy::smileyvery-happy::smileytongue::smileyhappy::smileywink:

crishchun · Answer

Is there an alternative way to update to the latest firmware? I don't have a floppy drive on my Insipiron 8200.

matt05 · Answer

< >   Hi, Well you could create bootable CD but you will need bootable floppy with firmware update.   So you could eaither upload  D1G05502.exe (U007) to your personal website using ftp or burn it to CD then go to school or library or your friend house/appartment, make sure computer have:  have floppy drive, CD-rom drive and eaither Nero or Roxio software.   Then upload that file D1G05502.exe (u007) to computer if you used ftp or access it from CD, then click on D1G05502.exe (u007) (you will need 1 floopy disk 1.44MB), create that floppy. When you done. Use Nero or Roxio to create bootable CD (you will need 1 blank CD) you will have option to select boot image file which you select it from that floppy that you created fallow instructions carefully when creating bootable CD. When you done you should have bootable CD with that firmware. Now go home and boot your computer from that CD. :smileyvery-happy:   Now all you have to do just sit back and relax don't touch computer when that update is performed, ohh don't freak out that update will take 1-2min. there will be a pause so don't freak out just leave your laptop alone until it completes update! :smileywink:                                                                           OR You could buy floppy module for your laptop: http://www.priorityelectronics.com/laptopfloppy/dellfloppy.htm

matt05 · Answer

Wait...........:smileysurprised:

This 100% experimental!

I have no idea if it's OK for a CD to be inside in sn-308b while firmware is updating from CD.

Though they didn't mention that one shouldn't have a CD in CD-rom drive.

So this is experimental though if you decide to do it I would like you to reply back and let us know if you succeded.

PS: I didn't had CD in my SN-308b when I did my firmware update.

bobbyklein · Answer

02/17/05

Greetings there,

I was glad I finally found someone on the boards who was experiencing the same problem I am and who fixed it the same way I want to.

I too have a Samsung SN 308B 8X Slim Combo CDRW/DVD drive. It is running the original driver that came with it and the firmware on it is U003. I have downloaded the latest Dell update for thias component, which is supposed to flash the firmware to U007, just like what you did.

I downloaded the update to my desktop and then proceeded to make one floppy. But here is where I ran into trouble. And I'm not sure if I am doing this right. I checked the floppy in Drive A: and I saw it contained an .exe file, a batch file , and one other file.

The directions say that this floppy needs to be opened under DOS (not Windows DOS box). I am not sure what that means exactly. Can you help me? I guess I have the correct floppy made, but somehow I am not running it properly.

After I have made the floppy am I supposed to reboot the computer with the floppy in it? Will this automatically cause the laptop to reboot from the floppy itself? or must I reset something in the BIOS first so the laptop reboots from the floppy?

I just don't know where or how to proceed from this point. It has been ages since I have traversed the MSDOS minefield and I don't really know what I am doing. I need some help because this update is supposed to flash the fiormware to U007, thus allowing the drive to read DVD+R media.

As it stands now, my drive only reads certain rental and commercially bought dvd, while the same exact dv d's can be played on my console dvd player. I am a heavily disabled man and it is important to me that I be able to watch my dvd's on my laptop when I am in my special bed or chair.

I would be much obliged for any and all help or if you could point me in the right direction. Much obliged.

Best,
-bobby klein

matt05 · Answer

Firmware update for 'Samsung SN 308B Hi bobby klein, Step 1.  This file contains a compressed (or zipped) set of files. Download the file to a folder on your hard drive, and then run (double-click) it to unzip the set of files. Follow the instructions to create a set of floppy diskettes, and then use the diskettes to complete the installation. Step 2. Leave that floppy disk in your floppy drive and boot your laptop ( turn off or restart from windows) Step 3. IF you got booted to windows you will need to configure BIOS to boot from floppy drive. (to configure BIOS you will need to boot, then as soon as you see DELL logo and a message ' press F2 to go to BIOS', press F2. Then fallow instructions on your screen.) IF you booted from floppy then just fallow instructions on screen. Congratulations you are DONE !     PS: remember to wait when updating firmware there is like 1-2 min. wait don't get scared just wait until it's done. I know it freak me out I was about to restart my laptop, be patient. matt

Storage, Drives & Media

Problem with SN-308B

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