Taking your suggestion, I downloaded another DVD authoring program, Sony DVD Architect 4.0. Nice program, just what I need, but when I went to burn a DVD-R, I got the same Sense Error (04 08 03) as I got with Roxio. This program lists it as a hardware error. Any idea of what's going on here?

Having failed to get a DVD-R recorded, I tried a DVD+R and had no problem. Same as the Roxio.  I then created an .ISO file and using another piece of "burn only" software, successfully burned it using the same drive. This is getting frustrating and I don't know where to turn. I expected a new machine under warranty to perform as advertised. Dell tech support is a bad joke. Twice they messed up the computer which required an entire new computer and then a new mother board.  This forum has been helpful, but where do I turn next to get this problem solved?

Hi,

Here are the machine's specs:

I would appreciate that.

Dick

Finally...I had success! I downloaded Ulead's Video Studio 10 Plus, edited a video clip, rendered it and burned it to a DVD-R...successfully!  I had looked at this program a while ago and backed off, but since it now makes my E-521 function with DVD-R media, I ordered  it (It's also on sale with some bonus CD's).

 

While this sort of solved my problem, it still irks me that Dell sold me a machine that didn't deliver as advertised.  I really suspect the problem is in the fact that SATA Combo drives are still new and create some unique problems....according to a lot of posts I've seen around the Internet.

 

Anyway, thanks for the help and suggestions. I hope these posts can help other E-521 owners.

Dick

 

Hi Dick,

May I add my thanks for your contribution to this challenge ... & echo your sentiments on Dell and the E521 :smileywink:

 

And ask, did you ever try Nero ... ?