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DVD+R not recognized
I have a Dell Dimension 8300 with a NEC DVD+RW that suddenly is not recognized by various 3rd party software. I was making backup copies of my daughter's wedding as well as other personal DVDs. Suddenly the computer asked me to insert media (DVD blank). The problem is that I did insert it but it wasn't recognized. I tried 2 other programs and got the same result. Does anyone know why my DVD+R drive is not recognized. I recently reinstalled WinXP Home edition (SP2) and updated windows from microsoft. The strange thing is that it was working fine and then suddenly is not recognized. I tried rebooting but it didn't help. Any suggestions or help here would be greatly appreciated. Please help if you can cause I'm really puzzled by this. Thanks again.
Nathan
P.S. I checked properties under My computer and the drive is listed. Also it lists directories when I insert a DVD but I can't use the E drive (DVD+R) to record.
Look in the Device Manager .........
Start | Control Panel | System in classic view | Hardware tab | Device Manager
Click on the (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives. This will reveal the Brand and Model of
drive. Please post that.
Does the drive read CDs? If yes, run the Dell Diagnostic on the drive by booting
the system with the Dell Drivers and Utilities in the drive. Run the Custom test
on the drive and have a data DVD (not movies DVD) ready for the read test.If you used a data DVD for the test, the probable indication
is that the DVD laser has failed. What is the model of the
drive. You will find that information in the Device Manager ....
Start | Control Panel | System in classic view | Hardware tab | Device Manager
Click on the (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives. Post the model of the drive.- Thank you Skybird and Osprey for your quick responses. The name of my E drive is NEC DVD+RW/DVD-RW (I think it is also referred to as an IDE DVD+RW/DVD-RW).
I ran the drivers and utilities disc as you instructed Skybird and it sounds like bad news. There were lots of READ errors. Below are some of the results:
Error code: 0F00:021B (same code on all error messages). It also reported many errors some of which I'm listing below.
Msg: Block 1264924: Flaw in medium or an error in the recorded data
Msg: Block 1364930: Flaw in medium or an error in the recorded data
Msg: Block 1505824: Flaw in medium or an error in the recorded data
Msg: Block 1505825: Flaw in medium or an error in the recorded data
There were a lot more of the above. Does this mean the hardware is broken? Or can this somehow be corrected with software?
Also, if I need a new E: drive (CD/DVD burner) can I buy an external one and use it in the dimension 8300 (it has 1 GB memory)?
My USB ports are still in good working order (so far).
Note: I also tried uninstalling the drive in device manager. Upon rebooting it was reinstalled but it still didn't work.
Thanks for your help and advice here. It is most appreciated.
Nathan From the device manager it seems that the name of the drive is:
NEC DVD+RW ND-2100AD
What are my options for replacement if that is what's needed? Can I use an external (USB) drive
with the Dell Dimension 8300 - 1 GB memory? Thanks again for your advice.
Nathan
You can use an external drive (USB). However, internal drives
are less expensive, less troublesome and easy to install.
Consider an internal drive (your system uses an IDE drive,
not SATA). Check out www.newegg.com for selection and prices.
But, before you do the above, try the following Firmware. It
help, but you have nothing to lose by trying it ........Message Edited by Skybird on 04-09-2008 09:54 AMThanks Skybird for your excellent advice. I tried the firmware update but unfortunately it didn't work. I will take your advice and get an internal IDE drive. I'm so glad you mentioned not to get an SATA drive cause I didn't know and might've wasted a lot of time getting the wrong drive. Newegg only allows purchases online. For this reason I'm going to buy one locally. I don't like putting personal info such as credit card numbers online (I've heard too many horror stories about that). Also, should there be a problem it's much easier to return or get advice. The only thing that worries me now is the steps needed to remove and replace hardware and software. I hope good instructions are included when I purchase a new drive cause I've never done this before. If I have another problem I'll be sure to post because you guys at this site are the greatest. Your knowledge with computers is absolutely amazing. Thanks again.
Nathan
The instructions with the drive will be generic. However, from your Dell Dimension
8300 Service Manual for opening the system ......
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8300/sm/cvrop.htm
And for removing and installing the drive ........
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8300/sm/drives.htm#1104929
Your drive will not have or need an audio cable as in the picture.
Before you install the drive, set the jumper on the back of the drive to
the Cable Select position. Dell uses the Cable Select feature which allows
the position on the cable to designate the Master/Slave.
That is all there is to it. We will be here if you need us.
osprey4
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Posted April 9th, 2008 00:00
Please work through these standard troubleshooting steps first. When you run the diagnostics, some of them will test the ability to read a data DVD. See if you system has that capability.