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Problem with non readable and corrupt CD-RWs
have a question that I hope you can help me with. I have had Memorex CD-RWs for over nine months. Today I went to use two of them. The first one, which I've been using off and on for the entire nine months, could not be read. (The computer made a low humming noise like it was straining to read it, not the usual loud hum and the appearance of the directory that allows you to read or burn the CD.) The second CD-RW had the same problem, but eventually it could be read. However, when I clicked on a file, I was told that the file could not be read and that it was either corrupt or not in a format that Windows could recognize.I have used these CD-RWs before, and just started having a problem.
I tried using Sony CD-RWs (before the problem with the Memorex CD-RWs). At first they couldn't be read, but now they are working fine. I can hear the loud humming that indicates that it is being read without any problems.
I tried the CD-RWs in both the CD/DVD drive and the CD burner at different times. The Memorex caused My Computer to be non responsive, as well as both the CD/DVD and CD burner drives. The Sonys had a problem at first, but now they seem to be okay.
Is it the hard drive or just the CD-RWs? Are the CD-RWs worn out?
Does anyone have any input? I called Dell, but they just told me to do a system restore.
Any help will be appreciated.
I have Windows XP with service pack 2
512 MB of RAM
Office 2003
1679
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Posted June 6th, 2006 13:00
Thanks! Could you tell me where to look for the model of my drive?
I looked under My Computer, right clicked on the C drive, clicked on Properties, and found this: HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE 8483B (DVD/CD-ROM); and HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8163B (DVD/CD-ROM).
Is that the right information?
1679
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Posted June 6th, 2006 14:00
Also, my hard drive is a Maxtor 6Y080M0.1679
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Posted June 6th, 2006 16:00
Hi Toody,
Dell currently does not seem to have firmware update for either of these drives.
Lets check and make sure that they are running in DMA mode and not PIO mode. Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 15, article 14.
If they are in DMA mode, then same CD/RW link, Section 15, article 1.
This will make sure the drivers are not corrupt. Next I would check for a possible update/patch for the software you are using, either at the Vendors site or here at Dell. The problem though may simply be the discs but at least you will have covered as much as possible.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
1686
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Posted June 6th, 2006 17:00
Hi, Jeff,I checked. Everything is set to DMA mode.When I tried to follow the instructions from section 15, article 1: " Right Click "My Computer" | Properties | Select Device Manager Tab | Left Click "+" next to CD-ROM | Select Your Devices | Click "Remove (Uninstall-Win XP)" | OK /Yes | Re-boot and Windows should re-detect your Device and install the proper driver," I was unable to locate CD-ROM | Select Your Devices | Click "Remove (Uninstall- WIn XP)") OK/Yes | Reboot and Windows she re-detect your device..."It just says "DVD/CD ROM Drives. When I clicked to open the + next to the drive, it opened up to the names/versions of the CD-RW and DVD ROM that I gave you in an earlier post. There was nothing about devices and "Remove." I even right clicked on each version. The options read: "Update Driver," "Disable," "Uninstall," "Scan for Hardware Changes" and "Properties."I absolutely agree with you concerning the reliability of CD-RWs. Not only are the Memorex CD-RWs that I made within the past nine months unreadable/corrupt -- but the blank Memorex on which I burned a file last night as a test is not able to be read. (The computer makes a low, hesitating sound. However, when I put in my Sony and my Dynex CD-R, the computer made the usual humming noise and the directories appeared and were easy to navigate and open.Thank you for being so patient with me!1686
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Posted June 6th, 2006 17:00
By the way, I don't know how the winking smiley face got in the middle of my post!1686
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Posted June 6th, 2006 17:00
Hi Toody,
I work for an Electric Power Company and I must leave but I will check back later.
For now, when you Right click on the drives, select Uninstall, then right click on the second drive and click Uninstall; then re-boot the system. Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.
I really do not believe though you have a problem with the drive itself, either the dics or possibly check for an update to the Packet Writing program you are using.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
1686
0
Posted June 6th, 2006 19:00
Thanks, Jeff!What is the packet writing program? (I understand the rest!)Have a nice evening!Toody1686
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Posted June 6th, 2006 20:00
Hi Toody,
I may have "assumed" too much, many times when Members mention using CD-RW discs, they format them before use with a Packet Writing program, examples: Sonic`s is DLA, Roxio is Drag to Drop or Direct CD, Nero is InCD. I should have asked first how were you creating the discs and what software, I got the cart before the horse, my bad... ;) !
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do
and the eyesight to tell the difference.
CD/RW Link
584
0
Posted June 6th, 2006 20:00
Wow! I didn't know I had to format them first. It didn't say that I should on the Windows CD burning instructions on "Help and Support" under the Start menu.
Should I format them?
When I save text/documents I just place the CD-RW in the burner, select the items to be copied in My Documents and follow the onscreen instructions. When I copy music, I use either Sonic or Dell Jukebox 10.
Predator
2 Intern
•
15286 Posts
1679
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Posted June 6th, 2006 12:00
Hi Toody,
The CD-RW disc or the optical drive themselves will not affect your Hard drive.
Being honest, CD-RW media is not the most reliable and can simply stop working from one day or one boot to another. Also Memorex is not the best brand as well. List the name/model of your drive and someone can check for issues or a possible firmware update that improves the drive.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link