I have SEVERAL clients, with newer OptiPlex and Precision PCs, running Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro, experiencing the same problem.  Either the drive simply "goes away" after a period of inactivity, or a (bogus) "Unsafe Removal of Device" error message pops up when the user presses the eject button.

I have tried killing ALL of the "Power Save" functions, disabled hibernation, etc. without resolving the problem.  Tech support says "make sure the IDE cables are ticht", but that doesn't make a difference, either.  It looks like either:

1. Samsung has a real loser device on their hands, and our situation is hopeless, short of a massive recall by Dell, or

2. The (generic Windows) device driver needs updating (by Samsung) to address "device quirkiness", or

3, Dell's CD-R/W software that monitors the device is falling down on the job, or

4. More than one of the above is involved, or

5. Something altogether different (IDE Controller?) is to blame.

I tried escalating this matter to higher levels of engineering support - so far without success.  I am getting VERY concerned, as I have spec'd dozens of Dell OptiPlex systems for consulting clients in the last six months, and they're all starting to notice this problem.

Sorry I can't offer a solution, but if enough people check in with diagnoses of the same problem, maybe this issue will get a little more attention "higher up".

Tom H.

Denver

I have a number of Precision 360's with the same Samsung drive that are exhibiting the same problems.  Unfortunatley the the latest Samsung firmware cannot be applied to the drive because it it a Dell issued OEM drive.  If anyone comes up with a fix please let me know.

Thanks

Doug J

I am experiencing the same problem with my 3 month old Dell Dimension 2400. I also have the Samsung CD R RW SW 2525. At first the device will fail to respond and disappear from the device manager. Then it will disappear from the my Computer window. Am running Win XP Home.

I wish that Tech Support would read these posts because it seems they don't have a clue. At first I was told to use the system restore utility. I knew that would not work. Then I was told to open the case and check the cables. I wish they would check this message board and realize that there is a problem here.

Good luck

Our clients are having this problem as well.  We have sent out at least 10 workstations recently that all have the same problem.  We didnt get it to fix with a reboot though in most cases.  At first we actually had to switch the power cable to get the thing to be recognized again, cant imagine how that made a difference, it was probably just the reboot that fixed it.  Well after all that Dell gave us one solution.

In BIOS Setup

Turn on Caps,Scroll, and Num Locks

pres Alt-E

press Alt-F

Save and Exit.

This launches the IDE auto configuration tool which will make it rerecognize the drive.

If you are getting it fixed with a simple reboot, well you are doing better than us, most of the time simply rebooting it wont work, we have to do this. 

hmm i think i have the same problem as you guys, but by reading this, i think mine is a bit deeper.  i think....?

1. Drives (yes both my samsung drive and my dvd drive) dont show up on my computer and they dont read any disks, but they do show up in the device manager

2. K, so i try to uninstall and reinstall and reboot the computer, nothin.  i guess theres a problem with the registry where its missing..its called code 19

3. Wonderful, so i hit up dell's tech support and they tell me to download this thing called R902, and i guess it'll fix it?  so i do and when i double click it, it says DRIVE NOT FOUND...

4. My brother calls up one of his computer friends and he said that hes seen this happen but hes never seen the R902 not work. 

theres that..i really don't feel like calling up dell and waiting on the phone for hours on end.  can i just buy new drives and that'll fix it?

Dell was actually able to finally supply me with an update for the firmware.  R902del.bin  is the file name I don't have a link or I would send it. I have updated a number of stations with the samsung drive in question and the firmware seems to have resolve the issue.  My contact at Dell for this issue was Matt_Straubhaar@Dell.com.  I am sure if you contact him he can direct you to teh download.

Good luck!

Message Edited by djohnston001 on 08-26-2004 11:03 AM

I had the same problem / implement R902 - and a warning

 CD ROM Device or file "Not Found " appears.

Went to Microsoft & typed in Code 19 in the search engine .. followed

resolution ( solve ) directions.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314060

The result supplied easy to read step by step instructions on repairing & editing

the regedit file. Did this & and the first restart - CD Drive " D " is now back on desktop.

Seemed to have no problems since.

I have since then installed the above R902 dell fix - worked ok - hoping it

it is the final & end fix.

Good Luck