This post is more than 5 years old
15 Posts
0
105865
Can't read old CD-R media on new Dell desktop
I have a brand-new Dell XPS 8300, running Windows 7. The DVD-CD drive is a "TSSTcorp DVD+-RW SH216BB". It generally works as expected.
I have some CD-R media which I burned on an earlier machine, under XP. Maddeningly I can't read these media on the new machine, either in the built-in drive or in an outboard USB drive. I can see the top level directory but can't open it.
But, they still read perfectly in an older Windows XP laptop.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
1
May 22nd, 2012 16:00
Peter,
Roxio does not use packet writing. Windows 7 has two flavors of disc burning, Live File System, which is a newer packet writing format (UDF), or Mastered, which is the traditional data writing approach.
Normally, both CD and DVD media can take LOTS of abuse before they are rendered unreadable. It's likely to be a format issue preventing you from reading these. Again, the straght-forward approach is to use an old PC to read them and transfer the files to other CD or DVD blanks, or to an external hard drive or flash drive.
LPeterP
15 Posts
0
May 21st, 2012 17:00
No error. It appears as if the top level directory is empty.
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
May 21st, 2012 17:00
Do you know how these were burned? For example, did you use packet-writing software, such as Sonic DLA or Roxio Drag-to-disc?
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
May 21st, 2012 17:00
Hi LPeterP,
What happens when you try to open the top directory? Do you get an error of any sort?
brettintherye
8 Posts
0
May 21st, 2012 20:00
Im having the same issue but with my Dell XPS420 and my XPSL702x
LPeterP
15 Posts
0
May 21st, 2012 20:00
Well, it was a long time ago but almost certainly it was packet-writing software.
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
May 22nd, 2012 05:00
The only solution is to copy the disc contents to the hard drive of a PC that can read them, then burn the files to a CD-R without the use of packet writing software.
We have recommended avoiding packet writing software for years for this exact reason, incompatibility with other operating systems.
LPeterP
15 Posts
0
May 22nd, 2012 06:00
Hoo, boy - bad news. I was unaware of the lack of compatibility. I've just discovered that I have dozens of backup DVDs with the same issue as well. The good news is that we can recover the data and burn new media on the Windows 7 machine.
When I insert a blank medium in the drive on my Windows 7 machine, I get several options for "burning" it, including
1. Burn files to disc using Windows Explorer
2. Add Files using Roxio Home Data
3. Add files to disc using Roxio Burn
Is the Roxio option to be avoided? Or do all of these options use some more modern standard that creates discs that can be read anywhere?
Thanks
Peter
brettintherye
8 Posts
0
May 22nd, 2012 13:00
I cant even copy my files off the cd. I've tried several different machines and the cd has some minor abrasions on it but I definately used more damaged discs without problems.
LPeterP
15 Posts
0
May 23rd, 2012 11:00
Hi, Osprey-
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to help me with this issue. I'm clear about what I have to do to recover from this situation and am grateful to you for explaining it to me.
Regards
Peter
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
May 23rd, 2012 13:00
Peter,
Glad to help.