Here is an update on my Philips 8631 drive. I still continue to have good luck burning RiDATA 4X DVD-R discs. Haven't made one coaster since getting a replacement drive for the first one that went bad when I purchased my new Dimension computer over a month ago, and updated my Nero software from 6.0 to 6.6 version.
I finally received some new RiDATA 8X DVD-R media today and it appears I was successfully able to burn a disc at 8X with Nero. The burned DVD does appear to work but I haven't had a chance to try it on any of my DVD players yet. Still using the original firmware and have no intentions of upgrading to the new firmware. Especially with the reports of not being able to open the disc tray unless rebooting your computer with the new firmware installed and burning DVD-R discs. Everything is working and I will leave at that. I wish I knew why my drive is functioning the way it was intended but I have no explanation other to say I hope it continues. I still plan to try a few other brand discs in the future, and maybe will get some this week since there are a few good sales on blank discs.
I have been on the phone to dell for the last 5 days, i have re-instaled windows xp and all the software twice. I have un-installed and re-installed all maner of programs on the computer, but my problem is still not fixed. Dell said too me yesterday that they do not believe it too be their problem and it must be the software. I get the same error message on 2 games, Tribes Vengeance and Dawn of War. Co-incidence? I think not, after reading this thread i now realise that dell has a serious problem with this drive. MAYBE THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING. I have dowloaded the firmware but it has still not fixed my problem. My Problem is the same one as the guy who couldn't play Half Life 2, the drive i believe cannot read through the cd and pull of the serial number. I have other games that work fine but they have no serial number. Dawn of War was also previously on another computer working fine. IT IS NOT THE SOFTWARE.
Hope dell does something about this. I'm calling customer relations to have something done about this.
I was the guy with the problem with half life 2. I recentley got hold of another drive off a friends computer, installed it and half life 2 worked perfectly. called up dell, they denied all knoledge of problems with this drive. told them what i had done, inc installing windows xp and the problems everyone was having with this drive on their forums and they decided to swap my drive. it arrived yesterday, NEC ND3100 AD. Works perfect so far.
I don't understand any of this. I haven't had any probs with my philips dvd+-rw dvd8631 drive. I bought this Dimension XPS in early November. I have burned an estimated 50 DVD-R's and have had no errors or problems. I have used 8x Philips dvd-r's, 8x TDK dvd-r's & 8x Memorex dvd-r's. As software, I have used DVD Decryptor, Nero 6.6.0.1 Enterprise Edition & Elby's CloneDVD2. I did not install the latest firmware, the firmware that came with it is 9D03. The only thing I have noticed is when burning, the speed of the burn fluctuates, but the burn's themselves are fine. Guess I lucked out. I continue to burn daily, another thing I have noticed is that any cd or dvd you put in this drive sure does get warm fast.
I got a new Dimension system a couple of weeks ago, and the only problem I have is with the Philips 8631 DVD RW drive. I cannot burn DVD-R, DVD+R, CDR or CDRW, and I don't want to waste more money trying to find an elusive brand that will somehow work. I have used the Dell-supplied RecordNow software, and I can burn to an external CDROM drive, and I also bought a new burning software, and it as well does not work with the Philips, but works with my external CDROM burner. I can read discs, including movie DVDs, on the Philips, however.
I e-mailed Dell a few days ago, but have not heard anything.
Just be firm with them, they have sent me a new drive and it works fine now. Problem sloved (finally). Once i got through to them that it was not something i had done or the software i was trying to use they sent me one and it arived on my door with a technician within 4days:) The best thing to do guys when you/if you get this problem is the try another drive in the same comp. Then when you say it works with the other drive but not theirs they will help you out VERY quickly.
Cheers.
This is unreal. First Philips 8631 burnt up after my 4th time using it. They replaced and I'm still get very sub-par perforamance. I'm afraid to try another DVD-R disk in it for fear it may get fried again. My I/O Magic generic burner in my old computer worked better than this.
After reading many postings, I too am surprised that Dell, with their out standing reputation would offer such a troublesome product. I WAS one also that would reccommend Dell for their excellent products and service. At this point I fear my consumer loyalty is waining. If so many people are have difficulities with these drives, Dell should take action to save their reputation. Philips should be embarrased to put such a drive on the market and Dell also for placing it in their systems.
Next time I will think twice about reccomending or purchasing another Dell product.
Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I too am experiencing problems with this drive (only purchased at the end of December as part of a Dimension 8400). After several successful burns, I have had numerous failures. One minute it can tell that there is a disc, next it cannot. Very frustrating and the one thing I take from the 6 pages of this thread are that I should get it replaced. Boy am I looking forward to being on hold for 5 hours!
Well add me to the list. I just received my "new" Dell 8400 about 2 weeks ago and surprisingly I'm having the same problems. The 8631 will burn a CD-R, but comes up with errors anytime a DVD-R is inserted. It first reared its ugly head when I tried to create a ghost image of my drive using Norton Ghost 2003 with all the updates from Symantec. I thought it may have been compatibility issues with the software.
Now I've tried it with DVD Clone II and everything works fine until it gets to the burn and then its error city again. Kicks me completely out of the program. So I tried a simple burn to the DVD-R using Sonic's MyDVD LE version 5. No error,....just times out while waiting for the drive to respond. I'm guessing.
Anyway, I guess I'm next in line to sit on hold with Dell. Reeaaally beginning to rethink my numerous recommendations to people to buy Dell computers.
Just bought some TDK -R 4x and the software (sonic record now bundled by Dell) says some verification errors.
On trying to read the disks (in the other drive of the machine) roughly half the files are corrupted.
At first I assumed I had done something wrong. Tried three times now and each one partially corrupted.
I am in Spain and Dell's website here has no links from its page where you can click on 'contact customer service'. I have emailed Tech, but having read the other posts here I assume that is going to be a struggle.
Having problems with Phillips 8631. When trying to format DVD-RW using Sonic DLA I get an error message: Failure due to general failure. I read the DLA help and followed the instructions. Any idea what the problem is?
Took back the Sony DVD -RW and got +RW instead. DLA formatted the +RW disk and I was able to drag 'n drop data from Win Explorer. Dell's website led me to believe that the Phillips 8631 could handle either format. It can't or won't. I suppose I could live with that ... heckl. bobmas
Dell Spain tech have emailed me a very very long list of tests that they want me to carry out.
They seem to want me to go to a shop and buy lots of different brands to find some that work on the drive. (I can hardly believe the cheek of that suggestion)
They want me to go into windows and switch off stuff that I don't understand and then trial burn a DVD and note the results then go switch off more stuff, uninstall software and re-install it and so on.
Then if that fails I am supposed to download something and install it.
They seem to think that I am one of their employees in their quality control or repair department.
In my opinion I am a customer not a servant and we know the drive isn't working properly. They should replace it and then THEY can test it with as many DVD's as they can afford.
(DVDs are not cheap here.)
I am annoyed.
Compare this to the shop where I bought the DVDs that didn't work, they took back the ones I had left and refunded the money - it wasn't their fault, but they know how to have a happy customer.
I've reported my probs on other threads, but I thought I'd add my name to this list. Here's my story.
The System and Problem:
I recently bought a XPS Gen4 with the Philips 8631. The drive burned cd-r's fine but couldn't get a DVD to burn. I figured it was the media I was using so I bought the most compatible media I could get my hands on, Verbatim and Ritek. Still no burn. So I went back to the store for different media but suspecting the drive was bad. My results are coasters for all media tried (Ritek, Verbatim, TDK, Imation, Great Azo, Maxell, Khyphermedia) and I tried both +/- in a couple of these brands. $30 worth of coasters later along with multiple "fixes" for the drive -Firmware update, Reset CMOS, Switch drives(CS), Check BIOS settings, Disable TSR's, Disable DLA, Different burning software (Nero, Alcohol, Roxio, etc), Different burn types (Video, Data)- and still no luck.
Dell's Attempt #1:
I decided to call tech suppt. 3 disconnected calls and 2.5 hrs later I spoke with a tech guy I could understand (I'm in USA). I spoke with the tech for 15 min, told him everything I tried and he decides to replace the drive. 2 days later the new Philips drive comes. I install it, same problem.
Dell's Attempt #2:
Next tech support call, 45 min to get someone and 35 min on the phone with him. He thinks it can't possibly be two defective drives in a row! He puts me on hold several times and asks me more than once about what I tried. He's never heard of any problem with this drive. I tell him to check the forums and ask around. He finally speaks to one of his co-workers that tells him that, yes in fact, these drives are known to have problems. Now he's on my side and decides to replace the drive. I tell him I want an equal drive (16x DL +/-) but a different brand. He says of course. I get put on hold 3 more times while he searches for a drive. He cannot find one that is equal BUT he tells me there is are Philips drives with different part numbers. He says Philips must have recognized the problem and issued new drives that are fixed, hence the new part number. I tell him to look again for another brand drive. After being on hold one more time I find out that this is the only equivalent. I reluctantly agree to accept the Philip with the new PN. It arrives the next day. I open the box and compare it to my existing drive. SAME PART NUMBER AND BUILD DATE! (Nov 2004). Boy do I feel like a fool.
Dell's attempt #3:
This time I call customer care (30 min) and tell the guy (in Panama) my issues. I explain to him that I am not even going to install the latest drive and I'm very close to sending my system back to Dell. He agrees to refund me the cost of the drive + give me a $100 coupon to the purchase of a new drive (from Dell). I do not yet know what the refund will be for the drive because it shipped out yesterday. I know the invoice on the replacement drives was $89, but I don't think I'll get that for my drive since I bought it as part of a bundle. I went to the dell sight to see if I could get a NEC 16x DL -no luck. So now I'm considering the Plextor 716 but they only have it in external. I've always had Plextors in the past, CD-R & DVD-R, and they perform just about flawlessly. Hopefully I'll be able to find something on their site by next weekend since they seem to change it constantly.
Conclusion:
All in all, it has been an extremely frustrating experience buying a Dell. Hopefully the future is brighter. If you are having problem with your 8631 I suggest you search these forums for things you can try to remedy it, there's plenty to do and the tech has a checklist of what you should try. If you call him with a little knowledge and a history of what you tried it may get you off the phone sooner. Some people are having luck with these drives, so don't automatically blame the drive. After all, it's NOT a Plextor or NEC, it's a cheapo run_of_the_mill drive so don't expect it to burn all different kinds of media. Probably the most compatible media is Verbatim, Ritek (Ridata) and BeAll. As far as +/- goes, DVD-R's work in more set top DVD Players than do +R's. Make sure it's not your player that's giving you the problem. Eliminate all the variables and pin it down to the 8631. Call tech suppt and customer care and be nice (it's not their fault) but make your wishes clear that you want a different brand.
Or maybe, just maybe, a recall will be issued.
BTW the tech said he uses Memorex DVD's for recording on his Dell.
Message Edited by studebacherhoch on 02-12-2005 02:22 PM
Brian503a
43 Posts
0
November 30th, 2004 23:00
lopoliky
3 Posts
0
December 9th, 2004 20:00
Hope dell does something about this. I'm calling customer relations to have something done about this.
DAVEGOLT
4 Posts
0
December 10th, 2004 15:00
sinboyz
1 Message
0
December 10th, 2004 15:00
Message Edited by sinboyz on 12-10-2004 11:39 AM
Gregg12y
3 Posts
0
December 21st, 2004 16:00
I got a new Dimension system a couple of weeks ago, and the only problem I have is with the Philips 8631 DVD RW drive. I cannot burn DVD-R, DVD+R, CDR or CDRW, and I don't want to waste more money trying to find an elusive brand that will somehow work. I have used the Dell-supplied RecordNow software, and I can burn to an external CDROM drive, and I also bought a new burning software, and it as well does not work with the Philips, but works with my external CDROM burner. I can read discs, including movie DVDs, on the Philips, however.
I e-mailed Dell a few days ago, but have not heard anything.
lopoliky
3 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2004 10:00
Cheers.
Pretzelboy
1 Message
0
January 29th, 2005 15:00
This is unreal. First Philips 8631 burnt up after my 4th time using it. They replaced and I'm still get very sub-par perforamance. I'm afraid to try another DVD-R disk in it for fear it may get fried again. My I/O Magic generic burner in my old computer worked better than this.
After reading many postings, I too am surprised that Dell, with their out standing reputation would offer such a troublesome product. I WAS one also that would reccommend Dell for their excellent products and service. At this point I fear my consumer loyalty is waining. If so many people are have difficulities with these drives, Dell should take action to save their reputation. Philips should be embarrased to put such a drive on the market and Dell also for placing it in their systems.
Next time I will think twice about reccomending or purchasing another Dell product.
Ashley D.
NYBrit
9 Posts
0
January 31st, 2005 16:00
JBlease
1 Message
0
February 5th, 2005 18:00
Well add me to the list. I just received my "new" Dell 8400 about 2 weeks ago and surprisingly I'm having the same problems. The 8631 will burn a CD-R, but comes up with errors anytime a DVD-R is inserted. It first reared its ugly head when I tried to create a ghost image of my drive using Norton Ghost 2003 with all the updates from Symantec. I thought it may have been compatibility issues with the software.
Now I've tried it with DVD Clone II and everything works fine until it gets to the burn and then its error city again. Kicks me completely out of the program. So I tried a simple burn to the DVD-R using Sonic's MyDVD LE version 5. No error,....just times out while waiting for the drive to respond. I'm guessing.
Anyway, I guess I'm next in line to sit on hold with Dell. Reeaaally beginning to rethink my numerous recommendations to people to buy Dell computers.
capcor
3 Posts
0
February 10th, 2005 21:00
Bought Dimension 8400 Dec 2004
The Philips 8631 wrote to TDK +R 8x
Just bought some TDK -R 4x and the software (sonic record now bundled by Dell) says some verification errors.
On trying to read the disks (in the other drive of the machine) roughly half the files are corrupted.
At first I assumed I had done something wrong. Tried three times now and each one partially corrupted.
I am in Spain and Dell's website here has no links from its page where you can click on 'contact customer service'. I have emailed Tech, but having read the other posts here I assume that is going to be a struggle.
windysky
1 Message
0
February 11th, 2005 04:00
BOBMAS
12 Posts
0
February 11th, 2005 05:00
BOBMAS
12 Posts
0
February 12th, 2005 01:00
capcor
3 Posts
0
February 12th, 2005 17:00
Dell Spain tech have emailed me a very very long list of tests that they want me to carry out.
They seem to want me to go to a shop and buy lots of different brands to find some that work on the drive. (I can hardly believe the cheek of that suggestion)
They want me to go into windows and switch off stuff that I don't understand and then trial burn a DVD and note the results then go switch off more stuff, uninstall software and re-install it and so on.
Then if that fails I am supposed to download something and install it.
They seem to think that I am one of their employees in their quality control or repair department.
In my opinion I am a customer not a servant and we know the drive isn't working properly. They should replace it and then THEY can test it with as many DVD's as they can afford.
(DVDs are not cheap here.)
I am annoyed.
Compare this to the shop where I bought the DVDs that didn't work, they took back the ones I had left and refunded the money - it wasn't their fault, but they know how to have a happy customer.
studebacherhoch
12 Posts
0
February 12th, 2005 18:00
I've reported my probs on other threads, but I thought I'd add my name to this list. Here's my story.
The System and Problem:
I recently bought a XPS Gen4 with the Philips 8631. The drive burned cd-r's fine but couldn't get a DVD to burn. I figured it was the media I was using so I bought the most compatible media I could get my hands on, Verbatim and Ritek. Still no burn. So I went back to the store for different media but suspecting the drive was bad. My results are coasters for all media tried (Ritek, Verbatim, TDK, Imation, Great Azo, Maxell, Khyphermedia) and I tried both +/- in a couple of these brands. $30 worth of coasters later along with multiple "fixes" for the drive -Firmware update, Reset CMOS, Switch drives(CS), Check BIOS settings, Disable TSR's, Disable DLA, Different burning software (Nero, Alcohol, Roxio, etc), Different burn types (Video, Data)- and still no luck.
Dell's Attempt #1:
I decided to call tech suppt. 3 disconnected calls and 2.5 hrs later I spoke with a tech guy I could understand (I'm in USA). I spoke with the tech for 15 min, told him everything I tried and he decides to replace the drive. 2 days later the new Philips drive comes. I install it, same problem.
Dell's Attempt #2:
Next tech support call, 45 min to get someone and 35 min on the phone with him. He thinks it can't possibly be two defective drives in a row! He puts me on hold several times and asks me more than once about what I tried. He's never heard of any problem with this drive. I tell him to check the forums and ask around. He finally speaks to one of his co-workers that tells him that, yes in fact, these drives are known to have problems. Now he's on my side and decides to replace the drive. I tell him I want an equal drive (16x DL +/-) but a different brand. He says of course. I get put on hold 3 more times while he searches for a drive. He cannot find one that is equal BUT he tells me there is are Philips drives with different part numbers. He says Philips must have recognized the problem and issued new drives that are fixed, hence the new part number. I tell him to look again for another brand drive. After being on hold one more time I find out that this is the only equivalent. I reluctantly agree to accept the Philip with the new PN. It arrives the next day. I open the box and compare it to my existing drive. SAME PART NUMBER AND BUILD DATE! (Nov 2004). Boy do I feel like a fool.
Dell's attempt #3:
This time I call customer care (30 min) and tell the guy (in Panama) my issues. I explain to him that I am not even going to install the latest drive and I'm very close to sending my system back to Dell. He agrees to refund me the cost of the drive + give me a $100 coupon to the purchase of a new drive (from Dell). I do not yet know what the refund will be for the drive because it shipped out yesterday. I know the invoice on the replacement drives was $89, but I don't think I'll get that for my drive since I bought it as part of a bundle. I went to the dell sight to see if I could get a NEC 16x DL -no luck. So now I'm considering the Plextor 716 but they only have it in external. I've always had Plextors in the past, CD-R & DVD-R, and they perform just about flawlessly. Hopefully I'll be able to find something on their site by next weekend since they seem to change it constantly.
Conclusion:
All in all, it has been an extremely frustrating experience buying a Dell. Hopefully the future is brighter. If you are having problem with your 8631 I suggest you search these forums for things you can try to remedy it, there's plenty to do and the tech has a checklist of what you should try. If you call him with a little knowledge and a history of what you tried it may get you off the phone sooner. Some people are having luck with these drives, so don't automatically blame the drive. After all, it's NOT a Plextor or NEC, it's a cheapo run_of_the_mill drive so don't expect it to burn all different kinds of media. Probably the most compatible media is Verbatim, Ritek (Ridata) and BeAll. As far as +/- goes, DVD-R's work in more set top DVD Players than do +R's. Make sure it's not your player that's giving you the problem. Eliminate all the variables and pin it down to the 8631. Call tech suppt and customer care and be nice (it's not their fault) but make your wishes clear that you want a different brand.
Or maybe, just maybe, a recall will be issued.
BTW the tech said he uses Memorex DVD's for recording on his Dell.
Message Edited by studebacherhoch on 02-12-2005 02:22 PM