No Dice with Sonic. I've checked "Add/Remove Programs", "Start / Programs" and "C:\Program Files".
The machines have Cyberlink DVD for MPEG Playback, but I think Dell is only shipping Sonic with its DVD writers. In any event - no Sonic installs found. I think I can download Sonic from the Dell Support pages, but I'm not sure that's strictly legit from a licensing standpoint and our company is committed to keeping our licensing clean. On the other hand, if a Dell representative gives me the go-ahead...
Earlier today, I was able to get a conference call together with our Dell inside sales rep and their Tech Support department. The final word is that Dell has decided that the capabilities for burning CDs that are built into Windows XP are adequate. They no longer ship a separate third-party tool with their machines unless you order it special (and pay extra for it). The reference to Roxio comes from Microsoft's licensing of their technology to incorporate it into XP (I think); similar to their licensing of Diskeeper for defragging. So, we will need to live with the capabilities that come embedded in the OS or buy an additional package. I don't think this will be a very popular decision on Dell's part as this was one of those little "value adders" which attracted us to Dell in the first place. Also, the policy change has been so downplayed that our large business account rep was not even aware of it until Tech support told him (and me).
Oh well, I guess this is one of those things they are doing to stay competative.
We are having the same issue with the same model of Optiplex. I have found that we can burn CDs by copying them to the CD-RW drive and then selecting "Write these files to CD" on the right-click menu in Windows Explorer. The wizard that pops up has a disclaimer at the bottom saying "CD software developed under license from Roxio, Inc." It seems that the Roxio software has been integrated into Windows XP. Windows Explorer (with Roxio integration) does identify the CD as CD-R or CD-RW and provides different options for each.
This is still a problem because the ability to create CD lables and music CDs isn't available.
Dell, what have you done? Please provide some explanation and documentation to help us help our users!
The fact that Dell is going to rely on the Windows XP software as the default software is disappointing. The built-in XP writing software is crude at best.
For a number of years the Software companies, like ROXIO, produced two versions of their software; Basic and Platinum (full version). With Version 7 they stopped the practise; and ROXIO no longer supports the old versions of their software.
I suppose when Dell buys hundreds or thousands of OEM drives they do not get a software bundle, however, when an individual buys a burner retail, some type of software is bundled.
Dell should reconsider the policy. They have been suppling Sonic RecordNow for the Dimension systems. Sonic has been troublesome for many, particularly the DLA (packet writing) portion; however, it beats the built-in XP software.
FrozenGhost
5 Posts
0
November 29th, 2004 20:00
No Dice with Sonic. I've checked "Add/Remove Programs", "Start / Programs" and "C:\Program Files".
The machines have Cyberlink DVD for MPEG Playback, but I think Dell is only shipping Sonic with its DVD writers. In any event - no Sonic installs found. I think I can download Sonic from the Dell Support pages, but I'm not sure that's strictly legit from a licensing standpoint and our company is committed to keeping our licensing clean. On the other hand, if a Dell representative gives me the go-ahead...
Skybird
10.9K Posts
0
November 29th, 2004 20:00
Skybird
10.9K Posts
0
November 29th, 2004 21:00
FrozenGhost
5 Posts
0
November 30th, 2004 18:00
Earlier today, I was able to get a conference call together with our Dell inside sales rep and their Tech Support department. The final word is that Dell has decided that the capabilities for burning CDs that are built into Windows XP are adequate. They no longer ship a separate third-party tool with their machines unless you order it special (and pay extra for it). The reference to Roxio comes from Microsoft's licensing of their technology to incorporate it into XP (I think); similar to their licensing of Diskeeper for defragging. So, we will need to live with the capabilities that come embedded in the OS or buy an additional package. I don't think this will be a very popular decision on Dell's part as this was one of those little "value adders" which attracted us to Dell in the first place. Also, the policy change has been so downplayed that our large business account rep was not even aware of it until Tech support told him (and me).
Oh well, I guess this is one of those things they are doing to stay competative.
workbytes
1 Message
0
November 30th, 2004 18:00
We are having the same issue with the same model of Optiplex. I have found that we can burn CDs by copying them to the CD-RW drive and then selecting "Write these files to CD" on the right-click menu in Windows Explorer. The wizard that pops up has a disclaimer at the bottom saying "CD software developed under license from Roxio, Inc." It seems that the Roxio software has been integrated into Windows XP. Windows Explorer (with Roxio integration) does identify the CD as CD-R or CD-RW and provides different options for each.
This is still a problem because the ability to create CD lables and music CDs isn't available.
Dell, what have you done? Please provide some explanation and documentation to help us help our users!
Anyone....anyone. Bueller...Bueller.
Thanks,
OZ
Skybird
10.9K Posts
0
December 1st, 2004 11:00
software is disappointing. The built-in XP writing software is crude at best.
of their software; Basic and Platinum (full version). With Version 7 they
stopped the practise; and ROXIO no longer supports the old versions of their
software.
a software bundle, however, when an individual buys a burner retail, some type
of software is bundled.
the Dimension systems. Sonic has been troublesome for many, particularly the DLA
(packet writing) portion; however, it beats the built-in XP software.