OptiPlex and Precision Systems Unable to Burn CD / DVD with File Explorer

If you have updated/reinstall your windows, and it is no longer able to burn CD’s or DVDs with their ODD - Optical Disk Driver with the Windows built-in tool in File Explorer. Uninstalling recent updates does not resolve the issue. This issue is seen primarily in systems on domains.

The option to burn disks is missing from the context menu in file explorer. If a blank disk is inserted into the drive bay, it will indicate that a disk has been inserted but attempting to left-click or right-click. The CD drive in the system will lockup for a short period of time and then give a Cyclic redundancy error. Upper and lower filters do not resolve the issue. 

Affected Systems or Parts:

• OptiPlex 5050
• OptiPlex 7060
• Precision 3430
• Precision 7820 Tower
• ODD Part numbers: PNDVV and 9M9FK

Microsoft has reviewed and stated that root cause is Group Policy Object (GPO) that has been changed.

Below are the steps to resolve. However, if the GPO setting changes back again or the setting cannot be changed, contact the Network Administrator.

Steps:

1. Open a run prompt (Windows key + R) and type Regedit. Hit enter. Locate and delete the NoCDBurning keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) (Figure 1).
   The keys should be located at the following locations:

   • HKLM\Software\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
   • HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
     

     (Figure 1. Registry Editor)

2. Restart the computer.
3. Enable and then disable the Group Policy for Locally Blocking the Burning Features.
   • Open a run prompt (Windows key + R).
   • Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
   • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer > Remove CD Burning features".
   • Enable the local policy and then disable it.
     

     (Figure 2. Local Group Policy Editor)

Restart the computer. According to Microsoft, this should reset the permissions. Once the customer is logged back in test the burning capabilities.

Install a third-party tool to burn CD’s/DVD’s if the registry or GPO cannot be modified for security reasons.