DVDs are not playing or recognized

[Rob]

Hi,

I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not recognize
DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other is a
Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs before
the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old and
when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that HD.
At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my Sony
DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I updated
version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also had
the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I left
them out to see if that might be the problem.

My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty (this
week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia video
decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did not
work before.

I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few seconds
and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test from
the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites. Today
I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is the
most action for a DVD since April.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[johnmc]

I have the same problem I only noticed it when I tried to burn a film to a
dvd with wm2. The drive will only recognise cds but not dvds.

Any help much appreciated

Johnmc

"Rob" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not recognize
> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other is a
> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs before
> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old and
> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that HD.
> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my Sony
> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I updated
> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also had
> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I left
> them out to see if that might be the problem.
>
> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty (this
> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia video
> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did not
> work before.
>
> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few seconds
> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test from
> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites. Today
> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is the
> most action for a DVD since April.
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

That's by design, Windows Movie Maker will NOT burn DVDs. You must use a
third party application... Nero, Roxio, WinDVD Creator, PowerDirector...
hundreds of them available.
--
Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/Windows


"johnmc" > wrote in message
...
>I have the same problem I only noticed it when I tried to burn a film to a
> dvd with wm2. The drive will only recognise cds but not dvds.
>
> Any help much appreciated
>
> Johnmc
>

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

If you cannot read or write to the DVD drive, would suggest the DVD laser
has died. The DVD side uses a separate laser from the CD side.

I've had drives last a few years and then I've had them last a day or so
longer than their year's guarantee.

The one good thing is that a new DVD-RW drive will cost you an awful lot
less than it used to, and do a whole lot more much quicker.
http://shop1.outpost.com/search?cat=-47392&pType=pDisplay

I'd post a link to a couple of drives at newegg.com that I just purchased
and am very happy with but their site is apparently down today, or at least
I can't get to it. I got the Pioneer DVR111 and for hubby's PC, a
LightScribe Unit (very cool, even if the disks are a lot more expensive)
which is a Samsung SH-S162L. They replaced two older Pioneer units which
were just too slow for me!!!
--
Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/Windows


"Rob" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not
> recognize
> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other is
> a
> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs
> before
> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old
> and
> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that
> HD.
> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my Sony
> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I
> updated
> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also had
> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I
> left
> them out to see if that might be the problem.
>
> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty
> (this
> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia
> video
> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did
> not
> work before.
>
> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few
> seconds
> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test
> from
> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites.
> Today
> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is the
> most action for a DVD since April.
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[John Inzer]

Cari (MS-MVP) wrote:
> If you cannot read or write to the DVD drive, would
> suggest the DVD laser has died. The DVD side uses a
> separate laser from the CD side.
>
> I've had drives last a few years and then I've had them
> last a day or so longer than their year's guarantee.
=========================================
It happens...I had one that didn't work when it was new...

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

NewEgg is up again now...

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=5
--
Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/Windows

[Rob]

Thanks for the info.

I have 2 DVD drives... one is RW. Are you suggesting that both DVD lasers
died at relatively the same time as I upgraded my system? That seems a little
too coincidental... but I suppose stranger things have happened. The Sony
DRU-700A I purchased soon after the double layer capability was released and
you know I paid back then what I can pay for 3 (or 4) of them now. :-) Ahh
technology.

I thought I might try the RW drive in anothe machine just to see if it is my
current system, although I don't see how it could be, but......

Thanks again, will post back with my resolution.


--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:

> NewEgg is up again now...
>
> http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=5
> --
> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> www.coribright.com/Windows
>
>
>
>
>

[Rob]

Well, after completely reinstalling Windows XP Pro with all updates etc
etc... I seem to be able to play some DVDs.

First, I did connect the Sony DVD RW drive to another computer and installed
Nero 6. I tried a different DVD from my library and it worked. So I
reinstalled the DVD drive and Nero 6 in my XP Pro machine and it does work...
but not with certain DVDs... like the Matrix... which is supposed to work in
a DVD Rom drive because it has some special features you are supposed to be
able to access. So I tried some other DVDs. Some work, some don't. I had
previously tried several DVDs but evidently each one I chose to play were of
the currently unplayable variety. Both of my DVD drives do seem to work after
all. My apologies.

The question still remains as to why only certain DVDs work? Anybody?


--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:

> NewEgg is up again now...
>
> http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=5
> --
> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> www.coribright.com/Windows
>
>
>
>
>

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Ah the special features on DVDs only available to view on a PC need
Interactual. www.interactual.com

--
Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/Windows


"Rob" > wrote in message
...
> Well, after completely reinstalling Windows XP Pro with all updates etc
> etc... I seem to be able to play some DVDs.
>
> First, I did connect the Sony DVD RW drive to another computer and
> installed
> Nero 6. I tried a different DVD from my library and it worked. So I
> reinstalled the DVD drive and Nero 6 in my XP Pro machine and it does
> work...
> but not with certain DVDs... like the Matrix... which is supposed to work
> in
> a DVD Rom drive because it has some special features you are supposed to
> be
> able to access. So I tried some other DVDs. Some work, some don't. I had
> previously tried several DVDs but evidently each one I chose to play were
> of
> the currently unplayable variety. Both of my DVD drives do seem to work
> after
> all. My apologies.
>
> The question still remains as to why only certain DVDs work? Anybody?
>
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
>
>
> "Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:
>
>> NewEgg is up again now...
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=5
>> --
>> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
>> www.coribright.com/Windows
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

[Rob]

Hi,

Thanks Cari for your help and information.

Still there are some DVDs that do not have the interactive features... "Last
of the Mohicans" is one of the many... it is an older movie and yet I still
can't get it to work in the DVD drive.

What gives?


--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:

> Ah the special features on DVDs only available to view on a PC need
> Interactual. www.interactual.com
>
> --
> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> www.coribright.com/Windows
>
>
> "Rob" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Well, after completely reinstalling Windows XP Pro with all updates etc
> > etc... I seem to be able to play some DVDs.
> >
> > First, I did connect the Sony DVD RW drive to another computer and
> > installed
> > Nero 6. I tried a different DVD from my library and it worked. So I
> > reinstalled the DVD drive and Nero 6 in my XP Pro machine and it does
> > work...
> > but not with certain DVDs... like the Matrix... which is supposed to work
> > in
> > a DVD Rom drive because it has some special features you are supposed to
> > be
> > able to access. So I tried some other DVDs. Some work, some don't. I had
> > previously tried several DVDs but evidently each one I chose to play were
> > of
> > the currently unplayable variety. Both of my DVD drives do seem to work
> > after
> > all. My apologies.
> >
> > The question still remains as to why only certain DVDs work? Anybody?
> >
> >
> > --
> > Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
> >
> >
> > "Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:
> >
> >> NewEgg is up again now...
> >>
> >> http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=5
> >> --
> >> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> >> www.coribright.com/Windows
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

[Rob]

Please help,

Can someone please tell me what the missing link is?

The DVDs that I have tried in my desktop machine (those that work and those
that don't) all work in my Dell laptop. So far it seems random that the discs
don't play.

The region code is set properly, the DVD drives work just fine (on some
DVDs). I have tried the Nero 6 software and WMP 10 with the Nvidia decoder
and still get the same results. Some DVDs play and some don't. The ones that
do not play read "no disc in drive" or the drive is empty, take your pick.
There has to be an explanation... can some one point me in the right
direction?

Thanks.








--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Rob" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not recognize
> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other is a
> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs before
> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old and
> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that HD.
> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my Sony
> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I updated
> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also had
> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I left
> them out to see if that might be the problem.
>
> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty (this
> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia video
> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did not
> work before.
>
> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few seconds
> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test from
> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites. Today
> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is the
> most action for a DVD since April.
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[Wojo [MVP]]

Ok Rob lets try to start over here since there seems to be some
misinterpretation.
The discs do or don't play at random. Does this mean that the ones that
don't play will later (tomorrow or whatever) play or these ones NEVER play?
Is it that the menu doesn't come up or you can't get past the menu or you
just can't access the special features?
Do ALL these DVD's play on your home DVD player?
Have you tried letting the DVD's install the Interactual DVD player and used
THAT to view the DVD?
--
Wojo
MVP - Windows Digital Media

Wojo's Web: www.wojos-web.co.nr
Also please visit:
www.remember-christopher.dostweb.com/christopher


"Rob" > wrote in message
...
> Please help,
>
> Can someone please tell me what the missing link is?
>
> The DVDs that I have tried in my desktop machine (those that work and
> those
> that don't) all work in my Dell laptop. So far it seems random that the
> discs
> don't play.
>
> The region code is set properly, the DVD drives work just fine (on some
> DVDs). I have tried the Nero 6 software and WMP 10 with the Nvidia decoder
> and still get the same results. Some DVDs play and some don't. The ones
> that
> do not play read "no disc in drive" or the drive is empty, take your pick.
> There has to be an explanation... can some one point me in the right
> direction?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
>
>
> "Rob" wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not
>> recognize
>> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other
>> is a
>> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs
>> before
>> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old
>> and
>> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that
>> HD.
>> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my
>> Sony
>> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I
>> updated
>> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
>> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also
>> had
>> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I
>> left
>> them out to see if that might be the problem.
>>
>> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
>> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty
>> (this
>> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2
>> with
>> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia
>> video
>> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did
>> not
>> work before.
>>
>> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
>> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few
>> seconds
>> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
>> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test
>> from
>> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites.
>> Today
>> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
>> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is
>> the
>> most action for a DVD since April.
>>
>> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> --
>> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[Rob]

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Wojo [MVP]" wrote:

> Ok Rob lets try to start over here since there seems to be some
> misinterpretation.
> The discs do or don't play at random. Does this mean that the ones that
> don't play will later (tomorrow or whatever) play or these ones NEVER play?
> Is it that the menu doesn't come up or you can't get past the menu or you
> just can't access the special features?
> Do ALL these DVD's play on your home DVD player?
> Have you tried letting the DVD's install the Interactual DVD player and used
> THAT to view the DVD?
> --
> Wojo
> MVP - Windows Digital Media
>
> Wojo's Web: www.wojos-web.co.nr
> Also please visit:
> www.remember-christopher.dostweb.com/christopher
>
>
> "Rob" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Please help,
> >
> > Can someone please tell me what the missing link is?
> >
> > The DVDs that I have tried in my desktop machine (those that work and
> > those
> > that don't) all work in my Dell laptop. So far it seems random that the
> > discs
> > don't play.
> >
> > The region code is set properly, the DVD drives work just fine (on some
> > DVDs). I have tried the Nero 6 software and WMP 10 with the Nvidia decoder
> > and still get the same results. Some DVDs play and some don't. The ones
> > that
> > do not play read "no disc in drive" or the drive is empty, take your pick.
> > There has to be an explanation... can some one point me in the right
> > direction?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
> >
> >
> > "Rob" wrote:
> >
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not
> >> recognize
> >> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other
> >> is a
> >> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs
> >> before
> >> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old
> >> and
> >> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that
> >> HD.
> >> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my
> >> Sony
> >> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I
> >> updated
> >> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
> >> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also
> >> had
> >> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I
> >> left
> >> them out to see if that might be the problem.
> >>
> >> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
> >> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty
> >> (this
> >> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2
> >> with
> >> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia
> >> video
> >> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did
> >> not
> >> work before.
> >>
> >> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
> >> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few
> >> seconds
> >> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
> >> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test
> >> from
> >> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites.
> >> Today
> >> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
> >> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is
> >> the
> >> most action for a DVD since April.
> >>
> >> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
>
>

[Rob]

I spent some time writing a response earlier only to have all the info
mysteriously deleted, but my signature posted.

Anyway...

I apologize for my lack of clarity... just frustrated from spending a lot of
time searching and trying different things with no resolution.

Originally thought I had a problem with all DVDs because I only tried 4 or 5
and they were all newer. After reading some troubleshooting on different
sites I thought I would try more of the DVDs from my collection. It appears
that the majority of the ones I am able to play are older, I use the term
majority loosely because I can only play a select few.

Symptoms: When I insert certain DVDs the drive spins and the little light
comes on for about 15 seconds or so, then the drive just stops. Nothing
appears on screen, no program attempts load, nothing. When I check the drive
properties (while the disk is in the drive) from "my computer" the general
information reads as if there is 0 bytes but the disk picture reads as full
(all blue). In WMP 10 when I attempt to play it reads as no disk in drive.
When I used Nero I would use the infotool and that would also display
information as no disk in drive. This happens on both drives. Certain other
DVDs work just fine in both drives. Some of the DVDs that do not work in the
drives don't have interactual loaded, and like I said, even if it is on the
disk I don’t even get the option to load it because nothing happens after the
drive stops. I have no way of telling which DVDs will work or not.

All the DVDs work in my home DVD player and on my Dell Laptop.

Attempted solutions: Fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with all critical updates
installed. Upgraded firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive. Tested the Sony drive
with their read and write test and the drive passed. Installed and
uninstalled Nero 6 from CD and installed Nero 6 upgrades from their website,
also tried Nero 7. Removed drives from device manager. Disconnected drives
from computer and installed individually. Installed software while only one
drive was connected. Completely removed Nero software and attempted to use
WMP 10 with only the Nvidia video decoder installed. Checked region code. All
with the same results, no change or solution to the problem.

Any help, information, or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.


--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Wojo [MVP]" wrote:

> Ok Rob lets try to start over here since there seems to be some
> misinterpretation.
> The discs do or don't play at random. Does this mean that the ones that
> don't play will later (tomorrow or whatever) play or these ones NEVER play?
> Is it that the menu doesn't come up or you can't get past the menu or you
> just can't access the special features?
> Do ALL these DVD's play on your home DVD player?
> Have you tried letting the DVD's install the Interactual DVD player and used
> THAT to view the DVD?
> --
> Wojo
> MVP - Windows Digital Media
>
> Wojo's Web: www.wojos-web.co.nr
> Also please visit:
> www.remember-christopher.dostweb.com/christopher
>
>
> "Rob" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Please help,
> >
> > Can someone please tell me what the missing link is?
> >
> > The DVDs that I have tried in my desktop machine (those that work and
> > those
> > that don't) all work in my Dell laptop. So far it seems random that the
> > discs
> > don't play.
> >
> > The region code is set properly, the DVD drives work just fine (on some
> > DVDs). I have tried the Nero 6 software and WMP 10 with the Nvidia decoder
> > and still get the same results. Some DVDs play and some don't. The ones
> > that
> > do not play read "no disc in drive" or the drive is empty, take your pick.
> > There has to be an explanation... can some one point me in the right
> > direction?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
> >
> >
> > "Rob" wrote:
> >
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> I recently upgraded my system and I have 2 DVD drives that do not
> >> recognize
> >> DVDs. One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other
> >> is a
> >> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs
> >> before
> >> the system upgrade. I had a Western Digital HD that was a few years old
> >> and
> >> when I upgraded the other hardware in April I did a fresh install on that
> >> HD.
> >> At that time I had Nero suite 6 from the CD that was included with my
> >> Sony
> >> DVD drive and I installed that software and discovered the problem. I
> >> updated
> >> version 6 and that did not work and just for the heck of it I downloaded
> >> version 7 to see if there would be any change and there wasn't. I also
> >> had
> >> the IDE SW drivers installed from Nvidia but for this latest install I
> >> left
> >> them out to see if that might be the problem.
> >>
> >> My newly upgraded system Abit KN8 SLI MB, 2048 Ultra PC 3200 DDR Ram, 2
> >> GeForce 6600 Graphics cards, Ultra X-finity 600w PSU, and just recenlty
> >> (this
> >> week) 2 Seagate SATA 160 GB HDs. I have a fresh install of XP Pro SP2
> >> with
> >> all updates, I have Nvidia drivers all updated, I installed the Nvidia
> >> video
> >> decoder so I could use WMP and I did not install Nero because... it did
> >> not
> >> work before.
> >>
> >> I can play, burn, and rip CDs but nothing with DVDs, and I have tried
> >> several different types of media. The lights will come on for a few
> >> seconds
> >> and then the drive stops and reads like there is no disc. I upgraded the
> >> firmware for the Sony DVD RW drive and I used Sony's read and write test
> >> from
> >> the web. Apparantly it does not test for DVD read or write capabilites.
> >> Today
> >> I reinstalled Windows again (I had some other issues) and the Sony Drive
> >> actually spun and attempted to read a DVD for over 1 minute... that is
> >> the
> >> most action for a DVD since April.
> >>
> >> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
>
>

[John Inzer]

Sounds like your DVD drive needs to be replaced.

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm:

=======================================
> I spent some time writing a response earlier only to have
> all the info mysteriously deleted, but my signature
> posted.
>
> Anyway...
>
> I apologize for my lack of clarity... just frustrated
> from spending a lot of time searching and trying
> different things with no resolution.
>
> Originally thought I had a problem with all DVDs because
> I only tried 4 or 5 and they were all newer. After
> reading some troubleshooting on different sites I thought
> I would try more of the DVDs from my collection. It
> appears that the majority of the ones I am able to play
> are older, I use the term majority loosely because I can
> only play a select few.
>
> Symptoms: When I insert certain DVDs the drive spins and
> the little light comes on for about 15 seconds or so,
> then the drive just stops. Nothing appears on screen, no
> program attempts load, nothing. When I check the drive
> properties (while the disk is in the drive) from "my
> computer" the general information reads as if there is 0
> bytes but the disk picture reads as full (all blue). In
> WMP 10 when I attempt to play it reads as no disk in
> drive. When I used Nero I would use the infotool and that
> would also display information as no disk in drive. This
> happens on both drives. Certain other DVDs work just fine
> in both drives. Some of the DVDs that do not work in the
> drives don't have interactual loaded, and like I said,
> even if it is on the disk I don’t even get the option to
> load it because nothing happens after the drive stops. I
> have no way of telling which DVDs will work or not.
>
> All the DVDs work in my home DVD player and on my Dell
> Laptop.
>
> Attempted solutions: Fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with all
> critical updates installed. Upgraded firmware for the
> Sony DVD RW drive. Tested the Sony drive with their read
> and write test and the drive passed. Installed and
> uninstalled Nero 6 from CD and installed Nero 6 upgrades
> from their website, also tried Nero 7. Removed drives
> from device manager. Disconnected drives from computer
> and installed individually. Installed software while only
> one drive was connected. Completely removed Nero software
> and attempted to use WMP 10 with only the Nvidia video
> decoder installed. Checked region code. All with the same
> results, no change or solution to the problem.
>
> Any help, information, or direction would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks.

[Rob]

Hi,

Thanks.

Yes, that has been suggested. I have two DVD drives as is noted in my
original post.

"One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and the other is a
Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old). Both played DVDs before
the system upgrade."

The symptoms are identical in both DVD drives. They each play the same DVDs
and don't play the same DVDs. Does that sound like a hardware problem?

I suppose I could buy another DVD drive so that I could eliminate that from
this process, and if it did work I would be amazed.

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"John Inzer" wrote:

> Sounds like your DVD drive needs to be replaced.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm:
>
> =======================================
> > I spent some time writing a response earlier only to have
> > all the info mysteriously deleted, but my signature
> > posted.
> >
> > Anyway...
> >
> > I apologize for my lack of clarity... just frustrated
> > from spending a lot of time searching and trying
> > different things with no resolution.
> >
> > Originally thought I had a problem with all DVDs because
> > I only tried 4 or 5 and they were all newer. After
> > reading some troubleshooting on different sites I thought
> > I would try more of the DVDs from my collection. It
> > appears that the majority of the ones I am able to play
> > are older, I use the term majority loosely because I can
> > only play a select few.
> >
> > Symptoms: When I insert certain DVDs the drive spins and
> > the little light comes on for about 15 seconds or so,
> > then the drive just stops. Nothing appears on screen, no
> > program attempts load, nothing. When I check the drive
> > properties (while the disk is in the drive) from "my
> > computer" the general information reads as if there is 0
> > bytes but the disk picture reads as full (all blue). In
> > WMP 10 when I attempt to play it reads as no disk in
> > drive. When I used Nero I would use the infotool and that
> > would also display information as no disk in drive. This
> > happens on both drives. Certain other DVDs work just fine
> > in both drives. Some of the DVDs that do not work in the
> > drives don't have interactual loaded, and like I said,
> > even if it is on the disk I don’t even get the option to
> > load it because nothing happens after the drive stops. I
> > have no way of telling which DVDs will work or not.
> >
> > All the DVDs work in my home DVD player and on my Dell
> > Laptop.
> >
> > Attempted solutions: Fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with all
> > critical updates installed. Upgraded firmware for the
> > Sony DVD RW drive. Tested the Sony drive with their read
> > and write test and the drive passed. Installed and
> > uninstalled Nero 6 from CD and installed Nero 6 upgrades
> > from their website, also tried Nero 7. Removed drives
> > from device manager. Disconnected drives from computer
> > and installed individually. Installed software while only
> > one drive was connected. Completely removed Nero software
> > and attempted to use WMP 10 with only the Nvidia video
> > decoder installed. Checked region code. All with the same
> > results, no change or solution to the problem.
> >
> > Any help, information, or direction would be greatly
> > appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks.
>
>
>
>
>

[John Inzer]

Sorry, I don't have the answer. Maybe a different
decoder like Power DVD or InterVideo WinDVD
Recorder would work but personally, I would try
replacing the drive. It will be interesting to see
what the fix turns out to be.

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


> Hi,
>
> Thanks.
>
> Yes, that has been suggested. I have two DVD drives as is
> noted in my original post.
>
> "One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and
> the other is a
> Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old).
> Both played DVDs before the system upgrade."
>
> The symptoms are identical in both DVD drives. They each
> play the same DVDs and don't play the same DVDs. Does
> that sound like a hardware problem?
>
> I suppose I could buy another DVD drive so that I could
> eliminate that from this process, and if it did work I
> would be amazed.
>
>
>> Sounds like your DVD drive needs to be replaced.
>>
>> --
>>
>> John Inzer
>> MS Picture It! MVP
>>
>> Digital Image
>> Highlights and FAQs
>> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>>
>> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
>> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm:
>>
>> =======================================
>>> I spent some time writing a response earlier only to
>>> have all the info mysteriously deleted, but my signature
>>> posted.
>>>
>>> Anyway...
>>>
>>> I apologize for my lack of clarity... just frustrated
>>> from spending a lot of time searching and trying
>>> different things with no resolution.
>>>
>>> Originally thought I had a problem with all DVDs because
>>> I only tried 4 or 5 and they were all newer. After
>>> reading some troubleshooting on different sites I
>>> thought I would try more of the DVDs from my
>>> collection. It appears that the majority of the ones I
>>> am able to play are older, I use the term majority
>>> loosely because I can only play a select few.
>>>
>>> Symptoms: When I insert certain DVDs the drive spins and
>>> the little light comes on for about 15 seconds or so,
>>> then the drive just stops. Nothing appears on screen, no
>>> program attempts load, nothing. When I check the drive
>>> properties (while the disk is in the drive) from "my
>>> computer" the general information reads as if there is 0
>>> bytes but the disk picture reads as full (all blue). In
>>> WMP 10 when I attempt to play it reads as no disk in
>>> drive. When I used Nero I would use the infotool and
>>> that would also display information as no disk in
>>> drive. This happens on both drives. Certain other DVDs
>>> work just fine in both drives. Some of the DVDs that do
>>> not work in the drives don't have interactual loaded,
>>> and like I said, even if it is on the disk I don’t even
>>> get the option to load it because nothing happens after
>>> the drive stops. I have no way of telling which DVDs
>>> will work or not.
>>>
>>> All the DVDs work in my home DVD player and on my Dell
>>> Laptop.
>>>
>>> Attempted solutions: Fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
>>> all critical updates installed. Upgraded firmware for
>>> the Sony DVD RW drive. Tested the Sony drive with their
>>> read and write test and the drive passed. Installed and
>>> uninstalled Nero 6 from CD and installed Nero 6 upgrades
>>> from their website, also tried Nero 7. Removed drives
>>> from device manager. Disconnected drives from computer
>>> and installed individually. Installed software while
>>> only one drive was connected. Completely removed Nero
>>> software and attempted to use WMP 10 with only the
>>> Nvidia video decoder installed. Checked region code.
>>> All with the same results, no change or solution to the
>>> problem.
>>>
>>> Any help, information, or direction would be greatly
>>> appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thanks.

[Rob]

Hello again,

Well, upon the advice of John (thank you!) I installed Power DVD 7 trial
version. I put in another DVD and the Compaq DVD Rom drive acted the same
way, but the Sony DVD RW drive actually spun for over 2 minutes, so something
was going on with communication, in the end though I received the same
result. This time I tried playing “The Last Samurai” and the DVD movie did
not work, however on a whim I decided to try the “special features” DVD. It
started right up the very first time. I got to the first menu and then
clicked on the special features went to that menu and was able to choose and
play any of the special features that I clicked on. I restarted the computer
and tried again just to see what would happen. The disk with the actual movie
on it still would not play but the interactual install program came up when I
tried the special features disk and I was asked if I wanted to install the
interactual program, I declined because the DVD special features played
without it.

I am pretty well convinced at this point that there is some type of software
or maybe a (root kit) stopping those certain DVDs from playing otherwise why
would I be able to view the special features and not the movie. Obviously the
drives are able to play DVDs.

Anyone got any ideas about this???

Thanks again.

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"John Inzer" wrote:

> Sorry, I don't have the answer. Maybe a different
> decoder like Power DVD or InterVideo WinDVD
> Recorder would work but personally, I would try
> replacing the drive. It will be interesting to see
> what the fix turns out to be.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Yes, that has been suggested. I have two DVD drives as is
> > noted in my original post.
> >
> > "One is an older (5 years) Compaq DVD - ROM DV 5700B and
> > the other is a
> > Sony DVD RW DRU-700A (a little more than a year old).
> > Both played DVDs before the system upgrade."
> >
> > The symptoms are identical in both DVD drives. They each
> > play the same DVDs and don't play the same DVDs. Does
> > that sound like a hardware problem?
> >
> > I suppose I could buy another DVD drive so that I could
> > eliminate that from this process, and if it did work I
> > would be amazed.
> >
> >
> >> Sounds like your DVD drive needs to be replaced.
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> John Inzer
> >> MS Picture It! MVP
> >>
> >> Digital Image
> >> Highlights and FAQs
> >> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
> >>
> >> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> >> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm:
> >>
> >> =======================================
> >>> I spent some time writing a response earlier only to
> >>> have all the info mysteriously deleted, but my signature
> >>> posted.
> >>>
> >>> Anyway...
> >>>
> >>> I apologize for my lack of clarity... just frustrated
> >>> from spending a lot of time searching and trying
> >>> different things with no resolution.
> >>>
> >>> Originally thought I had a problem with all DVDs because
> >>> I only tried 4 or 5 and they were all newer. After
> >>> reading some troubleshooting on different sites I
> >>> thought I would try more of the DVDs from my
> >>> collection. It appears that the majority of the ones I
> >>> am able to play are older, I use the term majority
> >>> loosely because I can only play a select few.
> >>>
> >>> Symptoms: When I insert certain DVDs the drive spins and
> >>> the little light comes on for about 15 seconds or so,
> >>> then the drive just stops. Nothing appears on screen, no
> >>> program attempts load, nothing. When I check the drive
> >>> properties (while the disk is in the drive) from "my
> >>> computer" the general information reads as if there is 0
> >>> bytes but the disk picture reads as full (all blue). In
> >>> WMP 10 when I attempt to play it reads as no disk in
> >>> drive. When I used Nero I would use the infotool and
> >>> that would also display information as no disk in
> >>> drive. This happens on both drives. Certain other DVDs
> >>> work just fine in both drives. Some of the DVDs that do
> >>> not work in the drives don't have interactual loaded,
> >>> and like I said, even if it is on the disk I don’t even
> >>> get the option to load it because nothing happens after
> >>> the drive stops. I have no way of telling which DVDs
> >>> will work or not.
> >>>
> >>> All the DVDs work in my home DVD player and on my Dell
> >>> Laptop.
> >>>
> >>> Attempted solutions: Fresh install of XP Pro SP2 with
> >>> all critical updates installed. Upgraded firmware for
> >>> the Sony DVD RW drive. Tested the Sony drive with their
> >>> read and write test and the drive passed. Installed and
> >>> uninstalled Nero 6 from CD and installed Nero 6 upgrades
> >>> from their website, also tried Nero 7. Removed drives
> >>> from device manager. Disconnected drives from computer
> >>> and installed individually. Installed software while
> >>> only one drive was connected. Completely removed Nero
> >>> software and attempted to use WMP 10 with only the
> >>> Nvidia video decoder installed. Checked region code.
> >>> All with the same results, no change or solution to the
> >>> problem.
> >>>
> >>> Any help, information, or direction would be greatly
> >>> appreciated.
> >>>
> >>> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
>
>

[John Inzer]

I had an aggravating issue similar to yours
when my computer was still new...I tried
everything I could think of and sometimes
my Samsung DVD burner would work
sometimes it would not.

Finally, I took it to the dealer for warranty
service and they replaced the drive...bingo!
problem solved.

When you find a solution to your dilemma...
please share it with this newsgroup.

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


Rob wrote:
> Hello again,
>
> Well, upon the advice of John (thank you!) I installed
> Power DVD 7 trial version. I put in another DVD and the
> Compaq DVD Rom drive acted the same way, but the Sony DVD
> RW drive actually spun for over 2 minutes, so something
> was going on with communication, in the end though I
> received the same result. This time I tried playing “The
> Last Samurai” and the DVD movie did not work, however on
> a whim I decided to try the “special features” DVD. It
> started right up the very first time. I got to the first
> menu and then clicked on the special features went to
> that menu and was able to choose and play any of the
> special features that I clicked on. I restarted the
> computer and tried again just to see what would happen.
> The disk with the actual movie on it still would not play
> but the interactual install program came up when I tried
> the special features disk and I was asked if I wanted to
> install the interactual program, I declined because the
> DVD special features played without it.
>
> I am pretty well convinced at this point that there is
> some type of software or maybe a (root kit) stopping
> those certain DVDs from playing otherwise why would I be
> able to view the special features and not the movie.
> Obviously the drives are able to play DVDs.
>
> Anyone got any ideas about this???
>
> Thanks again.

[Rob]

OK, OK,

I get the message. I might be a little stubborn. :-)

I will order a new drive ASAP and let you know what happens.



Thanks John!


--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"John Inzer" wrote:

> I had an aggravating issue similar to yours
> when my computer was still new...I tried
> everything I could think of and sometimes
> my Samsung DVD burner would work
> sometimes it would not.
>
> Finally, I took it to the dealer for warranty
> service and they replaced the drive...bingo!
> problem solved.
>
> When you find a solution to your dilemma...
> please share it with this newsgroup.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> Rob wrote:
> > Hello again,
> >
> > Well, upon the advice of John (thank you!) I installed
> > Power DVD 7 trial version. I put in another DVD and the
> > Compaq DVD Rom drive acted the same way, but the Sony DVD
> > RW drive actually spun for over 2 minutes, so something
> > was going on with communication, in the end though I
> > received the same result. This time I tried playing “The
> > Last Samurai” and the DVD movie did not work, however on
> > a whim I decided to try the “special features” DVD. It
> > started right up the very first time. I got to the first
> > menu and then clicked on the special features went to
> > that menu and was able to choose and play any of the
> > special features that I clicked on. I restarted the
> > computer and tried again just to see what would happen.
> > The disk with the actual movie on it still would not play
> > but the interactual install program came up when I tried
> > the special features disk and I was asked if I wanted to
> > install the interactual program, I declined because the
> > DVD special features played without it.
> >
> > I am pretty well convinced at this point that there is
> > some type of software or maybe a (root kit) stopping
> > those certain DVDs from playing otherwise why would I be
> > able to view the special features and not the movie.
> > Obviously the drives are able to play DVDs.
> >
> > Anyone got any ideas about this???
> >
> > Thanks again.
>
>
>
>

[John Inzer]

Rob wrote:
> OK, OK,
>
> I get the message. I might be a little stubborn. :-)
>
> I will order a new drive ASAP and let you know what
> happens.
>
>
>
> Thanks John!
===========================
It may not be the fix but I think it's
certainly worth a try.

Good luck...

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

[Rob]

I know it may not solve the problem. Nothing else has worked so far... and I
believe I have tried almost all things that are out there short of a new
drive so if it does not work then that will be eliminated from the
possibilities catagory. I will buy one where I can get a 30 day return and
may only loose shipping costs. At this point that would be such a small price
to pay because I would not want to calculate my hours spent on this problem
by my typical hourly rate... it would not be pretty. :-)

I appreciate your time.

I'll be back!

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"John Inzer" wrote:

> Rob wrote:
> > OK, OK,
> >
> > I get the message. I might be a little stubborn. :-)
> >
> > I will order a new drive ASAP and let you know what
> > happens.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks John!
> ===========================
> It may not be the fix but I think it's
> certainly worth a try.
>
> Good luck...
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
>
>

[Wojo [MVP]]

If it helps I agree with John 100%
I too have had drives that seemed to be working sporadically so since it
worked "sometimes" I didn't think it was the drive but it was.
-Wojo

"Rob" > wrote in message
...
>I know it may not solve the problem. Nothing else has worked so far... and
>I
> believe I have tried almost all things that are out there short of a new
> drive so if it does not work then that will be eliminated from the
> possibilities catagory. I will buy one where I can get a 30 day return and
> may only loose shipping costs. At this point that would be such a small
> price
> to pay because I would not want to calculate my hours spent on this
> problem
> by my typical hourly rate... it would not be pretty. :-)
>
> I appreciate your time.
>
> I'll be back!
>
> --
> Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
>
>
> "John Inzer" wrote:
>
>> Rob wrote:
>> > OK, OK,
>> >
>> > I get the message. I might be a little stubborn. :-)
>> >
>> > I will order a new drive ASAP and let you know what
>> > happens.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks John!
>> ===========================
>> It may not be the fix but I think it's
>> certainly worth a try.
>>
>> Good luck...
>>
>> --
>>
>> John Inzer
>> MS Picture It! MVP
>>
>> Digital Image
>> Highlights and FAQs
>> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>>
>> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
>> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>>
>>
>>
>>

[Rob]

Thanks.

I should not have used the word random. The drives to not play randomly, it
is the disks that are playable that are random. The same disk will
consistantly play in the drive and the ones that do not work, never work.

Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can play DVDs... so far
all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I think it might be the
disk.

The only thing that I did recently was to install and run a program call
CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans out history and alters and/or deletes
registry keys that the program deems as an error. If the drive continues to
work my belief will be confirmed that something somewhere on the computer was
stopping the drive from working.

I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW drive, although I can
burn DVDs which does not make sense to me. What is different with that drive
is that it seems to attempt to access information for about 2 minutes now
before it decides there is no disk. I have ordered new DVD drives but now I
strongly believe it is something in the OS and software that is the issue. I
wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem with the Sony drive. Is
there a way to clear that new firmware and install an older firmware?

Thanks again.

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Wojo [MVP]" wrote:

> If it helps I agree with John 100%
> I too have had drives that seemed to be working sporadically so since it
> worked "sometimes" I didn't think it was the drive but it was.
> -Wojo
>
> "Rob" > wrote in message
> ...
> >I know it may not solve the problem. Nothing else has worked so far... and
> >I
> > believe I have tried almost all things that are out there short of a new
> > drive so if it does not work then that will be eliminated from the
> > possibilities catagory. I will buy one where I can get a 30 day return and
> > may only loose shipping costs. At this point that would be such a small
> > price
> > to pay because I would not want to calculate my hours spent on this
> > problem
> > by my typical hourly rate... it would not be pretty. :-)
> >
> > I appreciate your time.
> >
> > I'll be back!
> >
> > --
> > Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
> >
> >
> > "John Inzer" wrote:
> >
> >> Rob wrote:
> >> > OK, OK,
> >> >
> >> > I get the message. I might be a little stubborn. :-)
> >> >
> >> > I will order a new drive ASAP and let you know what
> >> > happens.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Thanks John!
> >> ===========================
> >> It may not be the fix but I think it's
> >> certainly worth a try.
> >>
> >> Good luck...
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> John Inzer
> >> MS Picture It! MVP
> >>
> >> Digital Image
> >> Highlights and FAQs
> >> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
> >>
> >> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> >> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

At this point it seems clear to me that CCleaner removed something very
important from the Registry. I'd NEVER recommend any Registry cleaners. If
you believe the Registry is just too full of unnecessary entries, then I'd
really say it was time to clean install and start afresh.

So let's totally uninstall ALL your optical drives from the computer and try
to get them back correctly.

In Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Unistall any and all DVD burning
programs you may have installed and any DVD Decoding software you have
installed. BEFORE you do this, check you still have the CDs for the
reinstall.

Reboot the PC.

Go into the Device Manager and Uninstall the Optical Drives. Turn OFF the
PC.

Physically go into the case and REMOVE all optical drives. (You can just
disconnect both ribbon and power cables in this case since you know you are
going to put them back. While you are there, physically check the jumpers
at the rear of the drive(s)

Restart the PC... Ensure that My Computer is now showing you have NO optical
drives and that Device Manager also confirms no entries.

Turn off the PC. Physically reinstall the drive(s)... or reconnect both
cables. Turn on the PC. Ensure that XP redetects each drive and installs
drivers for it - and assigns a drive letter. Check at this point that XP
can read a data DVD. Reinstall your DVD Decoding software. Check that XP
can play a video DVD. Reinstall your DVD burning software. Check that it
burns.

Your next option is the format and clean install.

Unfortunately flashing the firmware is always a risk you alone undertake.
The manufacturers are never responsible for anything that goes wrong with
the drive at that point. Sony may decide to assist... but then again, they
are fully within their rights if they decide not to.
--
Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/Windows


"Rob" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks.
>
> I should not have used the word random. The drives to not play randomly,
> it
> is the disks that are playable that are random. The same disk will
> consistantly play in the drive and the ones that do not work, never work.
>
> Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can play DVDs... so
> far
> all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I think it might be
> the
> disk.
>
> The only thing that I did recently was to install and run a program call
> CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans out history and alters and/or deletes
> registry keys that the program deems as an error. If the drive continues
> to
> work my belief will be confirmed that something somewhere on the computer
> was
> stopping the drive from working.
>
> I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW drive, although I can
> burn DVDs which does not make sense to me. What is different with that
> drive
> is that it seems to attempt to access information for about 2 minutes now
> before it decides there is no disk. I have ordered new DVD drives but now
> I
> strongly believe it is something in the OS and software that is the issue.
> I
> wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem with the Sony drive.
> Is
> there a way to clear that new firmware and install an older firmware?
>
> Thanks again.
>
> --

[Rob]

Hi,

Thanks Cari I appreciate the input, but I am not sure what you mean by
“removed something very important”. What it removed made my DVD ROM drive
work, how is that a problem? Maybe CCleaner was not a great idea, but, for
one of the drives the problem is solved and my computer seems to be working
great. Do you know much about that program?

I suppose that I was not specific enough when I explained what steps I have
taken when I replied to WOJO a few days ago. I have done the very steps you
suggest more than once and that did not solve the problems. That is why I was
willing to take John's and your advice and purchase a new drive, and why I
kept reading and searching.

Also, I did a fresh install of XP Pro SP 2 less than 3 weeks ago on brand
new hard drives which I believe I stated in my first post.

I have no idea of the exact item the CCleaner removed to assist with this
issue. I don't know if it had something to do with the Nero software (which I
installed and uninstalled 3 different versions several times and used Nero’s
cleaner tool as well) or something else. At this point I only have trial
versions of Power DVD 7 and NVIDIA’s video decoder installed and I am
reluctant to ever install Nero again.

I had done a fresh install of XP in April when I upgraded other system
components. I rarely used the DVD drives to view DVDs and I have had the
system for quite some time. Before April the Sony DVD RW was the last upgrade
I made (1 1/2 years ago) and that came with the Nero software. The problem
with the DVD drives was actually discovered in early June (I mis-stated that
timing in my first post) when I tried to make a DVD from my digital video
camera for the first time ever. At that time I was using Panasonic software
to download from my video camera and using Nero 6 to burn to DVD. At first I
thought it was the Panasonic software so I uninstalled that software and I
have not reinstalled it, yet. I could not get the newly burnt DVD to work
after trying several different things including setting write speed all the
way down to 1X (I made quite a few coasters). After reading too many
troubleshooting tips, that is when I put in a DVD movie to see if there was a
problem with the drives... and neither would play DVDs, at least the several
that I tried at that time.

After countless hours of searching, reading, and troubleshooting and
basically taking several of the same steps I decided to do another fresh
install of XP and I had wanted to upgrade the HDs, so I did that just a few
weeks ago. I took my time and installed all the SP 2 updates before
installing anything. Then it was one program at a time and then checking for
updates until I finally got back to Nero 6 from CD. Then I tried the Nero 6
updates and then trial version of Nero 7, all made no difference. So when I
ended up with the same problem again I tried playing more of the DVDs in my
library and that is when I discovered that some DVDs actually would work
every time I put them in. The DVDs that worked appeared to be older ones and
that is what made me think that something I installed knowingly or
unknowingly was/is causing this problem.

After using the CCleaner tool now when I pop in the Matrix DVD there is a
menu that does ask to install PC friendly. Even when I decline I can still
play the DVD. This happens in the 6 year old DVD ROM drive. As stated the
Sony Drive still will not play.

The DVD ROM drive works, there is no way I am uninstalling that drive at
this point. Not after so many hours. I would try that with the Sony drive
again but as I stated I have done that already. I installed the Sony drive
into another machine running Windows ME. I also installed the Nero 6 software
(from CD). I witnessed the exact same results. The same DVDs would work and
the others would not work. So you see, I believe it is something in Nero or a
conflict with Nero that was/is the problem, at least part of the problem. I
could be 100% wrong but why would the same condition exist on a completely
different machine with a different (older) OS? Currently the same problem
exists with the Sony drive, I can play a special features DVD (not the movie)
and some older DVDs but most of the DVDs I have will not work in that drive.
This is why I think it may be a firmware issue.

I have new drive(s) on the way and when I get them we can see where that
leads. I would like to solve these issues with accurate knowledge but I have
to balance how much time I can really dedicate to that. There may be a log
from the CCleaner listing items removed that I can look through, I will check
into that.

If you were in my shoes, what would you think, or do?

I hope this information is helpful in some way and I appreciate the help and
information that I have received. Thanks.

--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"Cari (MS-MVP)" wrote:

> At this point it seems clear to me that CCleaner removed something very
> important from the Registry. I'd NEVER recommend any Registry cleaners. If
> you believe the Registry is just too full of unnecessary entries, then I'd
> really say it was time to clean install and start afresh.
>
> So let's totally uninstall ALL your optical drives from the computer and try
> to get them back correctly.
>
> In Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Unistall any and all DVD burning
> programs you may have installed and any DVD Decoding software you have
> installed. BEFORE you do this, check you still have the CDs for the
> reinstall.
>
> Reboot the PC.
>
> Go into the Device Manager and Uninstall the Optical Drives. Turn OFF the
> PC.
>
> Physically go into the case and REMOVE all optical drives. (You can just
> disconnect both ribbon and power cables in this case since you know you are
> going to put them back. While you are there, physically check the jumpers
> at the rear of the drive(s)
>
> Restart the PC... Ensure that My Computer is now showing you have NO optical
> drives and that Device Manager also confirms no entries.
>
> Turn off the PC. Physically reinstall the drive(s)... or reconnect both
> cables. Turn on the PC. Ensure that XP redetects each drive and installs
> drivers for it - and assigns a drive letter. Check at this point that XP
> can read a data DVD. Reinstall your DVD Decoding software. Check that XP
> can play a video DVD. Reinstall your DVD burning software. Check that it
> burns.
>
> Your next option is the format and clean install.
>
> Unfortunately flashing the firmware is always a risk you alone undertake.
> The manufacturers are never responsible for anything that goes wrong with
> the drive at that point. Sony may decide to assist... but then again, they
> are fully within their rights if they decide not to.
> --
> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> www.coribright.com/Windows
>
>
> "Rob" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Thanks.
> >
> > I should not have used the word random. The drives to not play randomly,
> > it
> > is the disks that are playable that are random. The same disk will
> > consistantly play in the drive and the ones that do not work, never work.
> >
> > Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can play DVDs... so
> > far
> > all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I think it might be
> > the
> > disk.
> >
> > The only thing that I did recently was to install and run a program call
> > CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans out history and alters and/or deletes
> > registry keys that the program deems as an error. If the drive continues
> > to
> > work my belief will be confirmed that something somewhere on the computer
> > was
> > stopping the drive from working.
> >
> > I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW drive, although I can
> > burn DVDs which does not make sense to me. What is different with that
> > drive
> > is that it seems to attempt to access information for about 2 minutes now
> > before it decides there is no disk. I have ordered new DVD drives but now
> > I
> > strongly believe it is something in the OS and software that is the issue.
> > I
> > wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem with the Sony drive.
> > Is
> > there a way to clear that new firmware and install an older firmware?
> >
> > Thanks again.
> >
> > --
>
>
>

[John Inzer]

FWIW, I use CCleaner daily and it has never
caused any problems. Others may report
differing views.

When you scan the registry if asks if you want
to save a backup which I always do but I've
never had the need to restore one.

Please understand...this is not tech support.
We are simply volunteers who attempt to assist
folks who are having problems. What works for
us may not work for anyone else...

Good luck in solving your problem.

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

> Hi,
>
> Thanks Cari I appreciate the input, but I am not sure
> what you mean by “removed something very important”. What
> it removed made my DVD ROM drive work, how is that a
> problem? Maybe CCleaner was not a great idea, but, for
> one of the drives the problem is solved and my computer
> seems to be working great. Do you know much about that
> program?
>
> I suppose that I was not specific enough when I explained
> what steps I have taken when I replied to WOJO a few days
> ago. I have done the very steps you suggest more than
> once and that did not solve the problems. That is why I
> was willing to take John's and your advice and purchase a
> new drive, and why I kept reading and searching.
>
> Also, I did a fresh install of XP Pro SP 2 less than 3
> weeks ago on brand new hard drives which I believe I
> stated in my first post.
>
> I have no idea of the exact item the CCleaner removed to
> assist with this issue. I don't know if it had something
> to do with the Nero software (which I installed and
> uninstalled 3 different versions several times and used
> Nero’s cleaner tool as well) or something else. At this
> point I only have trial versions of Power DVD 7 and
> NVIDIA’s video decoder installed and I am reluctant to
> ever install Nero again.
>
> I had done a fresh install of XP in April when I upgraded
> other system components. I rarely used the DVD drives to
> view DVDs and I have had the system for quite some time.
> Before April the Sony DVD RW was the last upgrade I made
> (1 1/2 years ago) and that came with the Nero software.
> The problem with the DVD drives was actually discovered
> in early June (I mis-stated that timing in my first post)
> when I tried to make a DVD from my digital video camera
> for the first time ever. At that time I was using
> Panasonic software to download from my video camera and
> using Nero 6 to burn to DVD. At first I thought it was
> the Panasonic software so I uninstalled that software and
> I have not reinstalled it, yet. I could not get the newly
> burnt DVD to work after trying several different things
> including setting write speed all the way down to 1X (I
> made quite a few coasters). After reading too many
> troubleshooting tips, that is when I put in a DVD movie
> to see if there was a problem with the drives... and
> neither would play DVDs, at least the several that I
> tried at that time.
>
> After countless hours of searching, reading, and
> troubleshooting and basically taking several of the same
> steps I decided to do another fresh install of XP and I
> had wanted to upgrade the HDs, so I did that just a few
> weeks ago. I took my time and installed all the SP 2
> updates before installing anything. Then it was one
> program at a time and then checking for updates until I
> finally got back to Nero 6 from CD. Then I tried the Nero
> 6 updates and then trial version of Nero 7, all made no
> difference. So when I ended up with the same problem
> again I tried playing more of the DVDs in my library and
> that is when I discovered that some DVDs actually would
> work every time I put them in. The DVDs that worked
> appeared to be older ones and that is what made me think
> that something I installed knowingly or unknowingly
> was/is causing this problem.
>
> After using the CCleaner tool now when I pop in the
> Matrix DVD there is a menu that does ask to install PC
> friendly. Even when I decline I can still play the DVD.
> This happens in the 6 year old DVD ROM drive. As stated
> the Sony Drive still will not play.
>
> The DVD ROM drive works, there is no way I am
> uninstalling that drive at this point. Not after so many
> hours. I would try that with the Sony drive again but as
> I stated I have done that already. I installed the Sony
> drive into another machine running Windows ME. I also
> installed the Nero 6 software (from CD). I witnessed the
> exact same results. The same DVDs would work and the
> others would not work. So you see, I believe it is
> something in Nero or a conflict with Nero that was/is the
> problem, at least part of the problem. I could be 100%
> wrong but why would the same condition exist on a
> completely different machine with a different (older) OS?
> Currently the same problem exists with the Sony drive, I
> can play a special features DVD (not the movie) and some
> older DVDs but most of the DVDs I have will not work in
> that drive. This is why I think it may be a firmware
> issue.
>
> I have new drive(s) on the way and when I get them we can
> see where that leads. I would like to solve these issues
> with accurate knowledge but I have to balance how much
> time I can really dedicate to that. There may be a log
> from the CCleaner listing items removed that I can look
> through, I will check into that.
>
> If you were in my shoes, what would you think, or do?
>
> I hope this information is helpful in some way and I
> appreciate the help and information that I have received.
> Thanks.
>
>
>> At this point it seems clear to me that CCleaner removed
>> something very important from the Registry. I'd NEVER
>> recommend any Registry cleaners. If you believe the
>> Registry is just too full of unnecessary entries, then
>> I'd really say it was time to clean install and start
>> afresh.
>>
>> So let's totally uninstall ALL your optical drives from
>> the computer and try to get them back correctly.
>>
>> In Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Unistall any and
>> all DVD burning programs you may have installed and any
>> DVD Decoding software you have installed. BEFORE you do
>> this, check you still have the CDs for the reinstall.
>>
>> Reboot the PC.
>>
>> Go into the Device Manager and Uninstall the Optical
>> Drives. Turn OFF the PC.
>>
>> Physically go into the case and REMOVE all optical
>> drives. (You can just disconnect both ribbon and power
>> cables in this case since you know you are going to put
>> them back. While you are there, physically check the
>> jumpers at the rear of the drive(s)
>>
>> Restart the PC... Ensure that My Computer is now showing
>> you have NO optical drives and that Device Manager also
>> confirms no entries.
>>
>> Turn off the PC. Physically reinstall the drive(s)...
>> or reconnect both cables. Turn on the PC. Ensure that
>> XP redetects each drive and installs drivers for it -
>> and assigns a drive letter. Check at this point that XP
>> can read a data DVD. Reinstall your DVD Decoding
>> software. Check that XP can play a video DVD.
>> Reinstall your DVD burning software. Check that it
>> burns.
>>
>> Your next option is the format and clean install.
>>
>> Unfortunately flashing the firmware is always a risk you
>> alone undertake. The manufacturers are never responsible
>> for anything that goes wrong with the drive at that
>> point. Sony may decide to assist... but then again,
>> they are fully within their rights if they decide not
>> to. --
>> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
>> www.coribright.com/Windows
>>
>>
>> "Rob" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> I should not have used the word random. The drives to
>>> not play randomly, it
>>> is the disks that are playable that are random. The
>>> same disk will consistantly play in the drive and the
>>> ones that do not work, never work.
>>>
>>> Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can
>>> play DVDs... so far
>>> all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I
>>> think it might be the
>>> disk.
>>>
>>> The only thing that I did recently was to install and
>>> run a program call CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans
>>> out history and alters and/or deletes registry keys
>>> that the program deems as an error. If the drive
>>> continues to
>>> work my belief will be confirmed that something
>>> somewhere on the computer was
>>> stopping the drive from working.
>>>
>>> I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW
>>> drive, although I can burn DVDs which does not make
>>> sense to me. What is different with that drive
>>> is that it seems to attempt to access information for
>>> about 2 minutes now before it decides there is no disk.
>>> I have ordered new DVD drives but now I
>>> strongly believe it is something in the OS and software
>>> that is the issue. I
>>> wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem
>>> with the Sony drive. Is
>>> there a way to clear that new firmware and install an
>>> older firmware?
>>>
>>> Thanks again.
>>>
>>> --

[Rob]

I came here for help and information. I like getting different people's
opinions about things. I know this not tech support and I appreciate anyone
who takes the time to offer some info... to me or others and whether I use it
or not. You know I believe it is a good idea to continue to ask questions.

I usually do a pretty good amount of research before trying a new product or
even an old one :-). I read things about CCleaner and I basically stumbled
across the answer on this problem at least for one of the drives. I will see
about the other. It was worth a try, I like the program and it did work for
me. I read a few reveiws where people had trouble and maybe they did not back
up the registry. I back up the registry on a semi regular basis anyway so it
is nice to have that option in CCleaner.

Thanks all.




--
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.


"John Inzer" wrote:

> FWIW, I use CCleaner daily and it has never
> caused any problems. Others may report
> differing views.
>
> When you scan the registry if asks if you want
> to save a backup which I always do but I've
> never had the need to restore one.
>
> Please understand...this is not tech support.
> We are simply volunteers who attempt to assist
> folks who are having problems. What works for
> us may not work for anyone else...
>
> Good luck in solving your problem.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Making Good Newsgroup Posts
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Thanks Cari I appreciate the input, but I am not sure
> > what you mean by “removed something very important”. What
> > it removed made my DVD ROM drive work, how is that a
> > problem? Maybe CCleaner was not a great idea, but, for
> > one of the drives the problem is solved and my computer
> > seems to be working great. Do you know much about that
> > program?
> >
> > I suppose that I was not specific enough when I explained
> > what steps I have taken when I replied to WOJO a few days
> > ago. I have done the very steps you suggest more than
> > once and that did not solve the problems. That is why I
> > was willing to take John's and your advice and purchase a
> > new drive, and why I kept reading and searching.
> >
> > Also, I did a fresh install of XP Pro SP 2 less than 3
> > weeks ago on brand new hard drives which I believe I
> > stated in my first post.
> >
> > I have no idea of the exact item the CCleaner removed to
> > assist with this issue. I don't know if it had something
> > to do with the Nero software (which I installed and
> > uninstalled 3 different versions several times and used
> > Nero’s cleaner tool as well) or something else. At this
> > point I only have trial versions of Power DVD 7 and
> > NVIDIA’s video decoder installed and I am reluctant to
> > ever install Nero again.
> >
> > I had done a fresh install of XP in April when I upgraded
> > other system components. I rarely used the DVD drives to
> > view DVDs and I have had the system for quite some time.
> > Before April the Sony DVD RW was the last upgrade I made
> > (1 1/2 years ago) and that came with the Nero software.
> > The problem with the DVD drives was actually discovered
> > in early June (I mis-stated that timing in my first post)
> > when I tried to make a DVD from my digital video camera
> > for the first time ever. At that time I was using
> > Panasonic software to download from my video camera and
> > using Nero 6 to burn to DVD. At first I thought it was
> > the Panasonic software so I uninstalled that software and
> > I have not reinstalled it, yet. I could not get the newly
> > burnt DVD to work after trying several different things
> > including setting write speed all the way down to 1X (I
> > made quite a few coasters). After reading too many
> > troubleshooting tips, that is when I put in a DVD movie
> > to see if there was a problem with the drives... and
> > neither would play DVDs, at least the several that I
> > tried at that time.
> >
> > After countless hours of searching, reading, and
> > troubleshooting and basically taking several of the same
> > steps I decided to do another fresh install of XP and I
> > had wanted to upgrade the HDs, so I did that just a few
> > weeks ago. I took my time and installed all the SP 2
> > updates before installing anything. Then it was one
> > program at a time and then checking for updates until I
> > finally got back to Nero 6 from CD. Then I tried the Nero
> > 6 updates and then trial version of Nero 7, all made no
> > difference. So when I ended up with the same problem
> > again I tried playing more of the DVDs in my library and
> > that is when I discovered that some DVDs actually would
> > work every time I put them in. The DVDs that worked
> > appeared to be older ones and that is what made me think
> > that something I installed knowingly or unknowingly
> > was/is causing this problem.
> >
> > After using the CCleaner tool now when I pop in the
> > Matrix DVD there is a menu that does ask to install PC
> > friendly. Even when I decline I can still play the DVD.
> > This happens in the 6 year old DVD ROM drive. As stated
> > the Sony Drive still will not play.
> >
> > The DVD ROM drive works, there is no way I am
> > uninstalling that drive at this point. Not after so many
> > hours. I would try that with the Sony drive again but as
> > I stated I have done that already. I installed the Sony
> > drive into another machine running Windows ME. I also
> > installed the Nero 6 software (from CD). I witnessed the
> > exact same results. The same DVDs would work and the
> > others would not work. So you see, I believe it is
> > something in Nero or a conflict with Nero that was/is the
> > problem, at least part of the problem. I could be 100%
> > wrong but why would the same condition exist on a
> > completely different machine with a different (older) OS?
> > Currently the same problem exists with the Sony drive, I
> > can play a special features DVD (not the movie) and some
> > older DVDs but most of the DVDs I have will not work in
> > that drive. This is why I think it may be a firmware
> > issue.
> >
> > I have new drive(s) on the way and when I get them we can
> > see where that leads. I would like to solve these issues
> > with accurate knowledge but I have to balance how much
> > time I can really dedicate to that. There may be a log
> > from the CCleaner listing items removed that I can look
> > through, I will check into that.
> >
> > If you were in my shoes, what would you think, or do?
> >
> > I hope this information is helpful in some way and I
> > appreciate the help and information that I have received.
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> >> At this point it seems clear to me that CCleaner removed
> >> something very important from the Registry. I'd NEVER
> >> recommend any Registry cleaners. If you believe the
> >> Registry is just too full of unnecessary entries, then
> >> I'd really say it was time to clean install and start
> >> afresh.
> >>
> >> So let's totally uninstall ALL your optical drives from
> >> the computer and try to get them back correctly.
> >>
> >> In Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Unistall any and
> >> all DVD burning programs you may have installed and any
> >> DVD Decoding software you have installed. BEFORE you do
> >> this, check you still have the CDs for the reinstall.
> >>
> >> Reboot the PC.
> >>
> >> Go into the Device Manager and Uninstall the Optical
> >> Drives. Turn OFF the PC.
> >>
> >> Physically go into the case and REMOVE all optical
> >> drives. (You can just disconnect both ribbon and power
> >> cables in this case since you know you are going to put
> >> them back. While you are there, physically check the
> >> jumpers at the rear of the drive(s)
> >>
> >> Restart the PC... Ensure that My Computer is now showing
> >> you have NO optical drives and that Device Manager also
> >> confirms no entries.
> >>
> >> Turn off the PC. Physically reinstall the drive(s)...
> >> or reconnect both cables. Turn on the PC. Ensure that
> >> XP redetects each drive and installs drivers for it -
> >> and assigns a drive letter. Check at this point that XP
> >> can read a data DVD. Reinstall your DVD Decoding
> >> software. Check that XP can play a video DVD.
> >> Reinstall your DVD burning software. Check that it
> >> burns.
> >>
> >> Your next option is the format and clean install.
> >>
> >> Unfortunately flashing the firmware is always a risk you
> >> alone undertake. The manufacturers are never responsible
> >> for anything that goes wrong with the drive at that
> >> point. Sony may decide to assist... but then again,
> >> they are fully within their rights if they decide not
> >> to. --
> >> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
> >> www.coribright.com/Windows
> >>
> >>
> >> "Rob" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>> Thanks.
> >>>
> >>> I should not have used the word random. The drives to
> >>> not play randomly, it
> >>> is the disks that are playable that are random. The
> >>> same disk will consistantly play in the drive and the
> >>> ones that do not work, never work.
> >>>
> >>> Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can
> >>> play DVDs... so far
> >>> all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I
> >>> think it might be the
> >>> disk.
> >>>
> >>> The only thing that I did recently was to install and
> >>> run a program call CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans
> >>> out history and alters and/or deletes registry keys
> >>> that the program deems as an error. If the drive
> >>> continues to
> >>> work my belief will be confirmed that something
> >>> somewhere on the computer was
> >>> stopping the drive from working.
> >>>
> >>> I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW
> >>> drive, although I can burn DVDs which does not make
> >>> sense to me. What is different with that drive
> >>> is that it seems to attempt to access information for
> >>> about 2 minutes now before it decides there is no disk.
> >>> I have ordered new DVD drives but now I
> >>> strongly believe it is something in the OS and software
> >>> that is the issue. I
> >>> wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem
> >>> with the Sony drive. Is
> >>> there a way to clear that new firmware and install an
> >>> older firmware?
> >>>
> >>> Thanks again.
> >>>
> >>> --
>
>
>
>

[Bill's News]

John Inzer wrote:
> FWIW, I use CCleaner daily and it has never
> caused any problems. Others may report
> differing views.
>
> When you scan the registry if asks if you want
> to save a backup which I always do but I've
> never had the need to restore one.
>

Do you often restore one just to assure yourself that you know
how and that it works properly, should the need arise?

> Please understand...this is not tech support.
> We are simply volunteers who attempt to assist
> folks who are having problems. What works for
> us may not work for anyone else...
>
> Good luck in solving your problem.
>
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Thanks Cari I appreciate the input, but I am not sure
>> what you mean by "removed something very important". What
>> it removed made my DVD ROM drive work, how is that a
>> problem? Maybe CCleaner was not a great idea, but, for
>> one of the drives the problem is solved and my computer
>> seems to be working great. Do you know much about that
>> program?
>>
>> I suppose that I was not specific enough when I explained
>> what steps I have taken when I replied to WOJO a few days
>> ago. I have done the very steps you suggest more than
>> once and that did not solve the problems. That is why I
>> was willing to take John's and your advice and purchase a
>> new drive, and why I kept reading and searching.
>>
>> Also, I did a fresh install of XP Pro SP 2 less than 3
>> weeks ago on brand new hard drives which I believe I
>> stated in my first post.
>>
>> I have no idea of the exact item the CCleaner removed to
>> assist with this issue. I don't know if it had something
>> to do with the Nero software (which I installed and
>> uninstalled 3 different versions several times and used
>> Nero's cleaner tool as well) or something else. At this
>> point I only have trial versions of Power DVD 7 and
>> NVIDIA's video decoder installed and I am reluctant to
>> ever install Nero again.
>>
>> I had done a fresh install of XP in April when I upgraded
>> other system components. I rarely used the DVD drives to
>> view DVDs and I have had the system for quite some time.
>> Before April the Sony DVD RW was the last upgrade I made
>> (1 1/2 years ago) and that came with the Nero software.
>> The problem with the DVD drives was actually discovered
>> in early June (I mis-stated that timing in my first post)
>> when I tried to make a DVD from my digital video camera
>> for the first time ever. At that time I was using
>> Panasonic software to download from my video camera and
>> using Nero 6 to burn to DVD. At first I thought it was
>> the Panasonic software so I uninstalled that software and
>> I have not reinstalled it, yet. I could not get the newly
>> burnt DVD to work after trying several different things
>> including setting write speed all the way down to 1X (I
>> made quite a few coasters). After reading too many
>> troubleshooting tips, that is when I put in a DVD movie
>> to see if there was a problem with the drives... and
>> neither would play DVDs, at least the several that I
>> tried at that time.
>>
>> After countless hours of searching, reading, and
>> troubleshooting and basically taking several of the same
>> steps I decided to do another fresh install of XP and I
>> had wanted to upgrade the HDs, so I did that just a few
>> weeks ago. I took my time and installed all the SP 2
>> updates before installing anything. Then it was one
>> program at a time and then checking for updates until I
>> finally got back to Nero 6 from CD. Then I tried the Nero
>> 6 updates and then trial version of Nero 7, all made no
>> difference. So when I ended up with the same problem
>> again I tried playing more of the DVDs in my library and
>> that is when I discovered that some DVDs actually would
>> work every time I put them in. The DVDs that worked
>> appeared to be older ones and that is what made me think
>> that something I installed knowingly or unknowingly
>> was/is causing this problem.
>>
>> After using the CCleaner tool now when I pop in the
>> Matrix DVD there is a menu that does ask to install PC
>> friendly. Even when I decline I can still play the DVD.
>> This happens in the 6 year old DVD ROM drive. As stated
>> the Sony Drive still will not play.
>>
>> The DVD ROM drive works, there is no way I am
>> uninstalling that drive at this point. Not after so many
>> hours. I would try that with the Sony drive again but as
>> I stated I have done that already. I installed the Sony
>> drive into another machine running Windows ME. I also
>> installed the Nero 6 software (from CD). I witnessed the
>> exact same results. The same DVDs would work and the
>> others would not work. So you see, I believe it is
>> something in Nero or a conflict with Nero that was/is the
>> problem, at least part of the problem. I could be 100%
>> wrong but why would the same condition exist on a
>> completely different machine with a different (older) OS?
>> Currently the same problem exists with the Sony drive, I
>> can play a special features DVD (not the movie) and some
>> older DVDs but most of the DVDs I have will not work in
>> that drive. This is why I think it may be a firmware
>> issue.
>>
>> I have new drive(s) on the way and when I get them we can
>> see where that leads. I would like to solve these issues
>> with accurate knowledge but I have to balance how much
>> time I can really dedicate to that. There may be a log
>> from the CCleaner listing items removed that I can look
>> through, I will check into that.
>>
>> If you were in my shoes, what would you think, or do?
>>
>> I hope this information is helpful in some way and I
>> appreciate the help and information that I have received.
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>>> At this point it seems clear to me that CCleaner removed
>>> something very important from the Registry. I'd NEVER
>>> recommend any Registry cleaners. If you believe the
>>> Registry is just too full of unnecessary entries, then
>>> I'd really say it was time to clean install and start
>>> afresh.
>>>
>>> So let's totally uninstall ALL your optical drives from
>>> the computer and try to get them back correctly.
>>>
>>> In Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Unistall any and
>>> all DVD burning programs you may have installed and any
>>> DVD Decoding software you have installed. BEFORE you do
>>> this, check you still have the CDs for the reinstall.
>>>
>>> Reboot the PC.
>>>
>>> Go into the Device Manager and Uninstall the Optical
>>> Drives. Turn OFF the PC.
>>>
>>> Physically go into the case and REMOVE all optical
>>> drives. (You can just disconnect both ribbon and power
>>> cables in this case since you know you are going to put
>>> them back. While you are there, physically check the
>>> jumpers at the rear of the drive(s)
>>>
>>> Restart the PC... Ensure that My Computer is now showing
>>> you have NO optical drives and that Device Manager also
>>> confirms no entries.
>>>
>>> Turn off the PC. Physically reinstall the drive(s)...
>>> or reconnect both cables. Turn on the PC. Ensure that
>>> XP redetects each drive and installs drivers for it -
>>> and assigns a drive letter. Check at this point that XP
>>> can read a data DVD. Reinstall your DVD Decoding
>>> software. Check that XP can play a video DVD.
>>> Reinstall your DVD burning software. Check that it
>>> burns.
>>>
>>> Your next option is the format and clean install.
>>>
>>> Unfortunately flashing the firmware is always a risk you
>>> alone undertake. The manufacturers are never responsible
>>> for anything that goes wrong with the drive at that
>>> point. Sony may decide to assist... but then again,
>>> they are fully within their rights if they decide not
>>> to. --
>>> Cari (MS-MVP) Windows Client - Printing & Imaging
>>> www.coribright.com/Windows
>>>
>>>
>>> "Rob" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> I should not have used the word random. The drives to
>>>> not play randomly, it
>>>> is the disks that are playable that are random. The
>>>> same disk will consistantly play in the drive and the
>>>> ones that do not work, never work.
>>>>
>>>> Today, my older Compaq DVD ROM drive works again. I can
>>>> play DVDs... so far
>>>> all the DVDs that I have tried work except one, and I
>>>> think it might be the
>>>> disk.
>>>>
>>>> The only thing that I did recently was to install and
>>>> run a program call CCleaner. It is freeware that cleans
>>>> out history and alters and/or deletes registry keys
>>>> that the program deems as an error. If the drive
>>>> continues to
>>>> work my belief will be confirmed that something
>>>> somewhere on the computer was
>>>> stopping the drive from working.
>>>>
>>>> I still have the original issue with the Sony DVD RW
>>>> drive, although I can burn DVDs which does not make
>>>> sense to me. What is different with that drive
>>>> is that it seems to attempt to access information for
>>>> about 2 minutes now before it decides there is no disk.
>>>> I have ordered new DVD drives but now I
>>>> strongly believe it is something in the OS and software
>>>> that is the issue. I
>>>> wonder if the upgraded firmware could be the problem
>>>> with the Sony drive. Is
>>>> there a way to clear that new firmware and install an
>>>> older firmware?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks again.
>>>>
>>>> --

[John Inzer]

Bill's News wrote:
> Do you often restore one just to assure yourself that you
> know how and that it works properly, should the need
> arise?
===========================
Restoring the .reg files is very simple.....
just right click and choose Merge.

The .reg files are stored in.....
My Documents / CCleaner Reg. Backup

Have you experienced problems
in restoring the CCleaner .reg files?

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP

Please understand...this is not tech support.
We are simply volunteers who attempt to assist
folks who are having problems. What works for
us may not work for anyone else...

Good luck in solving your problem.

Digital Image
Highlights and FAQs
http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

Making Good Newsgroup Posts
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm