Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

[Terry Olson]

We have a 4 year old Sony Vaio home PC which is equipped with 2 CD drives, one of which is also a CD burner. We thought we could write to DVDs as well, but when we attempt to do so to a DVD of the correct format (DVD-R) the computer prompts us to install a disc. We've been burning CDs of the same format without any problem and it's our recollection that we could burn to DVDs too.

In looking at the tray for the CD / DVD I see that it's marked "DVD ROM/R/RW". The cover for that same drive is labeled "DVD-RW / CD RW". When I look at the drive's properties there is no reference to either CD or DVD RW, nor are there any optional settings relating to writing to media. The drive is identified as "Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-R5002" in the hardware profile.

The DVDs we're trying to write to are brand new HP 16x DVD-R discs. They don't have to be formated before use do they?

So - What's the deal? Is this just a CD player / burner - DVD player, or is it a DVD burner as well? If so, any advice about what we're doing wrong?

Thanks.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

DVD ROM/R/RW would say to me that is is a DVD ReadOnly and a CD burner

DVD-RW / CD RW would say it was a DVD burner and CD burner.

Do have the DVD burning software? It is differnt that CD buning software.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

Thanks for the response. I had a look and we're using Windows to burn photos to CD. In checking my programs file I find a Sony program called "Click to DVD". I can't run the program for some reason but I can view the readme files and it's clear this is the program I'm looking for. This came with the computer and somewhere between new and now the program has been compromised.

I have a recovery disc, but I don't want to return the system to the original format. If I use the recovery disc can I choose which programs to restore - or is it an all or nothing thing as I suspect?

You'd think Windows would have the capability to burn to DVD by now. Maybe I can download an update to add this?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

You could so to Sony's website and see if you can download the program there maybe.

Did the computer come with other CD's? I'd think the program would be on one of those.

I am not familiar with the Sony restore CD, but with XP Pro, when you boot to the CD you have a choice of Repair. This brings you to a DOS prompt. From there type chkdsk /f.

You can also go to My Computer, right click the C drive, choose properties, on the properties page choose tools then error checking. Then reboot the computer and this will do the same thing as a chkdsk /f

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

I'll give those things a try - Thanks again.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

You might find this an interesting read...
http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/toshiba-sd-r5002/index.html

 

[tommays]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

It may be a 4X drive or 8X drive my drive had a 4x to 8x firmware update BUT they did not put out any for 12 x and 16 x media they want me to buy a new drive


So i have to buy 4x or 8x media or i can not burn :devil:


Tommays

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

I found no downloads at the Sony website so I'll check the Toshiba website when I get time. If that doesn't work I'll use the recovery disc I suppose.

 

[tommays]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

Terry

There is info on every blank disk that IDs it to the drive

No older drive will burn to 16X media

At 4 years old it is a 4X drive at best and may be a 2X there may be an update to let it use 4X or 8X media BUT thats about it

If you look around you can still buy 4X media

Tommays

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

Ah, that's at least part of my problem then. I think it's an 8x drive now that you mention it.

Thanks for that suggestion too.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

Terry, from the link I posted ...it clearly says you have a 2X drive...why the confusion?

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

For some reason I was thinking it was an 8x drive. I know just enough to be dangerous I suppose.

I was thinking that the 16x discs would allow writing up to 16x, I didn't know that this designation meant that devices with a slower write speed wouldn't work. I was thinking it would, just at the max speed of the burner.

I read the post and from all indications it's a good drive. I've been working long hours this week and haven't spent much time working on this. I'll start with some 2x discs and see if that solves my problem. If not, I'll work on the software issue.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Computer Question - CD / DVD Burner

I looked around for a firmware flash that would upgrade the speed but found nothing...I did find a region free hack, but it's really a mute point on such an old burner.

New burners are so checp now, it's a joke....for around 30-40 bucks.

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=10