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General discussion

CDRW-DVD Laptop Combo Drive problem

Feb 9, 2004 9:08AM PST

Hi everyone! First off, thanks for looking!

Second, I have a problem with my Sony VAIO's CD-RW/DVD combo drive. You see, before it used to play DVD's without a problem. Now, for some reason, the DVD is read, but it isn't even recognized. I've looked everywhere, and even recovered the laptop but still no luck...I can burn CD-R's fine but for some reason the DVD's can't be read.

I have a Sony VAIO PCG-FX390 Laptop, with Windows XP, 30GB HD, & 256M RAM. I went through the help, and learned that I might need to buy a DVD Decoder. I currently have WinDVD 2000, and it's worked fine in the past so I don't understand what I might need the decoder for. Anyone able to help?

I really appreciate the help in advance!

Discussion is locked

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Re:CDRW-DVD Laptop Combo Drive problem
Feb 10, 2004 9:59AM PST

if you can read the data on a DVD but not the movie, then you need to reinstall the DVD decoder and to run a DVD player to test it. the player usually comes with a video card. if a fresh restore of the computer didn't work and it used to, then the DVD drive might be broken. have you talked to Sony yet?

Herb...

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Re:Re:CDRW-DVD Laptop Combo Drive problem
Feb 11, 2004 4:51AM PST

It doesn't even recognize the DVD. I have not talked to Sony yet, because I think it costs money to get a hold of a representitive. I didn't have to install a decoder before, but I think its on the Driver Recovery CD included with my VAIO. I'm going to look on it now.

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Re:Re:Re:CDRW-DVD Laptop Combo Drive problem
Feb 13, 2004 10:27AM PST

if you are the purchaser of the computer, you have a limited time free support. use it up first. the recovered system should work without any problems. if your DVD doesn't get recognized, the drive might be defective. only Sony can tell you for sure.

Herb...

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Re: CDRW-DVD Laptop Combo Drive problem
Jun 25, 2004 6:39AM PDT

I also own a Vaio PCG-R505JS with the same specs as yours. I have the exact opposite problem that you have have. My combo drive won't read or burn cd's at all, but it reads dvd's perfectly. I know someone else who had this problem and he said it has something to do with the sound driver interfering with the cd drive. I will ask him how he fixed it.

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Same problem
Jan 7, 2005 7:58AM PST

I have this problem as well...my Sony VAIO laptop recognizes and plays DVDs but will not even acknowledge any type of CD/CDR placed in the drive. I can't even reinstall drivers from the SONY setup discs b/c it won't read them. If you did solve your problem, please help!

Juan