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Question

DVDWriter question

by Feb 20, 2014 12:16AM PST

I built a computer out of parts from two almost identical units. I took the hard drive running Windows XP Media Center Ed, the DvdWriter, and the case from one and combined it with the Motherboard running Windows Home Media Center and a CDRW, and power supply of another.

It works pretty good, however my dvdwriter can no longer recognize 8.5 gb discs (either ones burned myself or store bought dvd movies).
I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling and updating drivers. The only odd thing is it does function but when reinstalling the firmware it says "This system is not configured for the "TssTcorp cd/dvdrw ts-h6652L" so no update is required"

I've also tried many of the tips and tricks on various forums for this type of problem.

Do you think it's a conflict between the motherboard and different operating system or more likely the dvdwriter is just spent after many years of use?

Discussion is locked

11 Posts
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Answer
If the drive is over 2 years old, try another drive.
by Forum moderator Feb 20, 2014 12:31AM PST
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Answer
Rather than try to read the tea leaves
by Feb 20, 2014 12:32AM PST

I'd just replace that CD/DVD drive. You can buy them for $20 to $30, and I'm sure you know they're easy to replace. Since you've tried the driver options, it sounds like the drive has a problem. One question though; have you tried cleaning the drive with a cleaning kit? Those double density DVDs are tricky. It makes a lot of difference if you try writing them at 4X or even 2X.

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Answer
Recheck it all
by Feb 20, 2014 3:09AM PST

If you *know* it worked in the previous PC and these are the same PCs, then it should work. However, still install any related CD/DVD s/w to refresh the install as it were. XP didn't readily support DVD use. Since, this is also a TSST drive which suggests it was OEM type it may have saw better days. Also, you should check the bios for the latest release because that could have differed between the two PCs. Last check, make sure you're using the what SATA or EIDE type drives, if EIDE then verify you use the 40-pin/80-wire harness version. Alas, if nothing seems to fix it, a *NEW* replacement is probably the fix in most cases.

tada -----Willy Happy

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I tried cleaning it
by Wicked_Prayers Feb 20, 2014 10:24AM PST

I actually did take the dvdwriter apart and cleaned the lens after watching a how-to video on youtube. It worked good as new for about a minute and then went back to ignoring 8.5 discs.

I just figured I would ask what other people thought before I bought a new dvdwriter. I always assumed a writer would just die altogether instead of partially. It's just odd because it still works great to install software and read 4.7 discs.

Thanks guys.

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Only odd to those that don't do this a lot.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 20, 2014 2:12PM PST

There are articles about how dual layer works but did you try a new drive?
Bob

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Get a new one
by Willy Feb 20, 2014 4:44PM PST

You don't actually take it apart to clean the lens on a drive. You use a lens cleaner, looks like a disc with brushes on it and canned air. That's the typical cleaning required, no "direct cleaning" like you did. It appears the laser angle is off or not working. This is a nutshell is what allows 8.5 offering, in order to hit different areas of the disc. You on/off operation and losing this or that suggests it has done it's job and its a goner. Play with it all you want but I'm sure the results won't be 100% again. Which is why it always works with a new replacement and it probably the only solution left now as fix.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
I'd be remiss not to note the CD Drive Repair FAQ
by Forum moderator Feb 20, 2014 11:44PM PST
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Let me share what I bought for my last 2 drives.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 21, 2014 12:40AM PST

As I rarely need DVDRW drives I picked up (rather the office did) a few USB DVDRW drives for under 30 bucks each.

At the office we rarely replace a drive anymore. We check out an USB DVDRW drive, get it done and then return it.
Bob

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Answer
I like the answers
by Feb 21, 2014 12:36AM PST

the other members have given you, they're all true but here's another truth. Those Dual Layer Disc's can be a PITA !
I can't count the number of "coasters" I've created with them, even with a brand spankin' new optical drive.
I stay with the good old single layer disc's and walk away smilin' every time

Digger

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D/L disks etc.
by pgc3 Feb 21, 2014 1:03AM PST

I've done a LOT of burning over the years and I tend to agree that D/L's can be a PITA but if you have the right software for the purpose it generally works out. Aftermarket burning software, Nero, Roxio and others. I'll admit I have made a few, tongue in cheek, "COASTERS" but the majority of the D/L burns I have done worked out ok. The disks that have given me the majority of headaches have been the double sided disks, I gave the last bunch to a tech buddy of mine, he promptly chucked them in the trash, in my presence, saying "That's where those things belong" and we both had a chuckle over it, he was right. D/L's are going away, it seems many have opted for using single layer disks and use aftermarket software(s) to compress files or have gone to B/R.

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Strange turn of events
by Wicked_Prayers Feb 21, 2014 5:35AM PST

So today I was getting ready to pull the dvdwriter out and replace it. I grabbed the bonus special features disk that came with Rob Zombie's Halloween, put it in, and it started working. Then I put my other 8.5 gb disk movies in and they started working. Turned the computer off, came back, tried, didn't work. Put RZ Halloween bonus disk in and now it works again. It'll work, I just have to run the Halloween bonus disk to jump start it to run 8.5 gb disks.

This is truly weird.

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