my dell inspiron 6400 DVD-writer writes DVDs which always contain errors - why?

Question

*Is it because i'm writing from files stored on a USB External hard drive?
*OR is it because i tried to update the driver and downloaded the wrong one? if so, how'd i find out what model i have? it doesn't say on the invoice or drive and there are several to download online...

cheers guys!
T =o)

Answer 1

It could be both. First you should get the proper driver by downloading it from http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&releaseid=R126043&SystemID=INSPIRONI6400/E1505&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=9645&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=32&fileid=167300

Then you could you try copying files to your hard drive first.

Also make sure all other programs are closed during the burning process.

Finally, you may want to reduce the writing speed. This can compensate for many troublesome situations.

Answer 2

Boot you computer from the CD http://pclinuxos.com

Then, you can burn in K3B. no coasters. streaming data from the network, any external drive on Firewire, or USB, or the hard drive...

After it boots, open a console and type DMESG to scroll up to the DVD loading at start-up, Then you can see the make and model...

OR, go to the main menu and look at the Configuration>PCLinuxos control panel, and go see the details...