Does this make sense to you?

Question

The internal DVD burner of my desktop computer has stopped working. When I place any kind of disc (DVD, CD, music or data) in, the computer asks me to insert a disc. I have reason to believe this is a hardware problem. The manufacturer, however, says they can not be sure that it is not a software problem, that one or more of my Windows files could be corrupted. They say if I send the computer in for service the first thing they will do is reformat the hard disk. To me this is like shooting the side of a barn with a cannon. I don't particularly want to do that. What I thought I would do instead is purchase an inexpensive external DVD burner and see if that solves the problem. Does this make sense to you or am I barking up the wrong tree so to speak?

Either I'm confused or I've confused you or both. The DVD burner that has malfunctioned is an internal burner. If you are suggesting I remove that from the computer to test it, that ain't gonna happen. I don't have the know-how necessary to do that.

I have already reinstalled the driver to no avail.

Assuming I do replace the internal burner with an external one and the external one does function, will it also work inside Media Center of Windows Media XP 2005?

One of my problems is that the computer is still under an extended warranty. Doesn't that obligate me to using the manufacturer for repair rather than a repair shop or attempting repair myself? And the manufacturer insists they will wipe the hard disk clean which I vehemently refuse to do.

I haven't had time yet to test all these answers so am not in a position to choose one as best. For that reason I am going to let it go to a vote. But please know how much I appreciate all these suggestions and the fact that you all took the trouble to offer them to a stranger. Best wishes to all.

Answer 1

If the PC is still under warranty, you have no choice but to go through the channels of that warranty agreement so you don't void it.

If the PC is NOT under warranty, then you can do as you please with it. In this case I would take it to a shop and have them test the drive, it's connections, etc. before putting good money after bad by buying a piece of equipment you may not need. If the drive tests out bad then simply have it replaced.

Answer 2

If you are getting a message from Windows when you insert a disc, then the software is probably fine. If you want to be sure, then go to the website of the manufacturer of the DVD drive and download the latest drivers. There's a good chance, though, that there will be a note there saying drivers aren't needed under Windows XP. If there are drivers, then download and install them.

If that doesn't fix it, then the drive is probably dead. It's much cheaper to buy another internal drive than an external unit. Replacing a DVD drive is very easy. Once you have the cover of the computer off, you just need to remove 3 cables and 4 screws.

Don't go packing up your computer to send to someone else. - you can fix this yourself.

Answer 3

.
You should not need to Format the hard drive because one piece of hardware is not working properly...they're trying to sell you a big ticket repair because they know you don't understand.

You should not need to "remove" the DVD burner in the physical sense.
There is a work-around.

Obviously the driver provided by XP automatically is not doing the job.
Using the XP driver provided is OPTIONAL.

Follow these steps in the order I give you.
1.
You can Go to your DVD burners manufacturer site online and download the most current driver to a folder on your desktop. It should be free from them.
a. To determine the manufacturer
look in your Device Manager section.
b. Go to START > RIGHT click MyComputer >
select PROPERTIES >
c. tab for HARDWARE > click button for Device Manager
d. In Device Manager, scroll down to your DVD burner, double click and get the name of the manufacturer.
e. Go online to the manufacturer site > find DRIVERS
f. Download the driver you need.

2. Go to your desktop, find the driver, double click and INSTALL the driver.

3. Restart your computer > it will "see" the new driver and may ask you if you want to use it
instead of the one you have...say YES.

This should solve your problem if the problem is firmware, and the DVD burner is not "fried" in the physical sense.
If it IS "fried" you STILL DO NOT NEED TO FORMAT !!!
You only need to get a new DVD burner.
Getting a new DVD burner is much cheaper than having a rip-off tech scr&wing around with your machine, and the time and frustration you will experience; not to mention the huge cost.

Feel confident that installing any new hardware inside may SEEM scary, if you've never done it...but inside there is just some pieces of machinery, CARDs designed to plug into each other. It's very simple.

Afraid to screw your warranty? Forget that...who will know?
Remember to DEstatic yourself before touching the components inside = touch metal before touching anything else.

I'm a mature "girl"...I can do it...so can you.

RIGHT CLICK
on this link >
http://www.basichardware.com/how_tos.html
click OPEN IN NEW WINDOW
Bookmark the site…absolutely great site for help

kys

Answer 4

I agree formating without troubleshotting is kinda overkill but in the end you may end up doing just that. First thing i would do is put your Windows or whatever restore cd came with your computer in the drive and restart the system. Most computers are set to boot from the cd drive first so if the drive is working properly it should be detected and should boot form these cds since they are a bootable cd. If it does not boot to the cd drive then you will want to check your bios settings make sure it is set to boot from the cd drive first . If it is set this way and will still not boot from the drive then you most likely have a hardware rather than software problem. You should try reseating the connections and trying again. If this doesn't fix the problem then a new drive may be called for. Oh and the one thing I forgot did you amke any changes such as adding or removing hardware or installing or removing any software just prior to this happening? Have you tried windows restore? Hope these suggestions help

Answer 5

If your still under warranty then simply call up the company and see if they will do anything about it. Maybe they will take it back, fix it up, and send it to you good as new. On the other, if customer service is stupid as usual then simply buy an ex dvd burner and try it out. I'm not sure where you'll get one. I hope I could help.

Answer 6

step one, reinstall all drivers from manufacturers site. 2. make sure everything is plugged in on the inside, ie power and ide connector. 3. reinstall physically, 4 purchase new drive and install it, they are around 40 bucks. if you don't know how, yes, get an external, but they cost twice as much, and internal comes with instructions anyways. don't send it in until you try all these, they are all quicker and easier.

Answer 7

Do control/alt/delete and check the task manager to see if the CD-rw drive is even working. Make sure your disc is a blank one or not finished when used last time.

You can check the boot up at run/ msconfig and check the boot/startup setting

Answer 8

try reinstalling the driver for the dvd burner this may solve your windows file problem

Answer 9

I vote the easy way out, buy an external. I always think I'm gonna screw up my computer and break it. Plus then you can use it on another computer if you like. But hey thats my anti-screw-driver view

Answer 10

Try it in another PC, if it's windows XP it shouldn't need any drivers. Just plug it in (with the PC off, obviously) and see if it reads there. if it doesn't, it's the drive. If it does, it's the PC.