Problem is associated with Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite and Samsung
CD-ROM DVD SM-304B.

Before installing EMC8 the CD-ROM works as advertised, including copying
files to disc using the XP CD-ROM Writing Utility.

After installing EMC8 files and folders on any disc (mine or commercial) do
not appear in the Explorer Window. The window is blank. Device Manager
reports the CD-ROM is working properly, but properties shows a disc as
"empty."

For many users, this appears to be caused by a conflict between ECM8 and
Anti-virus software. (I use Norton Anti-Virus 2005, but have disabled it
during installation and subsequent troubleshooting.) Roxio published a
utility which returns whatever is being control back to Windows XP. The
utility seems to work for others, but not for me.

Removing ECM8 from my computer restores the CD-ROM DVD back to normal
operation. All files and folders are viewable and accessible within the
Explorer Window.

CD-ROM DVD firmware has been updated to the 2003 revision. Same for the
Dell Dimension 8100 bios flash. All other drivers are up to date.

Can someone explain to me what Windows XP CD-ROM DVD functions are being
taken over by Roxio? Is there a Windows XP solution which will permit me to
use ECM8?

Easy cd creator as it was called,or now emc 8 (roxio) had its place in windows
during the 95 98 and ME era,however since then,it's causes nothing but head-
aches.So why do you even fool with them,roxio has zero to offer xp,or what
you can download from microsoft.With media mentioned,the conflict probably
is in WMP designated role of burning files to a cd,unselect WMP from the
files
(tools,options,file types,in WMP) and i bet youre roxio trash will work.

"Kwanah" wrote:

> Problem is associated with Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite and Samsung
> CD-ROM DVD SM-304B.
>
> Before installing EMC8 the CD-ROM works as advertised, including copying
> files to disc using the XP CD-ROM Writing Utility.
>
> After installing EMC8 files and folders on any disc (mine or commercial) do
> not appear in the Explorer Window. The window is blank. Device Manager
> reports the CD-ROM is working properly, but properties shows a disc as
> "empty."
>
> For many users, this appears to be caused by a conflict between ECM8 and
> Anti-virus software. (I use Norton Anti-Virus 2005, but have disabled it
> during installation and subsequent troubleshooting.) Roxio published a
> utility which returns whatever is being control back to Windows XP. The
> utility seems to work for others, but not for me.
>
> Removing ECM8 from my computer restores the CD-ROM DVD back to normal
> operation. All files and folders are viewable and accessible within the
> Explorer Window.
>
> CD-ROM DVD firmware has been updated to the 2003 revision. Same for the
> Dell Dimension 8100 bios flash. All other drivers are up to date.
>
> Can someone explain to me what Windows XP CD-ROM DVD functions are being
> taken over by Roxio? Is there a Windows XP solution which will permit me to
> use ECM8?

On Sat, 5 Nov 2005 21:15:04 -0800, Kwanah wrote:

> Problem is associated with Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite and Samsung
> CD-ROM DVD SM-304B.
>
> Before installing EMC8 the CD-ROM works as advertised, including copying
> files to disc using the XP CD-ROM Writing Utility.
>
> After installing EMC8 files and folders on any disc (mine or commercial) do
> not appear in the Explorer Window. The window is blank. Device Manager
> reports the CD-ROM is working properly, but properties shows a disc as
> "empty."
>
> For many users, this appears to be caused by a conflict between ECM8 and
> Anti-virus software. (I use Norton Anti-Virus 2005, but have disabled it
> during installation and subsequent troubleshooting.) Roxio published a
> utility which returns whatever is being control back to Windows XP. The
> utility seems to work for others, but not for me.
>
> Removing ECM8 from my computer restores the CD-ROM DVD back to normal
> operation. All files and folders are viewable and accessible within the
> Explorer Window.
>
> CD-ROM DVD firmware has been updated to the 2003 revision. Same for the
> Dell Dimension 8100 bios flash. All other drivers are up to date.
>
> Can someone explain to me what Windows XP CD-ROM DVD functions are being
> taken over by Roxio? Is there a Windows XP solution which will permit me to
> use ECM8?

Some reading for you. A good and quite thorough description of XP's burning
features: http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpcd.htm

What you do not get with XP's burning is "packet writing" for RW disks.
This basically lets you treat RW disks in a manner very similar to floppy
or zip disks - easily adding a file/folder now and a file/folder later. DVD
burning is also not covered by XP.

Answer to your question: While a compatibility update might appear at
Windows update (rare), there is really nothing in XP that can do to
facilitate the compatibility between your hardware and third party
software. A firmware update from the burner manufacturer might help. Or an
update to the burning software.

Third party software in general: I've used several of the programs listed
in the article I referenced above. I find that mostly I switch back and
forth between Roxio and Nero - using whichever one works best with my
current recording drives. While other folks might keep portions of both
programs installed, I prefer to uninstall one to install the other.
Personally I favor the Nero products but will use whatever gets the job
done.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User

You may just need to disable the XP inbuilt cd burning capabilities..? In the
properties window for the optical drive, recording tab, un-check the box
"Enable CD recording on this drive" ..
Update the XP CD Wiz here..
http://www.highmat.com/download/
See top support notes here..
http://www.roxio.com/en/support/emc8/index.jhtml
j;-j


"Kwanah" wrote:

> Problem is associated with Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite and Samsung
> CD-ROM DVD SM-304B.
>
> Before installing EMC8 the CD-ROM works as advertised, including copying
> files to disc using the XP CD-ROM Writing Utility.
>
> After installing EMC8 files and folders on any disc (mine or commercial) do
> not appear in the Explorer Window. The window is blank. Device Manager
> reports the CD-ROM is working properly, but properties shows a disc as
> "empty."
>
> For many users, this appears to be caused by a conflict between ECM8 and
> Anti-virus software. (I use Norton Anti-Virus 2005, but have disabled it
> during installation and subsequent troubleshooting.) Roxio published a
> utility which returns whatever is being control back to Windows XP. The
> utility seems to work for others, but not for me.
>
> Removing ECM8 from my computer restores the CD-ROM DVD back to normal
> operation. All files and folders are viewable and accessible within the
> Explorer Window.
>
> CD-ROM DVD firmware has been updated to the 2003 revision. Same for the
> Dell Dimension 8100 bios flash. All other drivers are up to date.
>
> Can someone explain to me what Windows XP CD-ROM DVD functions are being
> taken over by Roxio? Is there a Windows XP solution which will permit me to
> use ECM8?

The origin of CD burning component of XP is Roxio software,
so it's unlikely it causes the problem.
Perhaps this is conflict with some other stuff installed on that
machine, or not completely uninstalled.
Maybe even something like the famous "Sony worm":
http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/200...al-rights.html

Regards,
--PA


"Jaymon" wrote:
> You may just need to disable the XP inbuilt cd burning capabilities..? In the
> properties window for the optical drive, recording tab, un-check the box
> "Enable CD recording on this drive" ..
> Update the XP CD Wiz here..
> http://www.highmat.com/download/
> See top support notes here..
> http://www.roxio.com/en/support/emc8/index.jhtml
> j;-j
>
>
> "Kwanah" wrote:
>
> > Problem is associated with Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite and Samsung
> > CD-ROM DVD SM-304B.
> >
> > Before installing EMC8 the CD-ROM works as advertised, including copying
> > files to disc using the XP CD-ROM Writing Utility.
> >
> > After installing EMC8 files and folders on any disc (mine or commercial) do
> > not appear in the Explorer Window. The window is blank. Device Manager
> > reports the CD-ROM is working properly, but properties shows a disc as
> > "empty."
> >
> > For many users, this appears to be caused by a conflict between ECM8 and
> > Anti-virus software. (I use Norton Anti-Virus 2005, but have disabled it
> > during installation and subsequent troubleshooting.) Roxio published a
> > utility which returns whatever is being control back to Windows XP. The
> > utility seems to work for others, but not for me.
> >
> > Removing ECM8 from my computer restores the CD-ROM DVD back to normal
> > operation. All files and folders are viewable and accessible within the
> > Explorer Window.
> >
> > CD-ROM DVD firmware has been updated to the 2003 revision. Same for the
> > Dell Dimension 8100 bios flash. All other drivers are up to date.
> >
> > Can someone explain to me what Windows XP CD-ROM DVD functions are being
> > taken over by Roxio? Is there a Windows XP solution which will permit me to
> > use ECM8?

"Sharon F" wrote:

> Some reading for you. A good and quite thorough description of XP's burning
> features: http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpcd.htm

Thanks for the helpful link. Explains a lot.

> Third party software in general: I've used several of the programs listed
> in the article I referenced above. I find that mostly I switch back and
> forth between Roxio and Nero - using whichever one works best with my
> current recording drives. While other folks might keep portions of both
> programs installed, I prefer to uninstall one to install the other.
> Personally I favor the Nero products but will use whatever gets the job
> done.

Both Nero and Roxio have excellent reviews, with Nero getting the better
rating from the reviewer. Oddly enough, I chose Roxio for its ease of use
(interface).

Until I understand what is blocking Windows Explorer from viewing and
accessing files, or Roxio releases an update which fixes it (assuming it
isn't speciic to this drive or my system), I'll be installing ECM8 only when
I have a project which requires more than the Windows XP Disc Writing Utility.

Thanks again.

"Jaymon" wrote:

> You may just need to disable the XP inbuilt cd burning capabilities..? In the
> properties window for the optical drive, recording tab, un-check the box
> "Enable CD recording on this drive" ..

Unfortunately, no joy. Not that simple, it seems. :-)

Disabling recording has the surprising effect of XP not recognizing the disc
at all. System launches an "insert disc in drive" request. Reenabling
returns the system to the same circumstance: explorer window is blank.

> Update the XP CD Wiz here..
> http://www.highmat.com/download/

Thanks.

I'll wait until I thouroughly understand what is happening before I add the
highmat extension. Nice to know the extension is there.

Until I figure out what is happening with this specific drive or a patch
becomes available, I'll install and then uninstall ECM8 according to my
needs. A moderate inconvenience. Just means I'll need to use my other
system to test the CD-ROM files.

Thanks again!

On Tue, 8 Nov 2005 23:58:03 -0800, Kwanah wrote:

> Thanks for the helpful link. Explains a lot.

You're very welcome. That's one of the best articles I've found on the
subject of XP's burning features. I'm glad to hear that you found it
helpful.

> Both Nero and Roxio have excellent reviews, with Nero getting the better
> rating from the reviewer. Oddly enough, I chose Roxio for its ease of use
> (interface).
>
> Until I understand what is blocking Windows Explorer from viewing and
> accessing files, or Roxio releases an update which fixes it (assuming it
> isn't speciic to this drive or my system), I'll be installing ECM8 only when
> I have a project which requires more than the Windows XP Disc Writing Utility.

Having used both, I pretty much agree with the reviewer. However, in the
last few versions of Nero it is apparent that much work has been done to
make the UI more "friendly." One feature that I like in their new "smart
panel" is a button that toggles between basic and "geek" mode. Have used
both modes depending on the burn job at hand.

The problem may not be in Windows but in the method used to burn. Some
drives have no problems reading multi-session disks. Other drives are only
capable of reading the last session or cannot handle them at all. The
majority of recent drives do fine with multi-session. Still roadblocks can
turn up when there are multiple computers with a wide variety of hardware
to be considered.

"Closing" or "finalizing" a CD is most successful for making a CD readable
on just about any drive. Taking the CD to the computer where it was burned
(and using the same software) to "finalize" the CD will make it usable on
just about any system. Unfortunately, it also closes off future writes.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User

The drive you mention the "CD-ROM DVD SM-304B" is only CD-RW DVD-ROM (combo)
capable and seems to be quite old, 4-5 years now, give or take.. It's not
showing up on the Samsung web site either.. I am wondering where you got the
firmware update from..? What the new firmware version # is, and what the
original firmware version # was..? The bottom line is to treat yourself and
XP to a new DVD/CD-RW combo drive and use the included bundled burning
software to set it up.. Use the old device on an older rig or just prop a
door open with it, your call..

If you use a third party burning app you should disable the inbuilt XP CD
burner.. Also, if you look in your C:\Program files dir, you should see the
HighMAT CD Writing Wizard folder..
Good luck
j;-j

"Kwanah" wrote:

> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > You may just need to disable the XP inbuilt cd burning capabilities..? In the
> > properties window for the optical drive, recording tab, un-check the box
> > "Enable CD recording on this drive" ..
>
> Unfortunately, no joy. Not that simple, it seems. :-)
>
> Disabling recording has the surprising effect of XP not recognizing the disc
> at all. System launches an "insert disc in drive" request. Reenabling
> returns the system to the same circumstance: explorer window is blank.
>
> > Update the XP CD Wiz here..
> > http://www.highmat.com/download/
>
> Thanks.
>
> I'll wait until I thouroughly understand what is happening before I add the
> highmat extension. Nice to know the extension is there.
>
> Until I figure out what is happening with this specific drive or a patch
> becomes available, I'll install and then uninstall ECM8 according to my
> needs. A moderate inconvenience. Just means I'll need to use my other
> system to test the CD-ROM files.
>
> Thanks again!

<p>Believe but not sure, the original firmware was B505 dated September 2001.
Updated firmware to T101 for Windows XP dated April 2002.</p>
<p>Downloaded from
<a
href="http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/LiveUpdate/FWDownload/FWDownload.asp?FunctionValue=view&no=90&SearchWord=sm-308b&SearchMode=TOTALSEARCH&PageNumber=1&product_code=&os_no="
http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/LiveUpdate/FWDownload/FWDownload.asp?FunctionValue=view&no=90&SearchWord=sm-308b&SearchMode=TOTALSEARCH&PageNumber=1&product_code=&os_no=</a></p>
<p>Indeed, it was not easy to find.</p>
<p>Thanks for your tips and suggestions. They are rather helpful.</p>
<p>I'm not quite ready to buy another CD-ROM DVD RW Combo, but it sure looks
like I'm heading that way in a hurry. :-)</p>