How to install a hotfix from MS to fix non-recognition of all DVDs

[Really Global]

Hi - Windows XP no longer recognising blank DVDs - all formats and different
manufacturers. I get 0 bytes and 0 total space. Cannot format. I have
downloaded SP3, but the problem started before that. CDs all formats are
fine.

I've done all the usual - removing and reinstalling drive, different
software, etc.

But it is Windows with the problem as it says my blank DVDs are zero/zero.

However, I found and was sent a hotfix in KB 818733, which describes the
problem I am having exactly. I have unzipped the hotfix, but cannot find a
way to install.

Customer support seems incapable of answering my question re: the hotfix,
focussing on deleting the drive, etc.

Can someone from MS please tell me what I need to do next with the hotfix?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi - Windows XP no longer recognising blank DVDs - all formats and different
manufacturers. I get 0 bytes and 0 total space. Cannot format. I have
downloaded SP3, but the problem started before that.

Window XP has never had the ability to do anything with blank DVDs. It
doesn't format them, write to them, or anything else. Third-party
software is required for them.

CDs all formats are
fine.

I've done all the usual - removing and reinstalling drive, different
software, etc.

But it is Windows with the problem as it says my blank DVDs are zero/zero.

However, I found and was sent a hotfix in KB 818733, which describes the
problem I am having exactly.

No, it doesn't. That article talks about a problem reading DVDs that
have already been written to. Again, Windows XP can read DVDs, but it
can not write to them.

I have unzipped the hotfix, but cannot find a
way to install.

Customer support seems incapable of answering my question re: the hotfix,
focussing on deleting the drive, etc.

Can someone from MS please tell me what I need to do next with the hotfix?

Please note that this is a peer support newsgroup. We are all just
Windows XP users here, helping each other if and when we can. We are
not Microsoft employees (not even those of us with "Microsoft MVP"
behind our names; that's an honorary title for having provided
consistently helpful advice) except for an occasional employee who
posts here unofficially on his own time.

If you want to contact Microsoft, you'll need to do so directly.

 

[Really Global]

Dear Ken

I know that Windows doesn't write; however, because it sees the blank DVDs
as 0 bytes and 0 total space, I am having trouble in general with other
software. For example, I cannot drag and drop ifiles nto Roxio because
windows says the disc is 0/0.

This hotfix DOES address my issue and unfortunately, your response is not at
all helpful, so not sure why you spent the time responding.

I have been in touch with MS (read my message) and I have been sent the
hotfix.

I need to know HOW to install the hotfix. MS seems incapable of telling me
how.

BTW - there are loads of MS employees responding to queries.....

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

If KB818733 your fix (it's not), you've got it install already as it's
included in WinXP SP3.

See Ken's reply.

 

[thehman]

thats how windows sees a blank disc. nothing is wrong. you have to format the
dvd with Roxio. This is called DLA Drive letter Access. After putting the
disk in right click and choose the Format to DLA or somthing. my computer has
this option but i'm not on it right now. that hot fix by the way is most
likly a virus. DLA will let you drag and drop the files in windows explorer.
Does that help?

 

[Really Global]

Hi PA Bear

What you say is not strictly true. When I first got this laptop, Windows
Explorer recognised blank DVD disk (all formats) and also the number of free
bytes. It stopped doing so a few months ago.

I've been trying to format for some three months, but nothing lets me
format. As I am writing this, I have inserted a new DVD (compatible) clicked
on format using Roxio DLA ( as I have been doing for months) and nothing
happens. I have now tried this three times whilst writing this reply, with no
success.

I have reinserted, selected open with Explorer, right clicked and right
clicking shows "use with DLA" ticked, as it should be but no format option.

I am now in the d:/ drive, showing 0 bytes, There is the usual option of
erasing but the disc is referred to as a CD-RW, which it isn't - this is
because it isn't recognising blank DVDs (btw pre-recorded are fine). CDs of
all formats are fine too.

The erase has worked (as it always does) and I have tried to drag and drop
a word doc and .jpg and a .tif and an .avi file (past two minutes).

Every one has said "Windows has encountered a problem when trying to copy
this file. What do you want Windows to do?"

I am desperate to back up things like photos and data and can no longer do
so for no apparent reason.

Thanks.

PS This problem, as mentioned before, started before I installed SP3, so
SP3 either didn't have the hotfix or it didn't work. Hotfix in the KB is
recently dated, post-SP3...

 

[dadiOH]

I've been trying to format for some three months, but nothing lets me
format. As I am writing this, I have inserted a new DVD (compatible)
clicked on format using Roxio DLA ( as I have been doing for months)
and nothing happens. I have now tried this three times whilst writing
this reply, with no success.

Did the problem start when you bought new (different) blanks?

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Really Global]

No, my drive used to recognise every type of disc.

I have just put in a blank CD-RW and that is immediately recognised - I am
told how much free space is available and total size.

I can also immediately drag and drop.

This used to happen with DVDs - I cannot understand why it doesn"t any more...

Thanks

 

[Really Global]

HI theHman

I responded to this a couple of days ago but the newsgroup crashed and it
would seem my post disappeared....

The drive recognises my CDs (free space/total size) but no longer does the
same for DVDs.

DLA is all set up.

As I write, I have inserted a new blank DVD. I have right-clicked but have
no format option. Under properties, there is 0 free space, 0 total bytes. I
have now tried this with some 30 DVDs, different brands....

I have now put in a blank CD and the number of bytes is immediately
recognised.

I have put the DVD back in and only have the option of erasing the DVD under
my computer, so I have done that, but still not recognised.

I have now selected format under Roxio and I get a windows error saying it
cannot format the disc.

I have tried dragging and dropping the following formats to both the cd and
the dvd:

..doc
..jpeg
..avi
..tif

They copy to the CD but not to the DVD.

I am really frustrated as this function used to work and I was able to back
up photos and data onto DVDs with no problem - and no formatting. I don't
know why this is no longer working.

Thanks!

 

[windmap]

Hi - Windows XP no longer recognising blank DVDs - all formats and different
manufacturers.  I get 0 bytes and 0 total space.  Cannot format.  Ihave
downloaded SP3, but the problem started before that.  CDs all formats are
fine.

I've done all the usual - removing and reinstalling drive, different
software, etc.

But it is Windows with the problem as it says my blank DVDs are zero/zero..

However, I found and was sent a hotfix in KB 818733, which describes the
problem I am having exactly.  I have unzipped the hotfix, but cannot find a
way to install.

Customer support seems incapable of answering my question re: the hotfix,
focussing on deleting the drive, etc.

Can someone from MS please tell me what I need to do next with the hotfix?

Installing the hotfix sent by microsoft deosnt gaurantee resolution
for your problem.I believe problem lies some where in OS or with some
third party software.As you mentioned you were able to read/see disk
information.
I would suggest you go with the free cd/dvd troubleshooter in windows
help and support center.

 

[Really Global]

Hi - have already tried that several times over the past few weeks - no
resolution.

Two things:

Can you or someone in this string insert a blank, non-formatted DVD into
your drive (laptop preferably) and tell me if the disc is recognised in my
computer without doing any manipulations?

Secondly, having researched this problem for several weeks, I am not the
only one having this problem. Just looking at the number of people in this
general XP group, there are at least a dozen people, so something has
happened. Any thoughts?

 

[dadiOH]

Hi - have already tried that several times over the past few weeks -
no resolution.

Two things:

Can you or someone in this string insert a blank, non-formatted DVD
into your drive (laptop preferably) and tell me if the disc is
recognised in my computer without doing any manipulations?

No. Neither is the drive. Explorer says "x': (drive letter) is not
available. Incorect function". Properties for the drive show 0 used, 0
free. Explorer also says it is a CD drive.

However, Alcohol 120% (and other programs) shows drive and blank correctly.
___________________

Secondly, having researched this problem for several weeks, I am not
the only one having this problem. Just looking at the number of
people in this general XP group, there are at least a dozen people,
so something has happened. Any thoughts?

Nope.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Really Global]

So does that mean you are now having the same problem? I'm also told it's a
CD drive....

 

[dadiOH]

So does that mean you are now having the same problem? I'm also told
it's a CD drive....

I don't consider it a problem as I don't care what Explorer says...I can
read/write to DVDs/CDs no problem (using 3rd party apps). NOT "drag & drop"
ones, never have liked or trusted them, don't want the inconvenience of
having to format blanks either.

My best guess - just a guess - is that your DLA program is screwed up. Did
you update XP in some manner just before the problem started? Checked
Roxio/Adaptec site for info/updates? Dumped and reinstalled your
Roxio/Adaptec program(s)?

Just out of curiosity, when did DLA become a Roxio program? DLA used to be
distributed with RecordNow; Adaptec/Roxio's was DirectCD.

Another thought: do you have Nero installed? If so, did you install its
packet writer, InCD? Having more than one packet writer ("drag & drop")
used to be a big no-no as they have to infiltrate the system and didn't play
nice together. I have no idea if that is still true.


dadiOH
______________