Can read from but not write to DVD+RW drive

[Guest]

Hi,
yesterday while running a backup. something got corrupted and now even
though I can still read from the DVD+RW drive, I can't write to it.

I have tried restoring the CD/DVD drive to "My Computer" and that allows me
to see it there, but Windows isn't allowing it to work correctly.

How do I fix this?
Thanks!
Sue

 

[Ronaldo]

Description of CD Recorder Properties Dialog Box
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279157

The properties of a CD recorder include a Recording tab in addition to the
standard tabs that are included with all drives. This tab includes the
following settings that are specific to CD-R drives: . Enable desktop CD
recording for this CD-R device: This setting enables the CD-R drive to allow
drag-and-drop operations for this device.
.. Store staging disc image on: Use this setting to change where the
stash file is created before the file is written to the CD drive.
.. Write speed: Use this setting to set the write speed of the device
up to the maximum that the hardware allows.
.. Automatically eject media after recording: Use this setting to
enable or disable the ejection of media after recording is complete.

If the Recording tab is not present in the Drive properties, check the
registry values for the writer as follows.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Expand the following registry subkey:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CD
Burning\Drives... there should be two sub-keys in the Drives key, one
represents the DVD Reader and the the other the DVD Writer, both keys
contain a value named "Drive Type" the value information should be a for the
DVD-Reader and a 2 for the DVD-Writer. If the drive type value is a 3 for
the DVD+RW, this issue can occur when the drive is misdetected as a
non-recordable device.

If the previous don't work, a system Restore may restore the write
capability.

 

[Rock]

Hi,
yesterday while running a backup. something got corrupted and now even
though I can still read from the DVD+RW drive, I can't write to it.

I have tried restoring the CD/DVD drive to "My Computer" and that allows
me
to see it there, but Windows isn't allowing it to work correctly.

How do I fix this?

Resources for troubleshooting DVD problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308012

 

[Guest]

Ronaldo,
I only have one entry under drives in that area of the registry. it says
something about Max CD write speed. How do I fix this? I have already done
the restore and it didn't correct the problem.
Thanks!
Sue

 

[Ronaldo]

The Max CD write speed value data should correspond with your burner highest
speed, if that is not the case, change the number for the highest number on
your Writer. Also the the Drive Type value data should be a 2. If it has
a three, that is probably the cause.

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[Ronaldo]

Also, the maximun write speed can be established in the Windows
Explorer\Drive properties\Recording\Select maximum available or the next to
maximum for more stable recording and to avoid problems like the one you're
having, particularly if the writer is aging.

And this is may be the original cause of the problem: Go to: X(system
drive):\Documents and Settings\User_account\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\CD Burning... if any temporary burning files are there,
delete them from the CD Burning folder. The previous are hidden folders, To
make them viewable: Tools\Folder Options\View


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[Guest]

Dear Ronaldo,
The drive type is 1, and I have only 1 entry in the registry under drives,
not 2 as you indicated were needed. There is nothing in the CD burning
folder under local settings. How do I correct the registry entries to be
accurate for my drive? It is a DVD+RW drive, Sony U50A
Thanks!
Sue

 

[Ronaldo]

Hi Sue, the number of entries is according to the number of CD/DVD drives
installed, in your case one entry is correct for one CD/DVD-Drive. Just
change the 1 for a 2. Just to verify: is the following registry key the
one you mean?:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CD
Burning\Drives\Volume{f86209b2-cca4-11da-8722-806d6172696f}\Drive Type
=dword value = 1 (?) (the volume {number may be different})... if the 1
(one) is there, double click on the Drive Type DWORD value and type a 2 in
place of the 1.

A 1 in data means a drive is identified as a CD-ROM,
A 2 in data means a drive is identified as a CD-RW or DVD-RW
A 3 in data means a drive is identified as a DVD-ROM

Also check, in:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explore
r\if you see a value named NoCDBurning with a 1, change the 1 to a (0 zero)
or delete the value.

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[Guest]

Dear Ronaldo,
I can't thank you enough for your help. I have learned quite a bit and will
be retaining your posts for future reference. It turns out the write feature
on my DVD RW drive has died, and a new DVD drive has been ordered.
Gratefully,
Sue

 

[Ronaldo]

Hi Sue, one would expect those devices to die slowly, not suddenly, but I
guess the technician knows something we don't... Maybe the writer
overheated? make sure it's got sufficient cooling.

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[Guest]

Hi Ronaldo,
actually I have been having problems with it for the past month with writing
to it. At first I thought the stack of discs was bad....I'm confident we
have done everything possible to get it working, and that it has petered out.
again, much gratitude,
Sue

 

[Ronaldo]

Well in that case, I guess all options have run out. Enjoy your new device!

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