My DVD drive frequently reboots PC!!

[Nigel Andrews]

Almost everytime I put any disc in my DVD burner drive it causes the PC to
reboot!!!

I have no idea why this is happening, can anyone help?

The disk can be a CD, DVD blank or burned and regardless whether already
inserted when the PC is started or the PC already running. Though it reboots
at different points dependent on when the disc is inserted.

Please help!!!

Nigel

 

[Malke]

Almost everytime I put any disc in my DVD burner drive it causes the PC to
reboot!!!

I have no idea why this is happening, can anyone help?

The disk can be a CD, DVD blank or burned and regardless whether already
inserted when the PC is started or the PC already running. Though it reboots
at different points dependent on when the disc is inserted.

This can be caused by a problem in the drive, the cable, and/or the
power supply. The easiest thing to try is to first change the cable. If
that doesn't help, swap out the drive for a known-working one. If that
solves the issue, you're done. Throw away the old drive.


Malke

 

[windmap]

See whether this problem also occurs in safemode.If didn’t then Perform
system restore to the point when your drive was working fine.
Also see if your computer restarts when your insert the cd into computer
when the computer in BIOS setup screen.If problems also occurs when you are
setup screen.Its time replace the drive.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

Thanks both for your replies

Fortunately there has been one other person who has the same symptoms who
has made contact.
He bit the bullet and changed his drive but found no change in the symptoms.
So I am reluctant to go that route also.
I will check the way it behaves when in the BIOS set-up. I suspect tho' it
will fail as before.

The symptoms are confusing in that if I insert the disc early on then the
failure will occur earlier (i.e., it doesn't fail at the same point each
time in the boot process). If I insert it at the start but eject part way
thru' then it does not fail. But if I wait until late in the process or even
once it has fully started then the failure is still likely to occur but
later on. Just pushing the empty draw in does not cause the problem.
Once it does accept a disc, around 3 out of 5 times it burns those discs
with no problem!

I have tried rapidly switching Explorer between different folders whilst
inserting the disc and it seems to have some effect - averting the problem,
but I could be just kidding myself that I have at least some control over
it!

Thanks

Nigel

 

[Nigel Andrews]

I have checked inserting and ejecting a disc in the drive whilst in the BIOS
set-up and the reboot does NOT occur.
I note that the drive light and the 'hard drive' light on the PC case
illuminate coincidentally when I insert or remove the disc.

I am not sure where this leads me.

I have had a longer term issue with booting in safe mode, so I can't test
that. It scrolls a long list of files and stops for a number of seconds and
then reboots. Maybe it is time I got this problem sorted!

Thanks
Nigel

 

[windmap]

Its time to perform clean install of windows.

I have checked inserting and ejecting a disc in the drive whilst in the
BIOS set-up and the reboot does NOT occur.
I note that the drive light and the 'hard drive' light on the PC case
illuminate coincidentally when I insert or remove the disc.

I am not sure where this leads me.

I have had a longer term issue with booting in safe mode, so I can't test
that. It scrolls a long list of files and stops for a number of seconds
and then reboots. Maybe it is time I got this problem sorted!

Thanks
Nigel

 

[w_tom]

Learn from that previous poster. He had symptoms similar to yours.
So he shotgunned. Rather than first learn what problem created those
symptoms, instead, he started replacing parts (ie drive). Of course
it did not solve anything because the number of problems that could
create his symptom were numerous. He did not yet replace numerous
devices - which is necessary when shotgunning. He was wildly
speculating.

Don't make his mistake. Also do not reload the OS. A drive failure
will not cause an NT based OS to reboot. Another would have you
replace a perfectly good OS on unstable hardware? That could create
two problems - exponentially complicate your problem.

Always start by collecting facts. IOW 'follow the evidence'.
Although probably not helpful, still, check the system (event) logs
and Device Manager for important information. If you don't know where
they are, then use Windows Help. If you made a serous mistake by
reloading Windows, then that useful information was destroyed.

Most probable reason for your failure is the foundation of every
computer - a power supply 'system'. It is a 'system' where the power
supply is only one component. Two minutes using this procedure will
either identify your problem immediately, or provide numbers so that
future replies are from the better informed. "When your computer dies
without warning....." starting 6 Feb 2007 in the newsgroup
alt.windows-xp at:
http://tinyurl.com/yvf9vh
Connector chart for where each color wire should be located:
http://www.hardwarebook.net/connector/power/atxpower.html

Unique to your symptoms are numbers from the orange, red, yellow,
and purple wires when operating (multitasking) the system with all (or
as many as possible) peripherals in operation simultaneously. And
then post those numbers here because numbers provide additional
information. Again, that is the difference between those who wildly
speculate verses those who replace the defective part the first time -
saving time, labor, and money. Fix the problem right the first time
for less money. Don't shotgun.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

W-Tom,

Thanks for your reply. That is my wish to, to try and find the reason for
the failure. Even if I do end up replacing a large item at least I know why.

I have looked at the voltages showing in the BIOS SETUP and they show
generally within .02 of the target figures. Going by that it would seem the
PSU is upto it. I also have no other problems and this problem does not
effect the DVD burner in any other ways i.e., it burns!

Thanks
Nigel


Learn from that previous poster. He had symptoms similar to yours.
So he shotgunned. Rather than first learn what problem created those
symptoms, instead, he started replacing parts (ie drive). Of course
it did not solve anything because the number of problems that could
create his symptom were numerous. He did not yet replace numerous
devices - which is necessary when shotgunning. He was wildly
speculating.

Don't make his mistake. Also do not reload the OS. A drive failure
will not cause an NT based OS to reboot. Another would have you
replace a perfectly good OS on unstable hardware? That could create
two problems - exponentially complicate your problem.

Always start by collecting facts. IOW 'follow the evidence'.
Although probably not helpful, still, check the system (event) logs
and Device Manager for important information. If you don't know where
they are, then use Windows Help. If you made a serous mistake by
reloading Windows, then that useful information was destroyed.

Most probable reason for your failure is the foundation of every
computer - a power supply 'system'. It is a 'system' where the power
supply is only one component. Two minutes using this procedure will
either identify your problem immediately, or provide numbers so that
future replies are from the better informed. "When your computer dies
without warning....." starting 6 Feb 2007 in the newsgroup
alt.windows-xp at:
http://tinyurl.com/yvf9vh
Connector chart for where each color wire should be located:
http://www.hardwarebook.net/connector/power/atxpower.html

Unique to your symptoms are numbers from the orange, red, yellow,
and purple wires when operating (multitasking) the system with all (or
as many as possible) peripherals in operation simultaneously. And
then post those numbers here because numbers provide additional
information. Again, that is the difference between those who wildly
speculate verses those who replace the defective part the first time -
saving time, labor, and money. Fix the problem right the first time
for less money. Don't shotgun.

 

[w_tom]

I have looked at the voltages showing in the BIOS SETUP and they show
generally within .02 of the target figures. Going by that it would seem the
PSU is upto it. I also have no other problems and this problem does not
effect the DVD burner in any other ways i.e., it burns!

0.02 percent or volts or what?

BIOS is only a voltage monitor. Until calibrated with a multimeter,
then voltages are not known. It would be rare to the point of
complete doubt for all voltages to be that accurate (if volts).
However if voltages remain that constant both when first booted as
well as when the actual measurement must be made (when multitasking to
all peripherals simultaneously), then a power 'system' problem is
unlikely. Most important are actual voltage numbers (to hundredths of
volts) from red, orange, yellow, and purple wires.

Your problem is why more responsible computer manufacturers provide
comprehensive hardware diagnostics. If your computer manufacturer is
not, then download those diagnostics from component manufacturers or
from third parties. Windows and hardware work around problems
meaning that hardware tests using Windows are not sufficiently
informative. For example, a completely defective power supply can
still boot a computer. Hardware diagnostics are designed to see that
failure without complications from Windows and others. Idea is to
break a problem down into each part; then analyze only that part.
Testing hardware is performed best without Windows loaded which is why
better manufacturers provide the comprehensive hardware diagnostics.

Nothing in a DVD drive can (normally) cause Windows to reboot. That
is another feature of these OSes. If the DVD diagnostic executes
without Windows, then what does diagnostic see when the DVD is loaded?
Now we have established something that is still completely unknown
into something 'definitively good' or 'definitively bad'. IOW
progress is now made.

I am troubled by this sentence:

... it reboots at different points dependent on when the
disc is inserted.

What is ongoing in each instance? Why do you conclude a disc
loading is the common factor? And what does the event (system) log
and Device Manager report?

Meanwhile, how much does each BIOS measured voltage change between
computer operating idle verses a full multitasking test (complex
graphics displayed, while CD-rom is read, while internet is
downloading, while sound card is output changing sounds, while files
on hard disk are being read constantly, while ... ) Also important
are not a summary of voltage numbers. Necessary for better replies
are actual numbers for each voltage before and during that
multitasking test. Your replies will only be as useful as information
provided.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

W-tom,

Thanks again,

I haven't yet gotten to it with a meter. But trying to diagnose from the
symptoms.

The reset only occurs when a disc (albeit any disc type) is put into the DVD
burner drive. A disc inserted in the reader drive has no adverse effect. The
PC runs normally if no disc is inserted in the burner.
The reset occurs sometime after the draw has closed upto 20 seconds, so the
drawer has closed and the drive light gone out well before.
Sometimes there is no reset.
If the disc is already in the drive (and the drawer closed) when the PC is
booted then it may still reset.
The reset does not occur at the same point in the boot sequence, but more
likely at roughly the same interval after the disc was inserted.
So if it is in at the earliest point then the reset may occur at the Windows
logo screen. But if inserted later the reset may occur after the desktop has
appeared and been populated with icons. Once the PC has been fully started,
regardless whether minutes or hours, if the disc is inserted then the reset
may occur at around 20 seconds.
My point here is that if there was a power issue then the power drain by
inserting the disc and it being 'read' would surely cause a reset there and
then! But it seems more like that some other situation checks if a disc is
in the drive and that 'decides' to reset.

The voltage variations in the BIOS setup were within 0.02 volts of the
target. But as you suggest they are not accurate these are irrelevant.

I have looked at some of the error codes but they translate to a non
specific cause 'system error'!

Thanks I appreciate your help
Nigel

I have looked at the voltages showing in the BIOS SETUP and they show
generally within .02 of the target figures. Going by that it would seem
the
PSU is upto it. I also have no other problems and this problem does not
effect the DVD burner in any other ways i.e., it burns!

0.02 percent or volts or what?

BIOS is only a voltage monitor. Until calibrated with a multimeter,
then voltages are not known. It would be rare to the point of
complete doubt for all voltages to be that accurate (if volts).
However if voltages remain that constant both when first booted as
well as when the actual measurement must be made (when multitasking to
all peripherals simultaneously), then a power 'system' problem is
unlikely. Most important are actual voltage numbers (to hundredths of
volts) from red, orange, yellow, and purple wires.

Your problem is why more responsible computer manufacturers provide
comprehensive hardware diagnostics. If your computer manufacturer is
not, then download those diagnostics from component manufacturers or
from third parties. Windows and hardware work around problems
meaning that hardware tests using Windows are not sufficiently
informative. For example, a completely defective power supply can
still boot a computer. Hardware diagnostics are designed to see that
failure without complications from Windows and others. Idea is to
break a problem down into each part; then analyze only that part.
Testing hardware is performed best without Windows loaded which is why
better manufacturers provide the comprehensive hardware diagnostics.

Nothing in a DVD drive can (normally) cause Windows to reboot. That
is another feature of these OSes. If the DVD diagnostic executes
without Windows, then what does diagnostic see when the DVD is loaded?
Now we have established something that is still completely unknown
into something 'definitively good' or 'definitively bad'. IOW
progress is now made.

I am troubled by this sentence:

... it reboots at different points dependent on when the
disc is inserted.

What is ongoing in each instance? Why do you conclude a disc
loading is the common factor? And what does the event (system) log
and Device Manager report?

Meanwhile, how much does each BIOS measured voltage change between
computer operating idle verses a full multitasking test (complex
graphics displayed, while CD-rom is read, while internet is
downloading, while sound card is output changing sounds, while files
on hard disk are being read constantly, while ... ) Also important
are not a summary of voltage numbers. Necessary for better replies
are actual numbers for each voltage before and during that
multitasking test. Your replies will only be as useful as information
provided.

 

[w_tom]

The reset only occurs when a disc (albeit any disc type) is put into the DVD
burner drive. A disc inserted in the reader drive has no adverse effect. The
PC runs normally if no disc is inserted in the burner.
The reset occurs sometime after the draw has closed upto 20 seconds, so the
drawer has closed and the drive light gone out well before.
Sometimes there is no reset.
If the disc is already in the drive (and the drawer closed) when the PC is
booted then it may still reset.

1) Unanswered question is whether that reset is created by hardware
or by software. Again, DVD manufacturer hardware diagnostics would
provide useful facts - executing hardware without the complications of
Windows.

2) If Windows is being reset, then what does the event (system) log
report?

3) If the DVD driver is (for some reason) defective and causing a
reset, then another test may also better identify that defect. Again
- break a problem into parts and test those parts. Go to Device
Manager to remove the DVD player. Now insert a DVD manually. Does
that inserted DVD (that will not trigger any Windows software because
it was removed) create a Windows reset?

Objective of that test: change one and only one thing, then collect
facts. In this case (as I read your posts) a DVD manually inserted
into the burner creates a Windows reset. By only removing DVD's
software driver, does that reset no longer happen? A process of
identifying a problem as a hardware problem or a software (driver)
related problem before fixing (shotgunning) anything.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

w-tom,

After a brief hiatus I have checked a couple more things with this problem
PC.

After uninstalling (from Device manager) the DVD burner drive I could insert
and eject a disc without getting any resets.
Even after I rebooted and it found the drive again I was able to insert
discs a couple of times but on the third time it reset again.
I have checked the System event log and there is nothing particularly
relevant. The nearest is a mention of a problem connected with "InCD"(?)

I haven't found any diagnostics for the drive (NEC NO-3500AG) and the
firmware I found needs to be installed with just the NEC drive attached (no
hard drives or or other CD's!) so I will hold off doing that.

The error which comes up on the blue screen when it resets, starts with
0x0000008E which I translate as a non specific fault.


I presume that as the drive uninstall seems to stop the resets then I am
looking more at some conflict in Windows than a fault in the drive, though
the driver could be corrupt.

That drive is as installed new and has been there working fine at least 4
years.

But the symptoms still puzzle me as I will describe again.
If the disc is in the drive when the PC boots it may reset and quite early
on (maybe after 20-30 seconds)
If I insert the disc later in the boot process or even once it is fully
started (which is well beyond 20-30 seconds after booting) it may reset! So
the condition which causes the reset seems to not to be at one point in the
boot process, but almost at any time and the delay between inserting the
disc and the reset is about the same.

As I may have said before just pushing the empty drive drawer in does not
cause a reset.

Nigel

 

[w_tom]

The error which comes up on the blue screen when it resets, starts with
0x0000008E which I translate as a non specific fault.

Posted previously:

Your replies will only be as useful as information provided.

Information - numbers and text - on the BSOD screen is extremely
relevant. It is chock full of information ... to others. Other's
reply will be useful only if you provide those numbers and text. If
you don't grasp so much infomration in those numbers, then post them
so that others with better knowledge can provide assistance.

Meanwhile, I don't trust in those voltage numbers - only 0.02
volts. Numbers should have changed between no load and full load
multitasking readings. Those numbers are also useful information. It
may not explain your failure. But you don't know until those numbers
are examined by others.

Demonstrated is why solving problems (repairing) is so educational.
That BSOD error message has relevance - says much about the problem.
BSOD error message even lists which hardware components are relevant.
Your oversight is why we fix things. For example, a difference
between sticking to facts verses distorting those facts with
assumptions or conclusions is part of the learning process. Don't
short your help of facts. Don't distort facts with conclusions. Post
facts; especially every number. "Your replies will only be as useful
as information provided." This post demonstrated how much was inside
that one sentence.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

w-tom

The full BSOD error shows as

0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0x806FF94F, 0xB3BBF0F8, 0x00000000)

Thanks again

Nigel

 

[w_tom]

The full BSOD error shows as
0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0x806FF94F, 0xB3BBF0F8, 0x00000000)

Your failure occurred at or near memory location 0x806FF94F. If
memory modules (hardware) are swapped, and if same memory area is
reported again, then memory is completely eliminated as a suspect.

If that memory location was being used by executables such as
ntkrnlmp.exe, ntkrnlpa.exe, ntoskrnl.exe, or srv.sys, then the problem
may have been corrected by a service pack. If that memory location is
used by a DVD driver, then manufacturer's DVD driver may have been
corrected or a wrong driver is being used.

Meanwhile, that error message has more than just numbers. Adjacent
text also provided critically important facts such as the executable
located at 0x806FF94F and other facts due to what is 'not' in that
error message. Again, post everything. It is all relevant including
information that is not in that message.

A memory dump can be enabled if comfortable following these
directions. See Windows Help (memory dump: Specify what Window
does...) to obtain a list of what system memory is where. A memory
address is listed in the 8E stop code. What in the memory dump is
loaded in that memory location? Just another way to learn what and
where. These recommendations to create a short list of suspects
(memory hardware, an executable file, etc) so that a search for a
solution is narrowed only to those suspects.

 

[Nigel Andrews]

w-tom

I did reply but it doesn't seem to have got into the group

The BSOD errors are as follows:-

0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0x806FF94F, 0xB3BBF0F8, 0x00000000)

I hope that gives some helpful clues.

Nigel

 

[w_tom]

The BSOD errors are as follows:-
0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0x806FF94F, 0xB3BBF0F8, 0x00000000)

Your failure occurred at or near memory location 0x806FF94F. If
memory modules (hardware) are swapped, and if same memory area is
reported again, then memory is completely eliminated as a suspect.

Meanwhile, that error message has more than just numbers. Adjacent
text also provided critically important facts such as the executable
(code) located at 0x806FF94F and other facts 'not' in that error
message. Again, post everything. All is relevant including
information that is not in that message. The BSOD message should have
listed what software code (by filename) is at 0x806FF94F. That
filename is also important information.

This and further information is in a 4 Feb post - in reply to your 3
Feb post.