Testing a CD burner?

[Jeff]

Is there a way to test a CD burner? My CD drive reads well but will not
write and I do not know if it is a configuration problem or if the drive is
bad.

 

[Martin]

Is there a way to test a CD burner? My CD drive reads well but will not
write and I do not know if it is a configuration problem or if the drive
is
bad.

--

Jeff Williams
Email address deliberately false to avoid spam
(e-mail address removed)

I've had about three burners do this.
I guess it's from the nicotine from all the cigarettes I smoke.

I initially try a CD for cleaning the lens, or if that doesn't help I open
the drive and use a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol.
This usually only helps for a short while, I guess once the drive reaches
that point is pretty much done.

Like your drive, mine are still able to read CD's just fine.
I have also had some luck at burning at a slower speed when the drives get
flaky.

I now consider burners to be pretty much disposable, and just buy a new one
every year because I burn a lot of CD's.

 

[none]

Is there a way to test a CD burner? My CD drive reads well but will not
write and I do not know if it is a configuration problem or if the drive is
bad.

You could use SiSoft Sandra to do an analyis and burn test on your cd
burner.

 

[Jeff]

Thanks. Good suggestions. Funny it should affect the writing head but not
the reading head.

 

[Jeff]

Good idea. I'll try it.