topic Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install in PCs & Accessories

Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:02:45 GMT

I wonder if anybody can help me.

I recently done a clean install of Vista Ultimate from Home Premium on my AR-11M.

I installed all Drivers, BIOS and Firmware updates but the dvd drive just will not burn dvd's but it will burn audio cd's. Which i thought was strange?!!

Please somebody help because i got films i want to put onto dvd and its doing my head in...

I use Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 to burn dvd's and cd's if thats any help.

Thanks for any help in advance. :smileygrin:

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:39:17 GMT

Bump!

Anybody have any ideas??

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:13:03 GMT

Daily Bump!

Please somebody help.

I can not believe my post has had 173 views and not 1 reply!

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

Blencogo — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:45:28 GMT

No-one knows the answer or they would have replied by now. Continually 'bumping' the topic is considered rude.

It sounds like a hardware problem with the drive to me as Vista and Roxio 10 should burn DVD OK. Does the drive still read DVD discs? A different laser is used for DVD as it has a different frequency from CD lasers.

Presumably you have gone from XP -> Vista HP -> Vista Ultimate? Have you tried using Vista's DVD burning program to see if it works? Look here: -

http://www.windows-vista-tips-and-tricks.com/vista-burn-dvd.html

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:42:13 GMT

No-one knows the answer or they would have replied by now.  Continually 'bumping' the topic is considered rude.

It sounds like a hardware problem with the drive to me as Vista and Roxio 10 should burn DVD OK.  Does the drive still read DVD discs?  A different laser is used for DVD as it has a different frequency from CD lasers.

Presumably you have gone from XP -> Vista HP -> Vista Ultimate?  Have you tried using Vista's DVD burning program to see if it works?  Look here: -

http://www.windows-vista-tips-and-tricks.com/vista-burn-dvd.html

I think you might be right that no-body knows the answer or they would have replied by now..Sorry for "bumping"!!! :smileyblush:

Its only since i installed Ultimate that it hasnt worked & yes it still reads DVD discs...

I did go from XP MCE 2005 -> Vista HP -> Vista Ultimate. I had HP on here for over a year before i decided to get Ultimate and the DVD drive worked fine.. I tried using Vista DVD burning program the other day but it got to 99.9% and said there was an error or something (cant remember exactly what it said!!) So now i am trying it again and i will let you know if it burns the DVD and if it doesnt what it says... If it still doesnt work then i might have to get in touch with sony themselves about this problem and see what they can do about it... :smileythinking:

Ive looked at that site and its really good thanks for posting up the link... :smileygrin:

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:20:05 GMT

Actually it got to 99.0% and then the DVD popped out just like last time...

Here is a pic of what came up

I just dont know what to do?

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

Blencogo — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:22:12 GMT

All you can do is to try a few different makes of DVD disc. I don't know what make you are using but TDK, Sony, Verbatim are usually good.

If that doesn't work then you will need a local repairer to look at it. You can replace the drive quite easily yourself - it is held in by only 3 external screws in the bottom of the AR - it just slides out and should only be a 20 minute job.

Does it say in Device Manager what type of DVD/CD-ROM drive is fitted to your model?
It is probably a Matshita or a Pioneer DVR-K16. Have you installed all the available firmware updates on Vaio-Link?

If you do need to replace the drive in the end you will need a drive with similar specifications.

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=13920

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:43:36 GMT

I use Sony DVD disc's.. might buy some TDK then and see if they work...

I dont know of any repairers in my area...

I have a "PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-K16M ATA Device" that is what is says in my device manager and yes i have downloaded and installed all the available firmware updates from Vaio-Link.

I might just go ahead and replace it if other makes of DVD's do not work...

Where did u get the diagram of how to remove the drive?

Any chance you could send me a copy of the whole book or whatever you have?

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

Blencogo — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:50:15 GMT

PM me an email address and I will send the manual to you.

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:55 GMT

PM sent.

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:48:46 GMT

Thanks for the Email Blencogo.

Is it possible to upgrade parts on my AR11M eg HDD, CPU, Motherboard, graphics and sound cards??

If it is possible where can i obtain the parts from?? Any ideas??

Just thought i'd ask an expert!

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:57 GMT

If you do need to replace the drive in the end you will need a drive with similar specifications.

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=13920

Instead of replacing it with a similar drive is it possible to replace it with a higher spec drive eg Blu Ray?

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

Blencogo — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:40:28 GMT

You can upgrade many things - some are worthwhile but many are so expensive you may as well buy a new laptop.

HDD and RAM can be worthwhile and you can buy these from many sources like PC World - try Google.

The CPU can be upgraded but it is 50:50 whether it is worth the extra money when other restrictions exist on the motherboard.

You could upgrade the DVD drive to a BD drive if you have more money than sense. A BD-ROM that just plays BD Discs but won't record will cost about £180. A recording BD drive (if you can find one) will cost £400. Your screen is not HD so it's a bit of a waste.

Graphics and Audio can only be upgraded by replacing the motherboard which will cost more than you paid for the Vaio in the first place - much more sensible to change your laptop.

Apart from adding RAM and possibly upgrading the HDD you are going to be better off replacing the laptop.

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:00:47 GMT

Thank You for your reply Blencogo.

I completely understand what you are saying about the CPU, graphics card and audio cards..

I have already upgraded my RAM to 2GB and was thinking about upgrading my 160gb HDD to something alot bigger how many HDD's can i fit in my vaio? 1 or 2??

Cant afford a new laptop but dream of owning the AR71ZU someday!!! (thats all i can do is dream!!)

Thanks for your help and advise.

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:20:41 GMT

You could upgrade the DVD drive to a BD drive if you have more money than sense.  A BD-ROM that just plays BD Discs but won't record will cost about £180.  A recording BD drive (if you can find one) will cost £400.  Your screen is not HD so it's a bit of a waste.:smileysad:

My screen is HD because the sticker on my laptop says "Full HD 1080"

I think ill be sticking with a DVD drive its a waste of time getting a BD drive plus it was only a thought anyway...

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:03:16 GMT

How many HDD's can i fit in my vaio? 1 or 2??

Anybody any ideas??

I got 1 x 160gb in here at that moment...

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

Thalamus. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:53:24 GMT

My screen is HD because the sticker on my laptop says "Full HD 1080"

As far as I am aware the AR11M screen is a TFT colour display 1440 x 900 and not HD 1920 x 1200..

How many HDD's can i fit in my vaio? 1 or 2??

Yes I believe the AR11 series can support 2 HDD drives, see a similar thread HERE

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:15:23 GMT

My screen is HD because the sticker on my laptop says "Full HD 1080"

As far as I am aware the AR11M screen is a TFT colour display 1440 x 900 and not HD 1920 x 1200..

Thanks for your reply Thalamus but i still have the stickers on my laptop and yes you are right my display being 1440 x 900 but why does it have this sticker on it as weel if its not HD?

How many HDD's can i fit in my vaio? 1 or 2??

Yes I believe the AR11 series can support 2 HDD drives, see a similar thread HERE

Thank you Thalamus but do you have any idea how big (GB's) the HDD's can be??

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:11:34 GMT

Can anybody answer the questions i asked above about ther HDD's??

Are the size of the HDD's 2.5inch??

Also would this DVD drive fit my AR11M??

HERE!

Re: Problem with DVD drive since clean install

dagoods82 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:05:44 GMT

Just found these on Ebay and was wondering which one would fit in my AR11M

Drive Number 1 OR Drive Number 2??

Please can somebody let me know which is suitable for it because i want to buy one and get it sorted a.s.a.p!!

Also can i replace my existing HDD and replace it with a 250gb, 320gb or 500gb HDD and then get a 2nd HDD of the same size in the second slot?

Do they have to be the same capacity? or can i leave my existing 160gb and just get another HDD which has a bigger capacity??