::considers beating dvd burner to death::

[erilyn]

Starting less than a week ago, I've run into big problems burning data to dvd, using Nero 7 (specifically, Nero Express) and my LG drive. Burning to dvd-rw has continued to work fine though.

The burn just times out, though Nero Express will happily sit there, claiming to be still going, until you attempt to abort the burn, and end up having to reboot the computer. I don't think it's the discs I'm using, though clearly it is one aspect I need to check by buying some other ones.

Burning to cd seems to be behaving better, and I could burn a data cd using Windows Explorer the other day. Though possibly I spoke too soon, as it currently seems to be having issues over burning an audio cd ::kicks::

I've uninstalled and reinstalled Nero, and managed to burn a data dvd. I set it to 8x, rather than letting it go automatically at 16x, AND IT TOOK OVER 55 MINUTES (which I don't think it should at 8x) but appears to have worked.

Question: what other burning software do you recommend I try, in attempts to figure out where the problem is or replace Nero with? I'm running Windows XP.

Nero has been pretty damn reliable for the couple of years I've had it, I'm so confused.

ETA: I've downloaded some other burning software that I found a good rec for (BurnAware Free Edition) and the maximum average speed it can apparently manage to burn an audio cd on mine at the moment = 1.1x

I'm beginning to think that this is a hardware problem. Ack, I don't know if we're gonna be comfortable replacing the drive ourself, and our old main computer place (where we bought this machine 15 months ago) has closed down after many many years. I don't even know where around here to go. Phooey.

ETA(2): The new software just managed to burn a data cd at about 6x. Still very slow though. And the fastest it's currently managing with a data dvd is 1x.

Comments

[breny.livejournal.com]

I don't really have a solution for you but if it's any comfort, I installed a second cd/dvd burner on my old computer and it was very easy. I would think replacing one would be just as easy so you might want to give it a try if you determine the drive is the problem.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I've never had to replace an optical drive before, so I just assumed it would be beyond us.

Given the problems continue using new software, I'm running out of options apart from replacing the drive.

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

Installing a drive is so easy, it's silly. ;-) It really is fairly fool proof. Promise you could do it.

Try Sonic Record Now - I think there's a free version of it, and I've never had a problem.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I totally should have thought of Sonic - that's on mum's laptop! ::facepalm::

And thanks for the reassurance, I've never had to replace an optical drive before, we've always had good luck with them (and when one did die, there was a second one on that computer and we never bothered replacing it).

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

LOL!

If you're new to replacing anything on a computer, an optical drive is probably one of the easier things to start with. ;-)

[melpemone.livejournal.com]

I second raynedanser - replacing an optical drive is impossible to fuck up. You take the side off the tower, find the (probably) wide, flat cable connected to the drive, unplug that, unscrew the drive if necessary, pull it out through the front, then do the same thing but backwards with the new one. Also, DVD burners are pretty cheap these days.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Thank god they're cheap, cause I'm running out of patience and interest in finding another source of the problem ;)

I've never had to replace an optical drive before! We've had such good luck with them prior to this - stupid LG (if, indeed, it is the drive at fault).