Power calibration error

[marni33tas]

hi,
I have a pioneer 108 and use XP. I have been able to create back up dvd-r for a few years with no dramas. Last few days I have been getting power calibration errors in Nero Express. I am using the same media as always. Data bank 8 speeds. Never had a problem with them. I can watch dvds through my dvd player, burn the dvd onto the system, but NOT burn it back off. Very frustrating!!! Put a friends A08 pioneer burner into the computer and it still would not work. Then all of a sudden, mine began to work again - and has now stopped!! Any ideas???
Marni

[Sifaga]

are you running low on harddrive space or do you need a defrag

[unclebud]

Sounds like a software problem.
Have you tried a newer or older version of Nero? How about burning CD's through Windows XP.
You might try the Windows system file checker
Start button, Run command, sfc /scannow (put in your XP disc).

[marni33tas]

NO.......I have plenty of space, recently defragged, do not have XP disc - it was already installed when I purchased computer, as was Nero Express

[MOVIEGEEK]

Make sure DMA is enabled and check the IDE/SATA cable because they wear out.

[marni33tas]

where do I find DMA and where is the IDE/SATA cable?

[garryheather]

are you running low on harddrive space or do you need a defrag

I can't see that causing a power calibration error - I'd say it's more likely you've got a bad batch of discs (who REALLY makes those discs ? It might have changed...) or something is wrong with the writer.

Power calibration errors mean something aborted the write at the very beginning, it's usually something fundamental like incompatible media (try looking for latest firmware before getting too upset about that cake-box of 100 discs you've just opened) or defective media resulting in the recorder giving up on determining a suitable power level and / or write strategy.

[marni33tas]

No..... discs work ok in my friends burner. Not the media- but very very frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thinking of putting axe through computer!!!!
thanks for helping by the way everyone
Marni

[KTH]

When you mention these disc's work fine in your friends burner, is this the same friend with the A08? Is he/she running the same firmware version as you? I would take a disc from your current batch & one from an older batch (That burned OK) of these "Data BanK" disc's and run either DvdInfo or DVD Identifier to get the disc manufacturer and media ID. I doubt Data Bank manufactures their own disc's and probably contracts someone else to make it for them. If this is the case a lot of times companies that sell rebadged disc's will change suppliers and this could explain why this current batch of disc's are giving you power calibration errors.

[MOVIEGEEK]

where do I find DMA and where is the IDE/SATA cable?

Read my sig below how to check DMA and firmware,the IDE/SATA cable is what you connect the motherboard to the drive.