Help - DVR-105 No Longer Burns DVDs (CDs OK)

[captbics]

I've spent several hours researching this, but I haven't found any posts of anything specific to try.

A few months ago I was able to burn a couple of RitekG04s at 4x on my DVR-105 with 1.00 firmware. I timed it then, so I know it worked at 4x (took ~15 mins). ADVDInfo still shows the blank media as Ritek G04.

However, now I think my software has screwed itself. I cannot get the bloody Easy CD Creator to burn the DVD. It worked fine back then. Now I get messages like

"errors during the recording" and

"E8004184e: I/O error - communication failure - [04/08/01]"

In the months in between I have installed and uninstalled Nero 5.x and 6.x (didn't work worth a darn). CDs still record fine. Just problems with DVDs from the same spindle as before. Still using firmware 1.00 (haven't seen need to change).

What should I do next? TIA,

captbics

[Thunder In Paradise]

I also own the Pioneer DVR-105, and I haven't had any problems with it. I've had it since July, and have burned over 150 movies with it, also using Ritek G-04's. However, I have upgraded my firmware to 1.33. I would suggest you do the same, just to see if that's where the problem lies. Also, try using some different programs for burning or ripping like DVDShrink or CloneDVD.

[Coopervid]

Did you change anything? Added software / hardware? Go back if yes.

Consider a cleaning disc for your laser lens if the above uninstall of hard- or software doesn't help.

BTW- to check if your burner is still fully functional you should rip a DVD with DVDDecrypter, compress with whatever you like (DVD2One, DVDShrink etc) do an image with Image Tool Classic. Then try to burn with DVDDecrypter. Have a look at the guides. If those steps work you have just a sw problem, if nor you have a hw problem.

Vid

[apurcell]

This could also be a UDMA issue.

[captbics]

Thunder,

I tried to update the firmware to 1.33B, but I got an error in the DOS window that says "Failed to move to the kernal mode. Update program terminated." No mention of those errors at the Pioneer site. I'm not running any Intel App Accelerator (mentioned by Pioneer to cause problems). Since this machine is still on Win98SE, I made sure I have the 4.60 ASPI drivers (in case that was a problem), and I reinstalled them to make sure. DVR-105 firmware is still at 1.00. Hmmmm...I think I'll open up the case and disconnect and reconnect cards and cables.

Coopervid,

I'm sure I've changed a lot of software over the past several months. No way to really go back. I backup to a disk image once a month, but I don't keep the old backups. I think some of the problems started once I installed Nero. This particular machine is still running Win98SE on an Abit KT-7 mobo, but it has been pretty solid to date.

apurcell,

I am looking at hardware and configurations next. It could be something in the UDMA modes.

Thanks to all,

[hedstrosity]

your not the only one with this problem...
i get the same thing. i have two a05's and they started doing it recently.
maybe ill have to reformat.
whats udma? u-? direct memory access?

[captbics]

hedstrosity,

UDMA = Ultra-DMA (direct memory access) aka Ultra-ATA aka Ultra-33

What OS are you using?

That's interesting that you've got the same problem. After reading some other posts in this forum, I "removed" and "reinstalled" the devices under MyComputer. Still have the same problem. I also shutdown, unplugged all cables, powered up and booted, shutdown, replugged cables/powered up/booted. Still same problem. I also still fail the reflash of the drive (still at 1.00).

I'm hoping to avoid the dreaded reformat/reinstall.

UPDATE: I was able to reflash the DVR-105 drive, but ONLY from DOS mode. I'm not really surprised by that since I have to reflash my BIOS in a similar way. The utilities tell me the DVR-105 now has v1.33 firmware which is good (I think). Unfortunately, I get the same error message of:

"E8004184e: I/O error - communication failure - [04/08/01]"

when I try to burn a Ritek G04 using EZCD Creator (which has worked fine for all my CDs and earlier data DVDs). The lead-in info can be read as before. And I just burned a full ISO disk onto a CD, so the CD burning still works fine. Sheesh!

There is something definitely honked up with my Windows setup. I guess the next thing to try is other DVD burning software...

[hedstrosity]

i dont think its a firmware issue.
ive done sooooooo many tests its driving me crazy. alcohol 120 will tell me theres a hardware error on the lead in (wont make it a coaster thank god)... it'll do the same thing whether im using firmware 1.0, 1.30, or 1.33 .
im using ritek g03's but the princos WOULD work fine for samller dvd's. now it does it all the time doesnt care what kind of dvd...
i can keep throwin in dvd after dvd in there and eventually one will work.the failed onesi can thro at the other a05 i have and some will and wont work....
the strangest thing is alcohol will throw an error, and sometime another software will then accept it (nero, record now max etc....)
ill try multiple times though with alcohol first.....
copyTOdvd stopped working all together wit the a05 (sometime on my other comp its fine though sometime not). with an error @ lead in also.
this problem is very sporradic.
i can make an image with alcohol (and mds image) and 1/3 the time when i go to burn it ti will fail... ill then use dvd decryptor to burn the image after multple tries of the other method and 1/3 the time it will work after it failed with alcohol.
i think the drives fine just something software related thats bugging it.
i just did a reformat on one comp and so far have burned 3 movies with copyTOdvd fine

im using the aspi 4.60 ver. 1021....
thie is a very weird problem

[captbics]

I'm using ASPI 4.60 (1021) as well...

I agree it doesn't seem to be a firmware issue. After what I did yesterday, no change in symptoms whatsoever. Nothing I tried had an effect. Perhaps I haven't yet found the right driver or OS .dll to change.

Maybe I just got lucky with the few data DVDs I burned a few months ago.

[hedstrosity]

ive burned over 100 movies between the two.. one started acting up first, then shortly after the other did.
i did a re-format on one ad it seems to be working perfectly. im gonna pay close attention to the programs i install.
the one seems to be fine now. the other is still problematic

[Davie]

I have been having the same issue with my A05. I thought at first it was bad media. I have been using strictly Optodisc. Then I started getting write failures in Nero. I tried TDK and they worked the first few times then the write failures came back. I actually sent my burner into Pioneer and they tested it. Supposedly it worked fine after they flashed the firmware. When I got it back from them I successfully burned two discs before the write failures came back.

I am planning on moving the burner from my xp to my win98 machine and see if that works.

If anyone is interested in seeing some log files from Nero I could post them. Also this started happening about 2 months ago. I normally use DVDShrink to convert then Nero to burn. If it is encrypted I use dvddecryptor for the whole process. Also I have about 100 dvd discs that I have burned previously without any problems.

[Davie]

I am not sure what will be of help from this but here is the log file from Nero after installing the A05 on my 98 machine:

Windows 98 4.10
IA32
WinAspi: File 'Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=1, 0, 0, 0, size=36864 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM
Nero Version: 5.5.10.54
Recorder: <PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105> Version: 1.21 - HA 0 TA 0 - 5.5.10.54
Adapter driver: <ESDI_506
> HA 0
Drive buffer : 2000kB
Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ATAPI
CD-ROM: <PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105>Version: 1.21 - HA 0 TA 0 - 5.5.10.54
Adapter driver: <ESDI_506
> HA 0
Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ATAPI
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 (Target 0, D: Autoinsert On, DMA On, Disconnect ?, SyncDataXfer ?
Excluded drive IDs:
CmdQueuing : 1
CmdNotification: 2
WriteBufferSize: 74448896 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
EraseSpeed : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 511MB (523724kB)
Free physical memory: 0MB (28kB)
Memory in use : 56 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Static Write Speed Table: 0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Enabled (1)
Wizard: Off

28.12.2003
UDF/ISO compilation
9:17:59 PM #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
DVD-Video files reallocation started

9:17:59 PM #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

9:17:59 PM #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 7604
Iso document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : TRUE
Multisession : FALSE
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet : TRUE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : TRUE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : FALSE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

9:17:59 PM #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
DVD-Video files sorted

9:17:59 PM #5 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 115
Reader running

9:17:59 PM #6 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 125
Writer PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 running

9:17:59 PM #7 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 4571
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

9:17:59 PM #8 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 4571
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

9:17:59 PM #9 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3769
Turn on Disc-At-Once, using DVD media

9:17:59 PM #10 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 672
Setup items (original item values)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 (CTransferItem)
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original CD pos #0 + 2205728 (2205728) = #2205728/490:9.53
relocatable, CD pos for caching/writing not required/required, no patch infos
--------------------------------------------------------------

9:18:00 PM #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 229
Last possible write address on media: 2298495 (510:46.45)
Last address to be written: 2205727 (490:09.52)

9:18:00 PM #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 234
Write in overburning mode: FALSE

9:18:00 PM #13 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 1703
Recorder: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105, Media type: DVD-R
Disc Manufacturer: OPTODI - SCK001
Disc Application Code: 64, Disc Physical Code: 193

9:18:00 PM #14 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 824
Prepare recorder PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 for write in cue-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN:
TOCTYPE: 0x0 Session Closed, CD fixated
Tracks 1 to 1:
TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x0, ISRC "", FilePos 0 307200 222670848

9:18:00 PM #15 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 672
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 (CTransferItem)
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original CD pos #0 + 2205728 (2205728) = #2205728/490:9.53
relocatable, CD pos for caching/writing not required/required, no patch infos
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2205728 blocks [PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 ]
--------------------------------------------------------------

9:18:00 PM #16 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
Caching of files started

9:18:00 PM #17 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
Caching of files completed

9:18:00 PM #18 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
Burn process started at 1x (1,380 KB/s)

9:18:00 PM #19 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 1978
Verifying CD position of item 0 (relocatable, CD pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

9:18:00 PM #20 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 1322
Recording mode: Sequential Recording Mode

9:18:00 PM #21 Text 0 File Mmc.cpp, Line 19092
Set BUFE: supported -> ON

9:18:00 PM #22 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 1436
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

9:18:00 PM #23 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 7931
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD-R (2), Part Version: 5
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: 10.08 Mbps (2 h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 0 h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Media Specific:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

9:18:03 PM #24 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:18:03.180 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:19:36 PM #25 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:19:36.770 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:26:19 PM #26 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:26:19.320 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:26:34 PM #27 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:26:34.370 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:09 PM #28 WINPFILE 30 File winpfile.cpp, Line 342
The system cannot read from the specified device.

C:\Dvd Rips\Pool Hall Junkies\VTS_01_1.VOB

9:27:09 PM #29 TRANSFER 4 File TransferWriteFileItem.h, Line 329
Error reading file
C:\Dvd Rips\Pool Hall Junkies\VTS_01_1.VOB

9:27:09 PM #30 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:09.410 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:11 PM #31 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:11.390 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:11 PM #32 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:11.720 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:11 PM #33 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:11.770 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:12 PM #34 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:12.100 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:27:12 PM #35 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 316
21:27:12.490 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 : Queue again later (Intervall : 47msec)

9:52:14 PM #36 SCSI -1135 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 1445
SCSI Exec, HA 0, TA 0, LUN 0, buffer 0x03EA0000
Status: 0x04 (0x01, SCSI_ERR)
HA-Status 0x00 (0x00, OK)
TA-Status 0x02 (0x01, SCSI_TASTATUS_CHKCOND)
Sense Key: 0x03 (KEY_MEDIUM_ERROR)
Sense Code: 0x0C
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x2A 0x00 0x00 0x14 0xA2 0x60 0x00 0x00 0x20 0x00 0x00 0x00
Sense Data: 0x70 0x00 0x03 0x00 0x14 0x9F 0xE1 0x0E
0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x0C 0x00

9:52:14 PM #37 DVDR -1135 File Writer.cpp, Line 333
Write error

9:52:15 PM #38 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 222
all writers idle, stopping conversion

9:52:15 PM #39 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 216
conversion idle, stopping reader

9:52:15 PM #40 Phase 38 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1655
Burn process failed at 1x (1,380 KB/s)

9:52:15 PM #41 Text 0 File Scsicmd.cpp, Line 406
SCSI not using temporary buffers
20 out of 20 temporary buffers allocated


Existing drivers:
File 'IoSubSys\SCSI1HLP.VXD': Ver=4.10.1998, size=19270 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM
File 'IoSubsys\NEROCD95.VXD': Ver=4.5.0.14, size=39882 bytes, created 3/11/02 12:55:38 PM
File 'IoSubsys\CDR4VSD.VXD': Ver=5.3.2.31, size=101616 bytes, created 8/23/03 2:24:30 AM
File 'IoSubsys\CDRALVSD.VXD': Ver=5.3.2.31, size=20043 bytes, created 8/23/03 2:24:30 AM
File 'IoSubsys\ACBHLPR.VXD': Ver=1.01, size=40508 bytes, created 8/23/03 2:24:30 AM
File 'IoSubsys\CDFS.VXD': Ver=4.10.1998, size=59133 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM
File 'IoSubsys\ESDI_506.PDR': Ver=4.10.2222, size=24406 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM
File '..\System\Vmm32\Ios.vxd': Ver=4.10.2222, size=69570 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM
File 'IoSubsys\Disktsd.vxd': Ver=4.10.2222, size=18809 bytes, created 4/23/99 10:22:00 PM

Registry Keys:

[ixll]

I didn't read all of the replys because I am being lazy but I do know that having Nero and Roxio software on the same computer causes some crazy shit to happen.

I noticed you installed Nero then removed it. It's possible that a piece of Nero is still sitting there (Possible it overwrote a key OS file that roxio uses and failed to undo this procedure) and that could be causing problems with Roxio.

What OS are you running? You could run SFC from the run box and have it check the OS specific files and replace any that might have been altered by Nero at some point. Be careful doing this though because you could cause other stuff to stop working.

SFC is available on 98 and newer pc's if I remember correctly.

Just type "sfc" in the run box without the quotes and press enter.

Worth a try at least.

[TurboRunner]

Yep Ixll might be right roxio and Ahead Nero dont get along side by side
to prevent going to the trouble of re-installing windows.

Uninstall all burning software eg. Nero, Roxio, Winoncd etc.... once all of them are uninstalled
type regedit and remove any key relating to those burning software.
Then check and delete there installed directorys if they wernt deleted by the uninstaller.

Once that is done install only one of the software preferably the one you was using ages ago that worked.

Then try to burn a DVD.

Dont own the drive but have had problems ages ago with my old antique Hewlet Packed External cdwriter when had both Roxio and Nero Installed

Ive now upgraded to a pioneer 106d DVD writer Havnt used it yet done a little test of burning a data dvd not to bad

Thanks


TurboRunner

[hedstrosity]

dont use roxio so i know thats not the problem... ive never un-installed nero, so i know thats not the problem either.
right now on the re-formatted drive i have nero, copytodvd, record now max, alcohol,

[TurboRunner]

Have you tried Burning With only one Burning Software installed
So you reinstall windows and only install Nero and try and burn with that if work successful and you require those other burning software installed, install them one at a time untill you end up with the same problem and that is the software that is conflicting.

If that don't work then i cant think of any other solution apart from making sure you have all updated drivers.

Thanks

TurboRunner

[Davie]

What version of Nero were either of you using?

My 98 machine ripped the movie fine with DVDShrink, but the burn process failed because of my hard drive.

[hedstrosity]

i use nero 55.10.35 enterprise edition...
right now on the reformatted machine the pioneer seems to be working beautiful. the other computer still gets weird, but i bought a plextor 708a and that one works fine. i may reformat it one day, but for now its fine with the plex.
right now i have copy to dvd installed, nero, stomp record now max, and alcohol and its running smooth. im gonna monitor what programs i install from here on out, and keep it at a bare minimum.

this is defenitely a strange problem

[Davie]

I am unfortunately having a bit of bad luck. My 98 machines hard drive has become ill. As you can see from the log file it made it half way through the burn and then couldnt read the file.

I did a scan disk on my drive and that cluster completely disables my drive. I can hear the head just clicking when it gets to that cluster. I am just going to reformat my XP machine. That should be a pain in the A!@. I hope it works.


I will keep you guys posted.

[northcat_8]

I have to agree that I don't believe this to be a firmware issue either. It sounds more like a software conflict issue to me.

I have the DVR-105, still with 1.00 firmware, burnt well over 300 DVD's and still going strong. (knock on wood)

I agree with the one post that said to rip a DVD using the drive then compress / re-encode and use IMGtools or whatever and burn the ISO back out with DVD Decrypter.

Deleting and re-installing the drive should have handled any driver or IRQ conflicts, you should of course be in DMA or UDMA mode hopefully.

Question - is your burner on the #2 IDE channel? Make sure your jumper settings for slave and master are set right and that your drives are identified properly in your BIOS.

Also make sure the tapes are plugged in all the way and correctly...I know...but easier to make sure than to reformat and find out later...

One other comment and I know this seems trivial but make sure your power supply is adequate for what you have attached to your computer. Typically when your power supply is going bad you will get clicking on one of your HD's but if you only have one or 2 HD's then other drives may be effected as well as your PCI and AGP cards...just a thought. Don't listen to some of those Tech support guys who say "usually when a PSU is going out your computer won't do anything, you will have no power at all" ... that's BULLSH!T...I just replaced my PSU and my PC worked just fine except the colors on my monitor would get dark occasionally and one of my 5 hard drives would click randomly even when no one was using the computer and sometimes my DVD drive couldn't read a disc, or wouldn't eject the disc...ended up losing a HD, and I took out one of my PCI cards and put in a 300 watt PSU and what do you know...problem solved, monitor has not lost color since...which was caused by a lack of power to the video card.

In any event, I would not reformat the HD, I have had some pretty major issues with my PC and I have never needed to reformat my HD and I committed the major sin by upgrading from ME to XP...if it worked before, it will work again, just narrow it down and eliminate the possibilities one by one, first step is make sure you only have one burning software installed, they are very propriatary.

[captbics]

ixll,

(Been gone a few days.)

I think your theory that Roxio and Ahead software don't like to co-exist is right on. As I recall, the problems started after I installed Nero (it was version 5.something). Then I tried Nero 6.x after I uninstalled v5.x. There may be some crap left on my system.

[Coopervid]

I don't wnat to be cocky... But if you would have tried what I recommended in my first post in this thread you would clearly see if it's a hardware or software problem. You can still do so... Just have a look further up.
If it's hardware (I don't think so...) you can also try a lens cleaner disk before you send the drive in for repair or trash it.

Happy New Year!

Vid

[mdb2002]

Replace the IDE cable.

[captbics]

Coopervid,

With all due respect, I see no benefit in doing what you suggest at this point.

BTW- to check if your burner is still fully functional you should rip a DVD with DVDDecrypter, compress with whatever you like (DVD2One, DVDShrink etc) do an image with Image Tool Classic. Then try to burn with DVDDecrypter. Have a look at the guides. If those steps work you have just a sw problem, if nor you have a hw problem.

Rather than go through a convoluted learning curve on software I have never used and which would undoubtedly introduce test errors (and more confusion), I just want to burn some files to a DVD-R as simple data files for now as a burner check. I don't want to burn a DVD-compliant disc that will play as a movie nor learn how to burn such a disk right now. Later sure, but first things first.

I can play standard DVDs in the DVR-105 and a data DVD-R I burned several months ago, so the read lens is fine. I suspect whatever optics it uses to burn are fine, too. I'm pretty sure it is not a hardware problem. I'll continue to play with the software. I'll probably reinstall EZCD Creator to see what happens. Of that doesn't work, then I'll uninstall and try Nero again.

I may even build a new OS partition and install everything from scratch.

[northcat_8]

not critisizing or being rude but:

I'll probably reinstall EZCD Creator to see what happens. Of that doesn't work, then I'll uninstall and try Nero again

why 2 different burning softwares?

I'm pretty sure that Nero and EZ don't like each other, get rid of one of them and I would suggest getting rid of EZ.

And you should try something along the lines that coopervid suggested. Even if it is a small file. Heck take an AVI and run it through a DVD authoring software and just burn it with Decrypter. If it won't burn with decrypter you have bigger issues than Nero and EZ fighting over drivers.

But then again, you don't want to do that, so that's on you...mine works fine so do what you want, you asked for help...

[captbics]

Coopervid,

I didn't mean to come across as rude...it's just my frustration and exhaustion coming through. I should try to do something simple through authoring and burn it with DVDDecrypter, like you suggest. Nothing else has worked. I've been trying to avoid using any new software and the problems it presents. My apologies for my tone.

northcat_8,

Thanks for the sanity check (I wasn't).

Yeah, I plan to focus on one or the other burning software, and I didn't mean to imply both. You're right as well. I should try something simple. I will probably try DVDDecrypter here soon.

[Coopervid]

No problem at all.

I understand your frustration but this is the least painful way to detect your problem. The other would have been to install Windows from scratch etc.
So, please report back after trying the DVDDecrypter thing. If that fails your burner is dying or is dead. As a last thing try the lens cleaning and then the DVDDecrypter burn again.

If it's working - what I hope for you - then uninstall all burning software and decide for just one.

Good luck,

Vid

[hedstrosity]

ok, for all out that that are a little copmuter literate....
i went back to my computer that i didnt reformat (the one that i installed the plextor 708a).
i ran msconfig, and unchecked everything that wasnt necessary....
i turned off norton auto scan, msn messenger, and alot of other misc. stuff.
i only left the stuff on that was necessary....
so far i have burned 3 dvd's with copyTOdvd, and three with alcohol with no errors.
it goes to show there is some conflict, and im guessing it may ne in norton, but im to lazy to go back and check every one one by one.
maybe the plex drive was a waste, but i got a killer deal so its cool.
so before reformatting do this.
right now i only have five things running.

COMPUTER 1
sstray
nero check
ads gone
microsoft office
and ads gone 2003

COMPUTER 2
nero check
first reboot
RUNDll32 hercP32gs
DU meter
ads gone
and ads gone 2003


so either uncheck them one by one and reboot, and uncheck them all except the unecessary ones and give it another shot.
maybe were getting somewhere on this

[hedstrosity]

i dont think theres any software conflicts between ez and nero cause i dont have ez installed....
its something in the startup thats automatically loaded (not 100% but it looks that way) ....
for those of you who dont know how to use msconfig you probably shouldnt, and for those that do good experimenting....

also ....
can you guys post what you have starting up in msconfig so maybe we can come to a good conclusion

good luck 8)

[wulf109]

I think the short answer is that a firmware upgrade or fate has fried the DVD side of the dual laser pickup. You burn CDR but not DVD. Can you play retail DVD's in the drive? If you can't the DVD pickup is dead.
This is not a software or OS problem.