Plextor PX712SA Dying?.

[classfour]

I've had this thing forever it seems, but recently - while ripping a disc with dvdfabdecrypter - the program locks up and the rip stops at about th 80% mark.

At first, I thought it was a software issue - but it's just too consistent for that.

Also, I've completed all the rips with a Sony OptiArc in the same machine.

What strikes me as odd is the Plextor has no problems burning (typically 8X) DVD-R or other media.

Anyway: Ordered a new OptiArc off newegg just now, going to see how that goes. I'd tried a Plextor 806SA a few months back in an attempt to replace the old 712SA, but it was too noisey and produced coasters.

Just venting - the old Plextor was not a cheap drive back in the day, but I guess you can't get them to last forever. Gonna miss that one.

[budz]

Yup, the drives don't last forever....I still have my old Plextor 708 drive that is excellent at reading scratched discs. I'm ordering that Sony Optiarc drive too with my next newegg order.

[misterbill]

Classfour, Do you smoke?

[budz]

Classfour, Do you smoke?

[classfour]

Not a smoker: quit over ten years ago. Always a good choice.

It's just strange how this one is going away....read errors, even locks up the machine. Not that unusual, though. After googling the model number: I found more than one forum describing similar behavior for a PX712 (and the PX716's PX740's) but the UF models of similar vintage were unaffected. Why would an external model of the same drive read more reliably than the desktop model?

After finding this on the web - from 2005 - 2006, I'm not surprised that it's happening; just that it took it this long.

I did go ahead and send a "nastygram" to the Plextor folks - maybe they'll honor the one-year warranty on the 806.

Worst case: I can stick the 712 into an external and use it as a burner only - maybe then it'll think it's a UF model, LOL : )

I've never used a cleaning device on the laser, I believe they do more harm than good.

[handyguy]

Have you cleaned it?