Power Calibration Error - I have no idea what this is

[tyders]

All,

I have just started to get Power Calibration errors when burning DVDs. I have not changed the type of media nor my burner. It is a nec 1300 and i use ritek dvdrs.

This has happened 7 times today and each time i have had to shut down my pc to rectify the problem i.e. once i have closed my burning software the dvd drawer will not open.

Any ideas?

[MysticE]

You haven't provided any info on what you are using (OS, burning software etc.). As you've noted people usually look at the media first. Seems some folks have had similiar errors when using Nero after an update. What are you using? You could try uninstalling/reinstalling your burning app. Maybe cleaning/blowing out your burner. Has anything changed on your rig just before this started (i.e new programs, uninstalls, reg cleanings etc.)? It could also be a bad burner.

[handyguy]

Media of firmware or youre writing too fast cause you HD is now fragmented & slow. Try searching the forum, its pretty common.

[redwudz]

I think mysticE has it right. If nothing else on your computer has changed, you may have a chunk of crud on your burner lens. Easiest is to get a 'canned air' sprayer and give it a quick shot. The lens is below the disk tray. Be careful to hold the can upright and use the extension tube. If that does'nt work, try a cleaner disk. If still no results, you may have a burner problem. Power calibration is the burner adjusting the laser to the disk. If you burn too fast or the media is incompatable you can get this error. There are other software problems that can cause it also. Worst case is the laser failing on the burner.

[pharlap]

nothing to do with dirty lens its either the firmware or the media or wrong version of nero

[proxyx99]

Best advice: enable logging in Nero to capture all failure codes. Call NEC tech support for explanation. Search Google newsgroups for this error.
Usually calibration error means laser cannot lock-in the disc track or is unable to reset itseld (dump) to go to ther operation. Not a good sign. Maybe a beginning of the end of your drive. Just hope it's a bad media but since you have not changed anything it's doubtful. I also don't think it's a HD since all new drives have Burn-Proof (or similar) built-in and properly working drive will wait for the HD to catch-up.
Calibration error is usually associated with drive difficulty to follow the track (this is not software controlled). Either way, bad sign. Try to get it replaced. Remote possibility is to upgrade firmware for new types of media. If none available, drive has to go back.

[lordsmurf]

nothing to do with dirty lens its either the firmware or the media or wrong version of nero

Given all my experience through the years with burners, I'd have to say it's a dirty lens too. Any time I start have power calib errors on good media, it's always fixed after a good swipe with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab.