Firmware Update dumb question ?

[cpbglmn]

I recently decided to swap out my ancient 16x DVD /CD Rom Drive for a Sony DRU 530A
I had in an external enclosure, but hadn't used in a few years.

I did some research on the Sony DRU 530A, and it seems it'll make a better ROM
than what I was usung, as well as having burning capabilities, I checked for a Firmware update and found this on the Sony Support site found the Firmware Update (530A_21g.exe)
The DRU-530 is a bit flaky so I'm virtually certain based up recently Updating the Firmware on
my AOpen 1608 which has been a PITA for a long time the, the Firmware Update turned that completly around !


Against my better judgement i decided to actually read the Insstructions, and therein lies the Rub

" Before executing firmware update, uninstall any packet writing software, such as [DLA], [DirectCD], [B's CLiP] etc, from the PC.
If you are using the DRU-530A, disable [DMA setting] in Windows before executing firmware update. For details, refer to [Help and Support] in Windows. "

I did manage (after a truly embarrasing amount of effort) to find how to disable the DMA (I think ?) but I wouldn't know a Packert writing" software if it bit me on the butt
I could just run the firmware Update and hope for the best, however I'm a prime time Murphy's Law type as well as having a literally breath taking dearth / deficit of Computer Knowledge.

What kind of dire stuff is likely to happen, if I do have packet writing software and run the Firmware Update ?

Any and all advise, comments or wisdom will be greatly appreciated

Fred
drnrpm3142@sbcglobal.net

[redwudz]

I found this on: http://www.osta.org/technology/cdqa4.htm

Packet Writing Software
Packet writing software installs at the driver level and makes a CD-R or CD-R/RW recorder seem to the user as just another removable drive. Appearing the same as a floppy or hard disk, users write files to a CD-R or CD-RW disc by simply dragging and dropping the files over the recorder’s icon or saving from within an application.

As with all removable storage systems, the first step in operating a CD-R or CD-R/RW recorder using packet writing software is to initialize the disc to prepare it to receive the user’s data. After inserting a blank disc into the recorder the user is prompted by the computer to initialize the disc which is then ready to go after an automatic formatting procedure. Some products conduct background formatting where the disc is available to write shortly after initiating the process but others require formatting to complete before data can be written.

Packet writing records variable (CD-R) or fixed (CD-RW) sized chunks or “packets” of data to the disc for as many times as is needed to complete the writing of the user’s files. In the case of a CD-R disc (which is not erasable) data may be added incrementally until the disc becomes full. CD-RW discs, on the other hand, are completely rewritable and thus are a little different from their CD-R cousins in that files can be added and deleted as needed. Typically, packet writing software records CD-R and CD-RW discs in OSTA’s Universal Disc Format (UDF).

But I don't know what the 'dire stuff' would be.

[cpbglmn]

I very much appreciate your taking the time to advise as well as providing me with the excellent article ! it's not unlike the old adage " Give a man a fish and he eats that day "
I've just skimmed the article and already learned a good bit !


Kindest Regards Fred

[Krispy Kritter]

The two main packet writing software packages are Nero and Roxio. Basically, packet writing allows you to burn files onto a disc, then go back at a later time and add more files, repeating until the disc is full. I haven't used this method myself, as it has always been hit or miss whether it will work or not.

[psx_pirate]

DLA (drive letter access) is packet writing software supplied with Sonic (now owned by roxio) recordnowmax

INCD is neros packet writing software (not supplied with nero but is available as a seperate download for nero users)

I'm not sure about direct cd or b's clip but if you have any of this packet writing software on your pc it will be available from the start menu>all programs. ... if you don't see any listed then you don't have any on your pc (if any is listed just uninstal it before upgrading the firmware)