dvd burner???

[ssaamm]

im sorry if this question has already been answered in other threads how can i tell if my computer has a dvd burner??? i can burn cds but i cant burn dvd movies my computer doesn't seem to reconise the disks when i hit burn it says "please insert disk" i just want to know if there is any way i can find out that i have a dvd burner before i buy one

[ROF]

Look for the DVD logo on the front bezel of your drive.

[byteguy]

Generally, there will be a bunch of graphics printed on the unit. If you don't see DVD+-R or DVD+-RW then it's might just be a DVD reading drive (unless it's a true CD and then it won't even have the DVD Video icon on it).

Also, most burning programs now have a "drive info" option that will tell you what the drive supports.

[ssaamm]

it doesnt say anything like dvd-+r it just say dvd rom so does that mean i have no burner the drive is HL-DT-ST DVD/RW GCC 4102B

[mats.hogberg]

http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=82&page=Features

Why not try the spiffing new invention "web search" in general, and Google in particular?

/Mats

[psx_pirate]

check out the link posted by mats.hogberg ..... take particular note of the wording on the box in the picture .... ie cd-rw recorder and dvd rom reader

the clues are ... cd-rw recorder (it will write to cd-r(rw) and dvd rom reader (it will read dvd's) .... note the lack of dvd recording ... ie the drive won't write dvd-r(rw)

[hwoodwar]

Open Device Manager. Look in the DVD/CD-Rom section and make note of the model number and manufacturer (if listed.) Do a google search on the model number and look up the specs.

[mats.hogberg]

the drive is HL-DT-ST DVD/RW GCC 4102B

He already did the former - I did the latter.

/Mats

[ssaamm]

thanks even though you probably are being sarcastic ...................... can u buy dvd burners and not have to have them fully inserted in the computer can u connect them to the computer though usb or something?................. i dont want to have to take my old drive out insert another one and so on

[mats.hogberg]

If it is a USB external drive - yes. But really, replacing an internal DVD drive is about the easiest thing you can do with your computer - often simpler than replacing the headlight on your car...

/Mats

[ssaamm]

as you have guessed i dont know much about computers.....................so how do i now if it is a usb external drive

[SingSing]

Then go get one with Nero software. It look likes a DVD drive in a big lunch box. Plug the unit into AC, and connect it to the computer with USB cable.

[TBoneit]

You know it is a USB drive because the box will say external USB on it.

Thing to check is if your computer has USB2.

IN all versions of windows right click on My Computer, then choose properties. Then from that in XP or Win2000 choose Hardware (Win98/ME just choose Device Manager) , Then Choose Device Manager. Look at the bottom of the list for USB. Click the Plus sign in front of USB and be sure it says USB2 or Enhanced Host Controller for example.

Keep in mind that any external Drive will be more expensive than a internal simply because you are paying for a case, power supply and cable that are not needed for an internal drive.

[TBoneit]

As a follow up, Pioneer, Lite-On are both good brands that come with enough software to get you going. I use both brands here at home and at work. I'm really liking My new Lite-On!

What I suggest is to go to the store, make a note of the brands and models they have and then go to this page here and read other users reviews. One biggie these days is read and follow the installation instructions.

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters

And This is the internal I use for example. .
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDnameid=1437&Search=Search&list=2#comments

You will notice I likethis drive however two out of three users had problems with cheap media.

So you need to figure what blank media you will use then be sure your choice will like it.

Good Luck

[ssaamm]

i might get a cheap second hand burner from ebay ..................... another thing when i insert my baln disks into my dvd player it says wrong disks is that usual??? my none blank disks work same dvd-r

[TBoneit]

Don't get a cheap used burner. They'll be slow and you can even have trouble finding blank media for old burners.

Blank DVDs in a CD burner won't work they are different and yes I'd expect that type of message as it doesn't know hat that disc is.

Once again stay away from used burners!

Let me say it again, Stay away from used burners!!

1. If you need help with it, tough no support available.
2. Why do you think it is being sold? Could it be getting flakey? Could it be hard to get media that works with it?
3. Could they be selling their problem? Burners wear out. Lasers get to weak to burn properly.

Could also be it will only burn CDs or Only DVDs another common problem as they get old. Can also happen to DVD readers that they'll read DVDs or CDs only.

If you are afraid to open the case and put an internal what will happen when, Note I said When not if, problems arise.

Cheers

[mats.hogberg]

With the price of DVD writers these days, only time I'd get a 2nd hand burner would be if I got it for free.

/Mats

[ssaamm]

ill keep that in mind but im not sure if i need a burner.........so i dont want to buy a brand new one if i dont need it............... is this a new burner:::::
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-Firewire-combo-external-DVD-CD-RW-burner-Enclosure_W0QQitemZ...QQcmdZViewItem

ps::::::: first hand burners are not that cheap some are around £70

[mats.hogberg]

first hand burners are not that cheap some are around £70

...and I'm sure you'll find burners in the £30-40 range too, if you look. I'd take a new £30 writer (no matter what make and model) before a £30 second hand writer (no matter what make and model).

/Mats

[TBoneit]

Those could be new, however if you were to buy one you would be upset.

They are only the case to make an internal drive into an external drive.

Case only no burner, if you buy one of those then the next thing you would need to do is go buy a burner and do the installation into that case.

Key word was enclosure.

A DVD burner would have burn speeds shown. All the new ones should be 16X for -R & +R format for example.

[ROF]

With the price of DVD writers these days, only time I'd get a 2nd hand burner would be if I got it for free.

/Mats

Plenty of them to be had too. There are so many people who just think the burner/player is dead when really all it needs is a good laser lens cleaning.