DVD Writer Problem HP 200j

[KenOBrien]

I have a HP 200j CD/DVD writer. I've been burning dvd's and data discs for about 3 years on it now. Now recently it always gives me an "unexpected write error". Sometimes in the beginning, halfway through or at the end. I have a spindle full of coasters. I've been using the same type media I always have and even changed to try it again but no luck. I've cleaned the lens (with a DVD lens cleaner disc), checked the driver etc. I've always been using Roxio Easy Cd/DVD Creator with no problems in the past. Even tried Record Now which was bundled on my computer with the same effects.

Can anyone help? I've out of ideas

[Bjs]

HP 200j CD/DVD ... http://softwaredriverdownload.com/hp_dvd_writer_200j_firmware_download.html

I was going to say " not one of these ... again" ... I just dont enjoy hearing about them at all ... we have replaced these with lg / sony units .

Roxio ... hmm ... nice junk that ... about all I found it good for was music cd's ... but to each their own as they say ... but for creating dvd's ... it's rubbish .
Get that product to output the dvd as iso , and use imgburn to burn that to dvd instead .

Better uninstall that roxio , and grab nero , version 6.3 or better in ebay cheap ... less issue's .

It's 3 year's old ... it's had a decent life span ... time to replace it .

Spindle this , spindle that ... what we need to know is who made it ...

There will be those who tell you this or that brand ... I always stipulate to use media that is available to you locally , or not too far away incase it turn's out it is junk and you need to return it ... buying media from far away place's is just pure nonsense , and dose not guarantee that when it arrives that it will work and / or well with your particular unit .

Just dont touch tdk dvd ... cd's are still fine ... but they outsourced the dvd media from another company , and it's just crap .

Verbatim is quite good and slightly better than most ... and better for dl burning according to test's .

One thing that can contribute to the error's , apart from poor quality media is , the ide connector , and psu (power supply unit) .

Check the ide cable has not developed a fault by replacing it or come loose from the motherboard or drive itself .

Psu ... nothing you can do about that unless you have another available ... but consider upgrading it if it is 400watt's or less ... these can come and bite you in the butt , anytime .

Consider 500watt unit as a replacement .

As always ... when working on the internals of the pc , turn it off at the power point , and keep one hand on the case to protect from static electricity ... clean out the dust you find would help ... I've seen pc fan's you can grow tomatoes on ... and I have the photo's .

Ps : disc cleaner ... for all those things are worth , there a waste of time ... you'd be better of to use the emergency tray release on unit's , withdraw tray , and use one of those long handled swab's to clean the laser ... far better ... just a nuisance to get accurate .

[MOVIEGEEK]

"It's 3 year's old ... it's had a decent life span ... time to replace it ."

I agree...besides the firmware isn't being updated anymore.