DVDFab error "please select source at first"

[clashradio]

Hello,

All of a sudden I'm getting an error message of "please select source at first" as I'm trying to rip. It's like Fab doesn't recognize there's a disc in the drive.

I've used Fab for 20 years and this has happened a few times semi-recently. Support just says to un-install and re-install to the latest version, which worked before.

My PC (Win 10) recognizes and plays any and all dvd's & BD's, so I don't think there's an issue with the drive. I even turned off the firewall during install and while I'm trying to rip. Plus I can rip with other programs like Movie Resue and MakeMKV.

I've played around in Fab Settings/Drives/Read but doesn't seem to make any difference with any various combinations of checking/unchecking.

One thing I notice is in Drives, under [Device] is checked, but there is nothing under [Version], and only the letter "D" under [Serial Number].

I've tried for a few months, still can't rip a Backup, or Open Disc.

Any other suggestions, please?

[cholla]

This may be the solution but you have probably done this:
Is DVDFab "Authorized" for you specific computer ?
Unless you have a license frr multiple computers & each of those Authorized.
DVDFab did this when they went to the "Module" format. ( many tears ago).

I had purchased a lifetime license many years before DVDFab did this.
When they did I got cheated out of some of what DVDFab platinum was supposed to do.
So I;m not a fan of DVDFab company.
To me it is a necessary evil.
Also I have to stick with version 12 for now since Windows 7 is no longer supported.

This is what DVDFab shows for me:

[Attachment 87491 - Click to enlarge]

[cholla]

This is what Google's AI suggested:
You might give some of this a try.

AI Overview
It sounds like DVDFab is encountering an issue with recognizing your DVD or Blu-ray drive, leading to the absence of "Version" information and an unusual entry in the "Serial Number" field
. This could be related to various factors, including the software's communication with the drive, drive drivers, or conflicts with other software.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
1. DVDFab Communication Issues:

Try switching I/O reading modes: In DVDFab's "Common Settings" > "Drives" > "Read," experiment with different I/O modes (like SPTI or ASPI if "Auto" doesn't work).
Disable PathPlayer: If dealing with older DVD movies, try disabling PathPlayer in DVDFab's Common Settings under the DVD section.
Disable read ahead cache: Uncheck the box in the Cache control settings to disable the read ahead cache.

2. Driver and System Issues:

Reinstall the drive: Go to Device Manager, uninstall the DVD/Blu-ray drive, and then reboot your PC to allow Windows to reinstall the drive.
Check Windows recognition: Verify if Windows Explorer can recognize the disc and if a software player like PowerDVD or VLC can play it normally.
Troubleshoot hardware and devices: Utilize the built-in Windows Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to detect and fix problems with the DVD/Blu-ray drive.
Check BIOS settings and chipset drivers: Ensure the drive is enabled in the BIOS and that the chipset drivers are up-to-date.

3. Software Conflicts:

Close other reading/burning software: Other software that uses the drive may be preventing DVDFab from accessing it properly.
Try ImgBurn's Filter driver load order tool: Use ImgBurn's tool to identify potential software conflicts.

4. Disc or Drive Issues:

Clean the disc and drive: Ensure both the disc and the drive are clean.
Test with a different disc: Try a different disc to determine if the issue is specific to a particular disc or the drive itself.
Consider replacing the drive: If the issue persists with multiple discs, there might be a problem with the drive itself.

5. Other Potential Solutions:

Reinstall DVDFab Virtual Drive: If you had a different virtual drive installed previously, it might be causing conflicts. Try uninstalling and reinstalling DVDFab Virtual Drive.
Run DVDFab as administrator: Try running DVDFab with administrative privileges.
Clear temporary files: Consider using a cleaning utility like CCleaner to clean up temporary files.
Reauthorize DVDFab: If you recently replaced your hard drive or started with a clean installation, you might need to reauthorize DVDFab.
Contact DVDFab support: If the issue persists, consider contacting DVDFab's technical support and providing them with relevant log files for further analysis.

Important Notes:

If you're using an external drive, try switching USB ports.
If connected via Windows Remote Connection, consult the provided link for potential adjustments.
Remember that DVDFab HD Decrypter and Passkey Lite have limited copy protection removal features and might not work with newer discs.

By systematically trying these steps, you should be able to narrow down the cause of the problem and potentially resolve it. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to DVDFab support.

[clashradio]

Thanks cholla for your replies.

Yes, Fab has been authorized every time I uninstall/reinstall for this problem.

Thank you for attaching a DRIVES picture. Now I have something to compare to as far as what FAB should see. It looks like FAB isn't recognizing my drive based on your pic vs mine.

I tried all of what the AI bot suggested. My drive is in the tower btw.

I'm not sure what I should be looking for in IMGBurn? (see picture)

[cholla]

This is what ImgBurn shows as my filter load order:

[Attachment 87506 - Click to enlarge]
You can see mine has DVDFab .

Another AI for the filters.

They will rebuild whatever you have with a reboot after deleteing them.
I did this a long time ago but i have not needed to for a long time.

Xreveal is recent.DVDFab because DVDFab installed it.
ElbyCDFl because I have CloneDVD2 & VirtualCloneDrive.

[clashradio]

That link mentions something about removing the Upper & Lower Filters registry values. I'm wondering if any one of the Windows updates is the cause of this.

Yes, I noticed your IMGburn Lower Class Filter says dvdfab. Wonder why mine has, what looks like a s/n or model number.

What do you mean by "they will rebuild whatever.." And when you did this a long time ago, was it because of the same error I'm getting?

[cholla]

That link mentions something about removing the Upper & Lower Filters registry values. I'm wondering if any one of the Windows updates is the cause of this.

It can always be a Windows Update that causes a problem.

Yes, I noticed your IMGburn Lower Class Filter says dvdfab.

I'm sure a DVDFab software installed this.
I have DVDFab 12. This was originally Platinum with a lifetime license.
I also have DVD & Bluray Passkey lifetime.

Wonder why mine has, what looks like a s/n or model number.

You need to Google the numbers.
PxHlpa64 has sever websites to check . From a quick check installed by Sonic software.
RSBCdFilter did not find much.

What do you mean by "they will rebuild whatever.."

When you delete the upper & lower filters from the registry & reboot.
You OS will detect the filters & install them.
You may end up with what you have now or maybe different filters DVDFab for example.

And when you did this a long time ago, was it because of the same error I'm getting?

I do not remember.
This used to be "standard" for fixing all kinds of drive & copy problems.
Check the topics that have something about this just on this forum.
https://www.videohelp.com/search?q=delete+upper+%26+lower+filters&siteurl=forum.videoh...&Search=Search

[clashradio]

Years ago I tried to disable Windows updates; probably because of this exact issue but wasn't successful.

I think I had DVDFab 12, but since I'm running Win 10 I probably installed the latest at that time. I didn't realize 12 is the highest you can go w/Win 7. Seems like Tech Support had me install the Passkey thing, but even that didn't work when this happened about two years ago.

It sounds like deleting/reinstalling the Upper & Lower filters might be the next step. Little nervous about doing that as my PC skills are limited.

Keep in mind my drive plays, rips, and burns dvd/BD's. This Upper & Lower filter-thing seems more geared towards when the PC doesn't see the drive at all?

[cholla]

Years ago I tried to disable Windows updates; probably because of this exact issue but wasn't successful.

I keep Windows Update "disabled" but I can enable it any time I need to. I can tell you how for Windows 7 on back to Windows 98.
Two steps for Windows 7:
1. Set Windows Update to disabled in Services, If you need it again set it to "Manual".
2. In Control Panel. In Windows 7 at the top there is a pulldown beside "Control Panel" select "All Control Panel items"
Select Windows Update/Change settings/set to:"Never check for updates (not recommended)".
Uncheck: Recommended updates
Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates
Who can install updates
Allow all users to install updates on this computer

I think I had DVDFab 12, but since I'm running Win 10 I probably installed the latest at that time. I didn't realize 12 is the highest you can go w/Win 7. Seems like Tech Support had me install the Passkey thing, but even that didn't work when this happened about two years ago.

Using 12 has not been a problem so far but DVDFab has been doing this since Windows 98. When MS drops support usually DVDFab follows MS.
I use Passkey with other software to decrypt DVDs. DVDShrink for example.

It sounds like deleting/reinstalling the Upper & Lower filters might be the next step. Little nervous about doing that as my PC skills are limited.

I do not believe this will cause any problems but I would not have you do something you are not comfortable doing.
Windows is supposed to "Search" for these filters & then add new keys to the registry for the filters it finds.
With a reboot.
This is an old article for XP but it is still informative about Upper & Lower filters.
Especially why & how the "filter chain" may be broken for a specific .sys file.
https://web.archive.org/web/20110623072356/http://djlizard.net/2007/04/30/230/

Keep in mind my drive plays, rips, and burns dvd/BD's. This Upper & Lower filter-thing seems more geared towards when the PC doesn't see the drive at all?

Try starting DVDFab first & then loading the DVD in your drive.

This is what the fillters look like in my registry:
You could just modify the Lower filters by adding dvdfab & see if that helps.

[Attachment 87523 - Click to enlarge]

[clashradio]

I tried running as admin then inserting disc; didn't make a difference.

If I were to manually enter dvdfab into the Lower Filters, do I copy the exact text as yours? (ElbyCDFL dvdfab Xreveal) or is that only local to yours?

[cholla]

I tried running as admin then inserting disc; didn't make a difference.

If I were to manually enter dvdfab into the Lower Filters, do I copy the exact text as yours? (ElbyCDFL dvdfab Xreveal) or is that only local to yours?

FIRST check to see if you have this .sys file:
C:\Windows\system32\drivers\dvdfab.sys .

You want to add dvdfab to the filters you already have.
You do not have ElbyCDFL or Xreveal installed on your OS.

I do not know if this will help or fix your problem but it should not cause any problems.
I would reboot after doing this.
Then check if dvdfab is still in the registry setting you made.
Windows may automatically delete it.

If you read & understand the link in post #9.
I believe that deleting the upper & lower filters is the best option.

[clashradio]

I created a Restore point. Before I do anything crazy, does my Registry page look like it should?

[cholla]

Your registry page does not look like what ImgBurn found in post#4.
I will see if I can find something for Windows 10 on this & post.

You can manually find it in the device properties using Device Manager. Here's how to do it:

Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open the Device Manager.
In Device Manager, expand the device category for which you want to view the Class GUID.
This will be your DVD drive.
Then, right-click on the device driver and choose Properties.
Open the Details tab. Click the drop-down menu and choose Class GUID.
The Class GUID will show up under the Value section.
On Windows 7 this is "Device class guid".

This will give you the correct Class key for your drive.

Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
Type regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor. Click Yes when the User Account Control prompt appears.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location. You can copy and paste the path in the address bar to navigate.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Class

In the Class key, you will see a list of Class GUID subkeys. Each piece of hardware on your computer comes with a unique Class GUID that looks something like this:
This is the registry location on Windows 7:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
My Class GUID subkey is {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
If ImgBurn is correct you should be seeing these:
UpperFilters RSBCdFilter
LowerFilters PxHIpaW

If you still believe that a Windows Update may have caused this problem you can uninstall any update that was done at this time or slightly before.

[clashradio]

Here is a picture of my drive. Since this happened a few months ago, how do I know how far back to go on a previous update? There's been a few since this problem started. As I scroll down the dropdown list, I can also see Class upper filters & Class lower filters.


[Attachment 87535 - Click to enlarge]

[Attachment 87540 - Click to enlarge]
[Attachment 87541 - Click to enlarge]

[cholla]

Are you sure that 4d36e96a-e325-l1ce-bfc1-08002bel0318 is the correct class GUID for your drive?
Mine are {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
Try looking under that.
Most of what I searched show the same class GUID I have as the location.

If it is then that is where you add the LowerFilter dvdfab,
Also did you check for the dvdfab.sys file ?

Unfortunately you may have to uninstall several Windows Updates if that is the cause.
They will install again.
You can search the KB's on them & see if any caused problems of this kind.

[clashradio]

Are you sure that 4d36e96a-e325-l1ce-bfc1-08002bel0318 is the correct class GUID for your drive?

I have zero clue if that Class Guid drive number is correct? My make and model is: Pioneer BD-RW BDR-211M if that helps any?

If it is then that is where you add the LowerFilter dvdfab.

How do I go about doing that?

Also did you check for the dvdfab.sys file?

Would that be located in Registry, or in the storage folder for dvdfab?

Unfortunately you may have to uninstall several Windows Updates if that is the cause.

I don't really want to go that route as I'm sure once Windows updates again it will see all of the missing updates and I'll probably have the same issue all over.

You don't think deleting the UpperFilters & LowerFilters, and rebooting will restore my drive in dvdfab?

[cholla]

My instructions are for Windows 7 32-bit but I believe they apply to Windows 10 also.
I did not ask yet but is your OS 32-bit or 64-bit?

I have zero clue if that Class Guid drive number is correct? My make and model is: Pioneer BD-RW BDR-211M if that helps any?

There are instructions for finding this post#13.

Would that be located in Registry, or in the storage folder for dvdfab?

Not in the registry.
Here: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\dvdfab.sys as in post#11

You don't think deleting the UpperFilters & LowerFilters, and rebooting will restore my drive in dvdfab?

I do not know this for certain. It is a recommend remedy.
If the upper & Lower filters are the problem then it should work.

If it is then that is where you add the LowerFilter dvdfab.

How do I go about doing that?

I'm on my other computer right now & it does not have DVDFab but I can show you how & where.
Right click & select Modify.

[Attachment 87542 - Click to enlarge]
Add dvdfab under other Lower filter.
Then OK.

[Attachment 87543 - Click to enlarge]
You can now see dvdfab in under "Data" on the right side.

[Attachment 87544 - Click to enlarge]

In your registry it will show "PxHlpa64" in the same locations or it should.

[clashradio]

Sorry, I missed and/or misunderstood a few steps from your previous posts.

I'm running 64 bit OS, Pro 10 version 2009, build 19045.5965.

I checked in C:\Windows\system32\drivers. I do not have "dvdfab.sys".

Is the picture below what you mean by Class Guid drive number?

Ok looks like using Modify to add dvdfab doesn't seem too hard.

EDIT: I added dvdfab, but got an error. I forgot to save the error message in panic. Then had a blue screen upon reboot so I has to do a restore. At least I'm not in the hole yet due to the restore point.

[cholla]

Yes that is the correct Class Guid for your drive.
The same as mine.

Check: C:\Windows/SysWOW64/drivers/dvdfab.sys
It should not be there but it might be.

I do not want to confuse you with this part about Windows 64 bit.
The SysWOW64 folder & the files in it are actually for 32 bit comparability.
They are really files for a 32 bit OS.
The files in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers are the 64 bit files.
Some of the MS insanity.

DVDFab should have installed dvdfab.sys in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder.
I know you uninstalled & installed again but something went wrong.

Sorry if the registry change caused a blue screen.
I guess when dvdfab.sys was not where it should be it caused this.
I do not use Restore Points .
I make backups with Acronis.It accomplishes the same thing.
I just feel Acronis does a better job & I can keep it on a separate HDD.

[clashradio]

Your PC skills are obvisoluy far superior to mine, so all good about the registry/blue screen. Just glad I created a restore point. I have no idea what Acronis is. I had to try something to keep moving forward.

No; dvdfab.sys is not in SysWOW64.

When you say dvdfab should have installed dvdfab.sys file, do you think the reason it didn't is because of any firewall/security? I'm running GlassWire. When I click on GlassWire, there are multiple DVDFab 13's there. I used Revo Uninstaller to delete any and all Fab files. I can't tell if GlassWire is seeing older installs? or is it seeing residual registry's?

Since dvdfab didn't install the dvdfab.sys file, what do I do next?

[cholla]

Acronis is a well known backup software.

I just use Windows firewall.
I have heard of Glasswire but I do not know if it has a conflict with installing DVDFab software.

This is what I recommend:
Uninstall DVDFab 13 again.
Revo is a good uninstaller I have it & used it in the past.
I use Soft Organizer Pro now .

Next I looked up the offline installer.

https://www.dvdfab.cn/mlink/download.php?g=DVDFab_x64

You can try to see if it will install without disabling your firewall.
Once installed check for the dvdfab.sys .
If it is not there.
Uninstall again & disable the firewall but also disable your Internet connection.
That should keep anything from getting into your OS.
Then check again after this install for the dvdfab.sys file.

I would think a firewall should inform you when it blocks an install or program.
The same for your antivirus software.

I use CCleaner regularly & it has a registry cleaner.
Also PrivaZer. There are pros & cons for using a registry cleaner.
Good if you know what it is removing.

[clashradio]

I deleted & re-installed, no dvdfab.sys. Deleted with GlassWire off & disconnected internet. Re-installed via my Downloads folder, but had to re-connect internet to Authorize. Still no go. I don't think I have any antivirus software. I thought GlassWire was it?

Question on IMGBurn; should dvdfab show up in Filter Driver Load Order? (since I can burn w/IMGBurn)?

[cholla]

I deleted & re-installed, no dvdfab.sys. Deleted with GlassWire off & disconnected internet. Re-installed via my Downloads folder, but had to re-connect internet to Authorize. Still no go. I don't think I have any antivirus software. I thought GlassWire was it?

I'm stumped. Something on your OS has to be blocking part of the DVDFab install.
The part that allows dvdfab.sys being added to the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder.
With an offline installer nothing from the Internet should have been able to block dvdfab.sys.
So it has to be the OS blocking.
Do you install with "Run as Administrator" selected ?
Are you the Administrator

I will see if I can find something about dvdfab.sys not installing by Googling.
I did read some about Glasswire.
Apparently it has to have an Internet connection.If it does not it automatically is disabled.

I will download the offline installer & look at the permissions it has on my OS.
I can not install it because on my 32-bit Windows 7.

Question on IMGBurn; should dvdfab show up in Filter Driver Load Order? (since I can burn w/IMGBurn)?

Yes DVDFab should show up in Filter Driver Load Order.
IMGBurn does not need DVDFab to burn a DVD.

[clashradio]

That offline link you sent; it seems like the same version that automatically pops up after I delete FAB (and wants to re-install).

How come your version of IMGBurn has dvdfab in Lower Class Filter? My copy doesn't, yet I can burn with IMGBurn. I know IMGBurn doesn't need Fab to burn, so I think it's odd that Fab appears there.

[cholla]

That offline link you sent; it seems like the same version that automatically pops up after I delete FAB (and wants to re-install).

The update or "automatic" version is this one: You have to be online for it to install.
https://www.dvdfab.cn/mlink/download.php?g=DVDFab
This is the file name: dvdfab13_online_13043.exe

This is the link I posed in #21:It is the offline installer
https://www.dvdfab.cn/mlink/download.php?g=DVDFab_x64
This is the file name:dvdfab13_x64_13043.exe

How come your version of IMGBurn has dvdfab in Lower Class Filter? My copy doesn't,

ImgBurn detects all the Lower & Upper Class filters it finds.
I do not know if ImgBurn detects this from the Registry or elsewhere in the OS.
Like in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder.
It does not mean ImgBurn uses any of them.
ImgBurn detects them in my OS because it finds the dvdfab.sys file. At least I believe this is the reason.

[clashradio]

Ahh. I checked my Downloads folder and you're right; your link doesn't have "online" in the address. I'd assume the offline version would be the best to try in my situation, yet the dvdfab.sys file isn't in either of the Drivers folders.

I wonder if Revo isn't deleting all files? I did the Advanced search two times (or two levels, not sure the best way to describe the dropdown tree of files) and it found stuff on both levels.

I just want to make sure this is right: so even with the offline version, I still have to be online to Authorize, correct? It won't let me go any further w/o. But the dvd.sys file probably isn't getting downloaded even with the offline version?

[cholla]

Yes you have to go online to Authorize.
This does not interfere with the offline install.
It just is necessary to use the program.

I believe the offline installer & the online installer both have dvdfab.sys in their install.exe.
Something in your OS is blocking the dvdfab.sys from being installed.

I can understand Revo uninstalling any left over file it finds but not on a new install.
Revo should be finished when you close it.

I do have an account at the dvdfab forum but I found out the hard way do not post anything against DVDFab.
I have not logged in for about 3 years. So not a very good forum for solving problems.

[cholla]

Check if Microsoft Defender Antivirus is blocking part of the install.

Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is the built-in antivirus protection for Windows 10. It comes pre-installed and is automatically enabled, offering real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, and other malware. You can access and manage it through the Windows Security app.

Is Windows Firewall also still on even if you have GlassWire.
Remove any entry in either firewall that has a block to DVDFab.
It it says allow it is probably OK.

[clashradio]

Before I posted here I posted at the Fab forum. They told me to adjust the I/O Mode in Settings/Drive (Auto, ASPI, SPTI etc). If that didn't work uninstall/reinstall. I posted back on 5/17 saying that didn't work...crickets.

I deleted Fab again, Revo, turned off GlassWire & Defender. Installed the offline version...nothing. Is there a way to tell Windows not to block dvdfab.sys?

UPDATE: Finally........got it!!! I ended up turning off every possible firewall and/or app. Stuff I didn't see before like Private & Public network, maybe a few others. Basically anything I could turn off I did. I went back and tried to find all of what I accessed, but of coarse I can't find everything. I know this will happen again eventually.

Can't thank you enough. Thank you for your time and trouble of searching + posting answers. Much appreciated!

For fun I checked IMGBurn, system32, SysWOW64, and Registry Upper Filters & Lower Filters and dvdfab is still not there. But Fab now works so I'm happy as a fly on turd.

[cholla]

Glad you got DVDFab working.
I go with if it aint broke don't fix it.

On telling Windows not to block DVDFab.
You have to "Allow" in a firewall.
You should only use one firewall on an OS.
I use Windows firewall so I have never tried to disable it but I'm sure there are steps to do this.
Then just Glasswire will be your firewall.

I have always disabled Windows Defender.
As I use other Antivirus software.
I have used several over many years & I like Avast & it is what I now use.

If this problem appears again. Try an uninstall.
Then do the install in safe mode.
Safe mode has minimal drivers & programs started.
So there is less that can interfere.
It might be easier than trying to turn off or disable several programs.

I always run as a Public network.

It is odd that Imgburn does not find dvdfab.sys.
It should be it the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder