DVD rewriter problems - help!

[steved110]

I cannot get into my entire photoshop back up - all on DVD.

I have run into a problem with my DVD rewriter, in that any time I put a DVD or CD which has any pictures into the drive, I get a blue screen crash, and the microsoft error report does not lead to a diagnosis.

I can play audio CDs and CD ROM with software on, and video DVDs , but the crash also happens with some CD ROM - esp if there are photoshop (PE4) files on the disc - but not all. I have a few discs that load up OK with pictures I saved separately.

I also get a blue screen crash when inserting blank DVD-R into the player.

My entire photoshop back up is inaccessible ( all on DVD ) tho fortunately the hard drive is behaving itself.

I have been unable to get a new driver for my DVD rewriter - a Sony DW-D22A - when I search for one all I get is that you don't need a special driver if using Windows XP

I'm not sure what to do next - should I re install Windows XP? I'm not very tech savvy so this whole area is scarey for me, I have to confess. Part of me thinks the best thing to do would be to go out and buy an external DVD rewriter and forget about trying to fix the problem....spot the coward!

Any advice will be very much appreciated!

[gjl711]

How old is the DVD writer? If it's a bit old and has been acting up, maybe you want to just replace the unit. Also, sometimes dust builds up in the unit and that can get in the way. Try blowing it out with compressed gas. Its not like your sensor on your camera though I would keep the can upright. You might also try re-installing you driver. You can do this from the "My Computer" "properties" tab. In the hardware tab locate the "device manager". Click the plus by the DVD/CD-ROM tan and uninstall the driver. Reboot and it should locate the now new hardware and re-install the driver.

[gjl711]

BTW, looks like there have been firmware upgrades as well. I found this site. The D22a is about 1/2 way down the page. Hope this helps.

[steved110]

Thanks for your trouble over this - especially for the firm ware update site!

I'll try these things one by one and see how they work out.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your advice. This kind of stuff really pours sand into my motor...

[gjl711]

No prob... Hope it works, I know how frustrating these dang machines can be when they are mis-behaving.

[steved110]

Well, several hours later everything is the same. I've just gotten an external DVD rewriter, and I'm about to give that a whirl. Hooray for Sunday shopping!

But if that doesn't work, all that is left is to re install Windows which does not appeal much.

[steved110]

Well, I decided the whole issue was hopeless, so I went to PC world and after getting advice from a bloke there, invested in a 16 x external DVD/CD rewriter , made by LG. It was pretty easy to set up, and is nicely made, with a smooth drawer action and a pleasing metal shell with a satisfying weight and feel to it - rather L-like, in fact...

It works fine, and as my old DVD rewriter was only 8x, performs significantly better too. My back up discs are all readable, and just to be sure, I backed up again. And best of all, no more sodding blue screens! Must have been one of those weird microsoft conflict isues. Bah!

The only issue is, being an external drive it wants disconnecting before you power down - otherwise the systems hangs. Card readers do this too, I found.

Anyway if anyone is ever in the same situation, this is one possible resolution that does not involve any major Windows surgery! thanks to GJL for advice offered, I really appreciate the trouble on my behalf!

[gjl711]

sounds like a happy ending and way easier than having to reinstall windows.

[crn3371]

Glad everything worked out. Time to invest in an external HD. You can never be too careful.