DVD writer
 

hello everybody I need a little help upgradeing my DVD writer in fact I need a lot of help ,I bought some new Verbatim discs but they dont record like they used to the firm I bought them off said perhaps my DVD writer needs upgradeing but I reall dont know what to do any help would be great thanks take care best regards Roy.

Re: DVD writer
 

First thing Iwould do is try some other DVD discs. Try a diffferent brand.
See if you are still getting the problem. Some writers can be fussy with their media.

Next if you still arent getting anywhere DVD writer drives are cheap these days.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/138750

Fitting is easy. Just make sure you ground yourself by touching a radiator or leave the Pc plugged in but power off, and touch the case to ground yourself.
The old drive should slide out or might be held with screws. Unhook old drives data cable and power cable. Slip in new drive, hook it up, and Windows will recognise everything in the majority of cases and you will be done.

Re: DVD writer
 

If it's an old drive, it probably needs a firmware upgrade.

First, find out what the make and model of the drive is. Easiest way is via device manager:

http://www.davidrickard.net/junk/device-manager.png

You can see the model of the drive and (hopefully) make. Go to the manufacturer's website, look for the support section, and download the firmware updates. Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully, and it should be pretty plain sailing!

Re: DVD writer
 

If it's a really rubbish drive to start with upgrading the firmware probably won't help much, the fact dvd writer's are so cheap these days means it's easier (and cheaper) than ever to get a brand new top quality drive for next to nothing.

I would suggest splashing out on a new drive, I really like the following 2 drives both of which I have.

NEC/Optiarc 7201S (Sata drive) 7201A is PATA equivalent
Pioneer 216D (Sata drive) 116D is PATA equivalent

All are under £20.