DVD Burner Problem [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard

mikeyboy

01-17-2006, 05:53 AM

Last night, my DVD burner stopped working.  I haven't burned a disc in about a month, so I can't point to one thing that might be the problem.  I can still burn CDs, but DVDs won't burn using three different programs I have.  On one of the programs, I get the following message when I attempt to burn: "WRITER ERROR (MEDIUM ERROR (POWER CALIBRATION AREA ERROR))"  I've tried burning at lower speeds, uninistalling some recently installed programs,clearing off some space on my hard drive, and disabling some of the applications that load at startup.  Any ideas on troubleshooting?

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Mike Teacher

01-17-2006, 05:59 AM

"WRITER ERROR (MEDIUM ERROR (POWER CALIBRATION AREA ERROR))"=Hola Mikey,'Medium' maybe refers to the DVD blanks are either not compatible, or the blanks are bad, or maybe the laser lens needs a cleaning. The lo-tech way is opening up the tray and blowing in there a few times.I got nuthin, I'm guessing until someone who knows this stuff steps up

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mikeyboy

01-17-2006, 06:02 AM

quote: "WRITER ERROR (MEDIUM ERROR (POWER CALIBRATION AREA ERROR))"=Hola Mikey,'Medium' maybe refers to the DVD blanks are either not compatible, or the blanks are bad, or maybe the laser lens needs a cleaning. The lo-tech way is opening up the tray and blowing in there a few times.I got nuthin, I'm guessing until someone who knows this stuff steps upI should add that it probably isn't the discs.  I've tested multiple copies of three different kinds, including from 2 packages that have worked before. 

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JPMNICK

01-17-2006, 06:15 AM

a DVD burner has 2 different lasers in it, one for DVD's and one for CD's (i think it is still like this, i am 99% sure).  anyway it sounds to me like the DVD laser of you drive has gone bad. if it just suddenly stopped working without you making any other hardware changes, i am guessing the drive went bad. how long have you had it?

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Death Metal Moe

01-17-2006, 06:18 AM

<img height="325" src="http://www.tacotime.com/images/Jobs/Rnd_Cowrkr1.jpg" width="336" border="0" />Yea HI I need a Medium Error with fries and a HI C Orange, one apple pie and gimmie one of those watches you're sellin' for that movie or whatever.  Thanks.

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KC2OSO

01-17-2006, 06:41 AM

just some thoughts - If you're using XP - upgrade to a
newer service pack recently?  or d/l of a service pack or hotfix?
(possibly breaking the install of whatever you are using to burn?)From the error message you got, POWER CALIBRATION AREA ERROR, how many watts is yr Powr Supply?  

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mikeyboy

01-17-2006, 06:52 AM

quote: a DVD burner has 2 different lasers in it, one for DVD's and one for CD's (i think it is still like this, i am 99% sure).  anyway it sounds to me like the DVD laser of you drive has gone bad. if it just suddenly stopped working without you making any other hardware changes, i am guessing the drive went bad. how long have you had it?It's about 3 years old.just some thoughts - If you're using XP - upgrade to a newer service pack recently?  or d/l of a service pack or hotfix? (possibly breaking the install of whatever you are using to burn?)Not sure, but I have the system setup for automatic security and critical updates, and there was a system restart because of an update overnight last week.From the error message you got, POWER CALIBRATION AREA ERROR, how many watts is yr Powr Supply?Not sure, and I'm embarassed to say I have no idea how to check. 

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Dan G

01-17-2006, 07:20 AM

I'm having the opposite problem. I can copy DVD's just fine, but I cannot copy CD's or create image files. I can still copy image files that are stored on my drive, but it won't let me create new ones. I even installed Nero to see if a new program will work, but when I click burn, my computer reboots.

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KC2OSO

01-17-2006, 07:23 AM

Not likely the PS is the problem since it worked ok before.An XP hotfix I d/l'd recently did hose my CD burning prog.  They had an update. 
Maybe an uninstall/install upgrade of  yr burning software might help. Good luck bro. 

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zentraed

01-17-2006, 07:50 AM

Can it still play DVDs? Even if it can, it sounds like the circuit that powers the dvd laser is bad (takes more energy to burn the disc than to read it). 3 years is a pretty good run. On the bright side, you can get a new drive for $40 

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mikeyboy

01-17-2006, 10:30 AM

Well, I just tried to play a DVD in the drive, and after an unbelievably long load time, the DVD played but kept starting and stopping.  Subsequent discs aren't recognized ast all, so I'm going with the drive being worn out and will pick up a new one this evening.  Thanks for the help, everyone.

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torker

01-17-2006, 12:10 PM

after an unbelievably long load <img height="220" src="http://index.hu/cikkepek/0108/kult/negyes1.jpg" width="187" border="0" />

[center]<IMG SRC=http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/torker1313/bobos.jpg>[center]

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TheRealEddie

01-17-2006, 02:14 PM

One thing to try is to use compressed air (as Mike the Teacher recommended) or a CD drive cleaning kit. Sounds dumb but it might work. It could be some built up dust on the focusing lens. If you dont have either, then you probably are best off getting a new drive for $40 as cleaning kits or compressed air cans go for around 8-10 bucks and in all realities your drive can be toast. Heh, I have a laser disc player from 1979 that still works, a Pioneer PR7820. A cookie to the nerd who knows where its probably "installed". 

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This message was edited by TheRealEddie on 1-17-06 @ 6:18 PM

Hottub

01-17-2006, 02:21 PM

Can't remember which one, but it is definitly a Vid.Was it the stand up Star Wars?

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TheRealEddie

01-17-2006, 02:28 PM

You're on the right track. <img width="244" height="277" border="0" src="http://www.pixelpower.on.ca/dl/DIRK.GIF" />Its in a Dragon's Lair. The player weighes about 55 lbs and is bulletproof.  Its got a glass laser tube in it which I hope to turn into a death ray some day.There arent many people who actually like the game, if people come over and want to play it I have to explain that unless you know what are doing the game is absolutely zero fun.  The effect is kinda lost with modern video games being what they are. But in 83, with me being 8, I was blown away. 

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