Problem with my DVD+RW drive. Wont copy files to blank DVD's

[Phantom589]

something is wrong with my DVD RW drive. Its a DVD plus minus RW drive, and is supposed to be able to burn DVDs. When i insert a blank DVD tho, it says 0mb free and when i try to copy a file to the dvd it says there was a error while copying.

heres a pic of what i see, including my device manager which has the name of the drive

http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dvdprobs5ad.jpg

and this is a pic of the windows error i get when trying to copy

http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dvdprobs14mc.jpg
I am using Dynex DVD R disc (4.7gb)

anyone know whats wrong?

thx for any help

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you're trying to copy in Windows itself (using Explorer or My Computer) instead of using a burning program like nero or roxio, I believe you need to format a disc for packet writing before it can be used.

I don't trust packet writing, so I've never done this in XP myself.

 

[Matthias99]

First, you suck at teh linking. The auto-link feature (which is apparently now turned on) saved you, but here you use [ L ] and [ /L ], not [ URL ] and [ /URL ].

Does the drive work at all (just reading CDs/DVDs)? If so, does burning work when you use a burning program (rather than the built-in Windows CD/DVD burning support?)

If it doesn't work at all, then obviously something is not set up right. If it works, but just not through Explorer... don't burn through Explorer? Might be a driver/firmware issue.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If you're trying to copy in Windows itself (using Explorer or My Computer) instead of using a burning program like nero or roxio, I believe you need to format a disc for packet writing before it can be used.

I don't trust packet writing, so I've never done this in XP myself.

You only need to do that if you're using DirectCD. WinXP (maybe only with SP1 or SP2... not sure when this went in) can natively write CD-R and DVD-R disks. Haven't used it much, though, since it is pretty limited compared with real burning software.

 

[Phantom589]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
First, you suck at teh linking. The auto-link feature (which is apparently now turned on) saved you, but here you use [ L ] and [ /L ], not [ URL ] and [ /URL ].

Does the drive work at all (just reading CDs/DVDs)? If so, does burning work when you use a burning program (rather than the built-in Windows CD/DVD burning support?)

If it doesn't work at all, then obviously something is not set up right. If it works, but just not through Explorer... don't burn through Explorer? Might be a driver/firmware issue.

yes the drive works find normally. I think i need a buring program, can anyone recommend a good free one?

 

[Phantom589]

can anyone recommend a good free dvd burning program that i can put files on these dvds with

 

[corkyg]

You are apparently wanting to use packet writing on a DVD-RW. That is frought with pitfalls - but both Nero and EMC 8 will do it.

I think a more reliable method would be to store your files in a DVD cache on a hard drive - and then when you get about 4.4GB worth, burn the DVD.

 

[Phantom589]

Originally posted by: corkyg
You are apparently wanting to use packet writing on a DVD-RW. That is frought with pitfalls - but both Nero and EMC 8 will do it.

I think a more reliable method would be to store your files in a DVD cache on a hard drive - and then when you get about 4.4GB worth, burn the DVD.

how do i do this?

 

[Phantom589]

..bump :/

 

[Phantom589]

can anyone explain this DVD cache thing to me please?

 

[DaveSimmons]

He just meant create a normal Windows folder, like "My Stuff to Burn", where you copy files and folders to.

 

[corkyg]

Dave is correct. I simply mean, create a folder anywhere - I call mine "DVD Cache." This is where I put all stuff to burn, and when I get enough based on amount of data, or completeness of subject, I burn at once - the entire disk - closed and ready to use anywhere.

It is efficient, fast, and just about coasterless.

 

[Phantom589]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Dave is correct. I simply mean, create a folder anywhere - I call mine "DVD Cache." This is where I put all stuff to burn, and when I get enough based on amount of data, or completeness of subject, I burn at once - the entire disk - closed and ready to use anywhere.

It is efficient, fast, and just about coasterless.

but that wont work either..when i try to paste the folder i get an error. what program should i use to do this?

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Phantom589
[but that wont work either..when i try to paste the folder i get an error. what program should i use to do this?

That should not be - it is a straight forward Windows Explorer operation. File, New, Folder. Name it. Then use Explorer to find the files you want to put on the DVD, and copy them to that folder. You can right click on them and drag/drop them in the folder. This is basic computing 101.