Write errors with CD-R

[Zoinks]

I am getting write errors in both test and write mode with my IDE Ricoh 7040. All files are on the hdd and no other programs are running

I've tried Nero, DiscJuggler, CDRWin and Fire Burner.
I've also tried writing at 4x, 2x and 1x.
I've tried different brands of CD-R and CD-RW media.


My system:
Celeron 850
45GB IBM 75GXP hdd (alone) on promise ultra66
Ricoh 7040 as secondary master
256 MB PC133 RAM
Abit BH6

Adaptec's ASPI checker reports everything is ok (v 4.60(1021))

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can try?

 

[jmorrell]

Try Adaptec Easy CD Creator. That's what I use with my Ricoh MP7040. Rarely get any errors.

 

[Zoinks]

Ok, I tried Adaptec Easy CD Creator 4.01:

T7127: TrackWriter error - Flush failed
T7123: TrackWriter error - Wait failed

 

[Zoinks]

Anyone have ANY ideas I could try?

I can write good CD's if they are small and finish before the writer craps out, so the burner IS hooked up ok.

Are there any other drivers/programs I could try?!?!?!?

 

[Rebels7]

Try updating the firmware for your writer. I had this problem once with an old 2x burner (could not copy anything), updated firmware and presto, everything worked fine!

 

[Zoinks]

I have the latest firmware for my burner. I've even tried the firmware for the 7060 with no help.

I've just done a fresh install of Win ME on a spare hdd. With nothing else installed but windows and the latest Nero demo, I get the same problem.

The only thing left to try is putting the cdr in another computer. Otherwise it must be a hardware problem and I'll have to call Ricoh.

 

[Rebels7]

Zoinks, run sysedit and go to the system.ini file. Scroll down the file and see if the line:

[vcache]
maxfilecache-4096

is there, if it is not then add it. This sometimes helps in cases like yours. Hope this helps.

 

[Zoinks]

Nope. I added it and I'm trying it now. (I assume it should be maxfilecache=4096)

 

[Rebels7]

Zoinks, make sure you use the heading [vcache] with the brackets!!:0

 

[a58pacer]

Zoinks,

How old is this Ricoh drive?

My HP 7200 began with these kinds of problems about a year ago, just after successfully surviving the warranty period (naturally).

Initially, I could get it back by disassembling and cleaning out the dust; presumably the dust cut the laser intensity slightly.

The problem got gradually more frequent to the point where, last month, not even cleaning out the dust would solve the problem. Yes, I got the same error messages.

I would guess that the laser electronics degrade with age or use, or both. Mine was powered 24/7 for over two years, although I doubt the laser was energized all that time.

I have since replaced it with a Plextor 12x10x32 with Burn Proof.
I haven't unintentionally cut a coaster since! (I intentionally tested the limits of the software/hardware and burned a couple, which was not unexpected.)

BTW, my HP is now an over-sized CDROM drive in my 486 dial-up server.

 

[Souka]

You're running WinMe...that's the problem.

Probably just the drive's time to go.

You can get a good IDE burner for cheap these days....checkout the HOTDEALS forum...seen an 8x4x32's going for like $130...some with "burnproof"

Good Luck,
Souka

 

[Hardman]

You should try to burn zipped files. I know it sound stupid but I have a Richo too and it will only sucessfully burn zipped files.

 

[Zoinks]

Well, it wouldn't suprise me if the drive is going bad. My first drive was an HP and it died at about 1.5 years (with the warranty being 1.0 years).

I tried the CD-RW in another computer with the same problem. Its time to call Ricoh.

Thanks for all your help.