[Tfug] DVD-RW problem

[John Karns]

On 11/9/07, Predrag Punosevac <punosevac72 at gmail.com> wrote:

> when I put data CD or music CD the computer just hangs. DVD-RW is very
> noisy but no action on the screen.
>
> I tried to investigate this problem little bit and I think I located the
> problem to BIOS or Hardware itself rather than the Operating System
> (FreeBSD).
>
> I tried to boot the computer from the DVD-RW the system would still
> hang. I tried all possible combinations in BIOS. I tried to use IDE cable
> (hard drive blue head for DVD-RW as it is used on some DeLL systems) and
> an old CD-ROM cable that came with original CD-ROM. Nothing worked. System
> see the DVD-RW but I can not use any type of CD.
>
> Now I do know that some of older DVD-RW didn't recognize CD but my friend
> assured me that this DVD-RW is not one of those.
>
> I also tried to compare the values of the BIOS from another DeLL dimension
> XPS T600r (has a DVD-R) and I notice that the BIOS is different and that
> IDE controller is set as CD-ROM plus some other options. I tried select
> similar options with DeLL dimension but it is not possible to make them
> identical as they have different BIOS and hence options.
> There is also difference in the hardware as Dimension XPS T600r has DVD-R
> on the primary IDE controller as master (slave is HD)
> In the case of Dimension L1000R the hard drive is on the primary IDE
> controller and the original CD-ROM was on the secondary IDE controller.
>
> By the was CD-ROM was working flawlessly.
>
> Could anybody give me any input on this issue.

If you suspect the system BIOS, have you checked Dell's site for a
possible update?

IMO, since it reads DVDs ok, it seems unlikely to be a cable issue.

Of course, about the only to rule out the drive itself (which seems
most likely) is to plug it into a different box.

-- 
John