[NNB426] Titan T2 DVD

[Dan2552]

I've used the DVD writer before to make a backup of my Battlefield 2 DVD, that worked fine.

Though, today, I tried to write OpenSuse 'SUSE-Linux-10.1-GM-DVD-i386.iso'. I used Nero Express, put in a DVD-RW, horrible noises were coming from the DVD drive, and the % was not going up. I pressed abort, which crashed Nero altogether. I got the system restarted, tried again with a different DVDRW and the same happened (though without the strange noises).

Now after restarting again, my original copy of Battlefield 2 DVD will not be read. I tested the driver CD, and that works fine. So it must be a DVD only problem.

Is this a Hardware fault, or can I simply fix this by Software. I'll be very unhappy if I must return this laptop for repair already. So first, any softwarish suggestions?

[Dan2552]

ok I've tried reinstalling nero, in hope that it would fix drivers or something. No luck.

The laptop wont boot off a Vista Beta 2 DVD

and some tries has trouble reading an Ubuntu CD from Windows Explorer.

[Dan2552]

Should I return this to the back room in Portsmouth? How long would it take for a DVD writer replacement? I did buy the 2 year care pack, so I presume the DVD writer is included within it. Especially seeming as it broke in about a week since I got the laptop. :(

[Aubs]

Can you see the DVD drive? I mean can you access files from a disk in the drive? I guess you've tried reading and writing:[list=a:3idn5q13] Small files from a CD[/*:m:3idn5q13]
Big files from a CD[/*:m:3idn5q13]
Small files from a DVD[/*:m:3idn5q13]
Big files from a DVD[/*:m:3idn5q13][/*:m:3idn5q13] Is the drive registering in Control Panel --> Admin Tools --> Computer Management --> Disk Management
(I think that's right) With and[/*:m:3idn5q13] Without a disk inserted.[/*:m:3idn5q13][/*:m:3idn5q13] Nero has a disk info tool, have a look at that.[/*:m:3idn5q13]
You mentioned a strange noise from the drive, does it still happen? Did the disk you tried have any scratches on it?[/*:m:3idn5q13]
If you know the drive maufacturer, have a look on their site for any FAQs or support[/*:m:3idn5q13][/list:o:3idn5q13]Sorry I can't help any more...

HtH

Aubs

[Dan2552]

Can you see the DVD drive? I mean can you access files from a disk in the drive?

I can see the drive, and the laptop defiently knows it's there.

The situation is:
*it is not reading DVDs at all.
*it is not reading CDs very well.
*it is not making the proper spinning noise which it did at purchase (kinda sounded a bit like a fan when i got it)

BIOS boots a CD, though has difficulty actually getting anywhere in
BIOS will not boot a bootable DVD which is fine on any other PC. (though it would have before, as I installed vista before this happened)



I guess you've tried reading and writing:[list=a:15mmkdq8] Small files from a CD[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
Big files from a CD[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
Small files from a DVD[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
Big files from a DVD[/*:m:15mmkdq8][/*:m:15mmkdq8]

Well I was burning an ISO at the time of the 'breakage'



Is the drive registering in Control Panel --> Admin Tools --> Computer Management --> Disk Management
(I think that's right)

the daemon-tools virtual cd is. But, no the real drive isn't listed there


[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
Nero has a disk info tool, have a look at that.

Nero doesn't seem to detect the writer anymore


[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
You mentioned a strange noise from the drive, does it still happen? Did the disk you tried have any scratches on it?

It sounded stratchy, and no, I only heard it once.

Now all I hear is like a little click every second (for 3 seconds) when the DVD drive tries to read a DVD.

The DVD-RW was fresh from packet.


[/*:m:15mmkdq8]
If you know the drive maufacturer, have a look on their site for any FAQs or support[/*:m:15mmkdq8][/list:o:15mmkdq8]Sorry I can't help any more...

It's whatever came with the Titan T2, most expensive model.



HtH

Aubs
hi.

[Dan2552]

OK, nero does think the drive is there, but still doesn't detect the DVD in it...

SONY DVD RW DW-Q520A (ID:0 HA:1)


well here's a pic of that admin thing you told me to check (now i realise it is shown, just not in the top bit..)

note: THERE IS A DVD INSERTED

http://hingedshinobi.co.uk/axek/novatech.PNG[/img]

[Aubs]

I would not condone you doing this if you are going to be sending the laptop back under warranty, but...

When you open the tray, is the laser carrage all the way over to the centre? (closest side to the spindle in the middle)

I vaguely recall that one time it was in the middle and so hadn't "homed" itself, thereby thinking it is where it should be, at the begnning of the disk, and trying to read, cannot find any beginning point, when it is in actual fact half way through and needs to be re-aligned. i.e. pushed back to it's base location. In fact, I think it might have been on the (old) laptop I am using at the mo!

As I said, no warranties to the accuracy or effectiveness, but worth a look at at the very least!

Aubs

[Dan2552]

Actually, I do notice it's not all the way inward, I'm not pushing it in if it could ruin warrenty though... and I have a strong feeling pushing wouldn't help too..

[Aubs]

I just checked on my (old) laptop and my boyfs and they are both all the way in. I just slid mine a little over to the outside and back and it's not caused any problem, it just moves the motor. I would try it on my own Novatech Orion laptop if I had it... Still in the repairs because there was a broken pixel on the screen, in an annoying place!

Anyways, that's probably the cause. May be worth a call to Novatech tech support to see if they suggest you push it over - saves sending it off and waiting for it to be returned!

Aubs

[Dan2552]

I've chatted with the live chat support, and I was suggested to bring the laptop in, 'Dan' said it will probably be checked while I wait at Portsmouth. I'll have to phone Novatech next week to get a return number thingy, and go down to Portsmouth.

Pushing didn't help btw.

[Aubs]

Bugger! Sorry Dan.

Good luck anyways!!

Aubs

[Dan2552]

I really want to avoid sending off the laptop by post back to novatech, so I'd like to ask whether the portsmouth building is open on weekends for returns/repair/whatever?

edit--

sorry found what i want

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/find_us.html