cd writer prob

[aqeel]

I dont know if i did the writing thing :-(  I always had minor problems with my CD Writer as everytime i burn music some of the tracks fails to play on my bloody HiFi, so I decided to clean the cd lens with a cd cleaner - can i do this ? does this cause damage ? I didnt think so, but now the cd writer fails to burn music and information on a CD. Any ideas..??? help ! Incidently, i also cleaned my HiFi cd lens too.

[alunrw]

Cleaning the CD lens won't cause any damage - I did this yesterday as one or two DVD's were playing a bit jumpily, after cleaning they worked perfectly (may have been a coincidence - but the cleaning certainly wont harm it) - as regards the Burning problem, are you burning the files as Audio CD's ,what programme are you using to burn the tracks ? have you tried uninstalling the CD burner and then re-booting and reinstalling,(via Control Panel >system properties - before doing so though make sure you have the back up software/drivers if necessary - although Windows is Ok at finding the generic ones) it could be that over time, some programme has corrupted the software you use perhaps??

[aqeel]

yes, ok, i will reboot 1st then re-install the cd burner software - Roxio WinOn CD. I'll see what happens

[Jayemm999]

Assuming you're using Windows XP, why not make sure that all your Windows Updates are up-to-date [use "Help and Support on the Start Menu]. When doing this, when Windows Update loads in the browser window, use the Custom option to ensure that drivers are also up-to-date. Then, instead of using 3rd Party software, try to create an audio CD using Windows Media Player - it might be your Roxio software is at fault. Ypu could also try going to the website of the CD burner OEM [maybe creative, Freecom] and check if they have FIRMWARE upgrades for you burner. As a last resort, CD Burners aren't awfully expensive and are easy to fit.

[Aquariel]

You could try burning at a slower speed such as 4x - that sometimes helps.

Also, you could try different quality discs - some are a lot better than others!