How to Troubleshoot a CD-R Drive

By eHow Computers Editor

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When it works right, a CD-R drive provides a great way to back up data and burn audio CDs. When it acts up, it can seem like an expensive device for converting blank CDs into cheap DCs (drink coasters). Although it can be tough to pin down the problem, there's no shortage of potential fixes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

CD-R drive loses connection to computer while writing

Step 1

Try writing at slower speed and with all other applications closed.
Step 2

Upgrading your operating system can confuse your CD-R drive. Check drive manufacturer's Web site for compatibility info on your system.
Step 3

Download and install up-to-date drivers for CD-R drive.
Step 4

If cables are defective or too long, try different, shorter cables.
Step 5

For universal serial bus (USB) drive, try plugging it directly into USB port on computer rather than into hub.
Step 6

For FireWire drive, connect drive to computer only after both drive and computer have been turned on.
Step 7

Set CD-authoring software to Disc-at-Once if that option is available.
Step 8

Make sure CD-R drive is isolated from loud noises and vibrations while writing.
Step 9

Try different brand of blank CD media.

Drive reports buffer underruns while writing (PC isn't sending data fast enough to CD-R)

Step 1

Try writing at slower speed and with all other applications closed.
Step 2

Shut down and restart computer and CD-R drive. Try writing another disc in simulation mode (most CD-writing software supports this) before trying to write another disc for real.
Step 3

Set CD-authoring software to Disc-at-Once if that option is available.
Step 4

Try different brand of blank CD media.
Step 5

Create image of the CD and store it on your hard drive temporarily (check your CD-writing software documentation to see if it supports this feature). Then write to disc from this image.
Step 6

If you still get underruns when writing from a disc image, you may need to defragment your hard-disk drive. (See How to Speed Up a Hard-Disk Drive.)
Step 7

If your drive is overheating, make sure the drive's fan is working (if it has one), and don't set the drive on top of another warm device.

Discs burned on your drive can't be read by other drives

Step 1

Try a different brand of CD-R media. Some drives like a particular brand, while others refuse to give it the time of day.
Step 2

Make sure you have your CD-writing software set to "close the session" or "finalize" on discs you're writing.
Step 3

Dust can affect your CD-R lens. You can clean the interior of the drive by blowing compressed air into it (with no disc inserted). You can also buy a standard audio CD player cleaning kit (see How to Troubleshoot a CD Player).

Comments

Rene01570 said

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on 9/16/2008 I have a HP Pentium computer. Tried burning my first CD-R. It copied nicely onto the CD BUT.. I cannot get it to play on anything other than other computers. I made sure the system (closed the session) - I could not find where I could "finalize it". Trying to on line HP help is impossible.