Burn failed - please review the log

[Jon_Are]

Lately, about half of my burns have failed. Any insight would be appreciated.

Here is the latest log:

Nero Serial Removed

[Chewy]

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1598

your 1.25 firmware dates from May 25, 2003 and can't hardly burn newer blanks

boot into safe mode and update the firmware to 3.20

getting that old a burner to work may be a lost cause

[Jon_Are]

Thanks, Chewy

What are the risks of updating the firmware (sounds scary)?

Can it be easily undone (with Norton Go Back, for instance) if it jacks everything up?

Jon

[camellote]

Buy a new burner

[Gary D]

Thanks, Chewy

What are the risks of updating the firmware (sounds scary)?

Can it be easily undone (with Norton Go Back, for instance) if it jacks everything up?

Jon

The risks of NOT updating the software will be hit and miss burns possibly ruining every disc you try to burn. The biggest worry when updating firmware is making sure the drive is completely empty and doing it from safe mode. While your drive is updating it's firmware, your screen will appear to freeze. But do not worry, it will take some time. So be very patient and wait!! It will tell you when it is finished updating your firmware.

Read the directions 5 or 6 times so you completely understand the instructions on how to do it. If you do not understand anything, then post your questions here.

About the Nortons Go Back, you are out of luck. If you flash your drive with the wrong firmware, you may have a 50/50 chance of doing it with the correct firmware. So be very careful of which firmware for which brand and model of drive. Make sure it matches identically!

And last, ask first before guessing!

[Jon_Are]

So, is my only risk that my DVD burner will be damaged?

Or am I risking damaging other components as well (hard drive, etc.)?

Thanks,

Jon

[NightTran]

burner only but I change my firmware all the time and never have problem make sure the firmware is for your burner and no disc in drive and in safe mode

[Chewy]

You have probaly wasted more in disks than your old burner is worth, since you have nothing to lose update your firmware but be ready to buy a new burner or give up on backing up dvd's.

I have 4 burners in 2 computers and the oldest is a 1 1/2 years old, your's
is a good doorstop.

[smkymntgrl]

Thanks, Chewy

What are the risks of updating the firmware (sounds scary)?


Jon

Sounds scarier then it is. Just make sure you read and understand the directions like Gary said and I do it in safemode. I was a noobie and very hesitant to do it but it went just fine with all the great advice from the good people here.

[Jon_Are]

You have probaly wasted more in disks than your old burner is worth

Exactly what I was thinking.

Buying a new burner is no problem, but I'd like to use my "doorstop" in my secondary computer (which has no burner at all). So I'll mess around with the firmware to see if that helps.

Since I'll be burner shopping:

Should I bother buying a fast write-speed, since backing-up should generally be done at the lowest speed?

Any particular brands to avoid?

Jon

[Chewy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106042

good burner, free shipping

just because they are fast is a good thing, if they can burn that fast then think how good they burn when slowed to 8x or 12x

avoid burners that are relabeled like memorex etc

I can't even reccomend the new nec's since bitsetting firmware is not available yet?

[Jon_Are]

good burner, free shipping

Much better price than Circuit City or Best Buy.

Just ordered it.

Jon

[Jon_Are]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106042

good burner, free shipping

Ordered it, received it, installed it, using it.

So far, perfection!

Thanks again,

Jon