Why can't I erase a CD R/W disk?

[Usalabs1]

I have tried every cd recoding software that's in exsistance, nero, incd, directcd, etc,etc, even the windows xp erase rewritable, can not erase a cd, when it tries, the drives write led stays on continuously, I can eject the cd, but when I re-insert it again, the files are still there, I have restarted the computer, and it's still the same. Do I have to reformat the hardrive and install windows AGAIN!, (this'll be the 20th time in a month)?

When windows has been installed fresh, everything works fine, but, as soon as I start to install other software, the system screws up. As a thought,I may have to get seperate computers for different software, 1 for the internet, 1 for office, 1 for games, 1 for development, etc,etc, and network them, so that the different software packages don't interfere with windows.

 

[cdogg]

Questions I normally ask myself in these situations:

1) What is the make/model of the CD burner?
2) Have I updated the firmware?
3) Have I installed all critical Windows updates?
4) Did I make sure that the version of burning software is up-to-date (for example, Roxio 5 does not work well at all in XP even with updates)?

Definitely make sure you disable Windows built-in burning which is controlled by Veritas software. Right-click the drive, select Properties, and go to the Recording tab.

If that doesn't help, then make sure the burning software you are using is completely compatible (Nero 6 or Roxio 6 should both work fine). I would not go through extreme measure to purchase another PC. Instead if I really had to, I would purchase a larger hard drive and partition it, so that I could have a second Windows XP installation that I used only for burning and games.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
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[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[opalized]

there is a switch in XP under services, that controls functionality of CD-rw, look through all the choices in services, ie. start, settings, control panel, administrative tools, services
Good Luck

 

[ade099]

hey, i had a similar problem where i couldnt erase cdrws worth jack. but i realized it was the media i was using. i was having problems with GQ 4x-10x 700MB discs..and when i went back and tried with a maxell 650MB (not sure what speed that one's compatible with), it worked fine. so..maybe it's the actual cdrws you're using.