Firmware update

[Rainy]

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start?

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with Device
Manager..

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2
_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the
manufacturer of my DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but
will support DVD+R! The person I purchased the DVD Disks from
(EBAY) is suggesting I get a firmware update which may or may not
correct the problem..

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I
always check with this group before I attempt something I have
never done before) My question is, is there something else I could
do to safeguard my computer before I start?

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and
know I must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm
familiar with Device Manager..

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be
compatible with my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2
_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

If the firmare update will allow you to utilize more media - it should be
relatively simple and generally harmless.

You always take some chance when dealing with flashing any type of
firmware - so keep that in your mind (like have as little as possible -
other than the computer - plugged into your UPS in case of a power outage,
etc.) Just do all they suggest and you should be fine.

Of course - there is no guarantee it will fix your issues. ;-)

 

[Jim]

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a
firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

Yes, I have an NEC drive which only worked with DVD+R. The update did the
trick.

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always
check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start? No

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with
Device
Manager..

Unless the slave is also an NEC unit, it really should not be necessary to
disable the slave.
There can be quite a bit if difference between "should not" and "is not".
The easy way to disable the slave drive (is it also a CD or DVD unit) is to
shut the system down.
Then unplug the slave.
Reboot, and the slave will be gone.

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible
with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2

A DVD-R is a DVD-R is a DVD-R.
Jim

_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

Normally, DVD burners are either - or + or a combination of both.
If you have one that's -, most likely no firmware update is going to change
this.

New burners are very inexpensive...and great prices are available at
newegg.com

 

[WaIIy]

Normally, DVD burners are either - or + or a combination of both.
If you have one that's -, most likely no firmware update is going to change
this.

New burners are very inexpensive...and great prices are available at
newegg.com

His drive is a - +, but it's old in writer years.

Best Buy has a nice LG on sale for about $54.00 right now.

 

[Poprivet`]

1. This is not a group of techies. It is a user group. There are very
few if any MS users here. Everyone is a volunteer, here to share their
knowledge, good bad and indifferent.

2. It's a good idea to verify any information you choose to follow from
any newsgroup. You drive vendor would be the best place to be asking
this question.

HTH

Pop`

 

[Rainy]

There are a number of techs in this group.. and I never follow advice from
simply a user unless I check it out from other sources.. as they could be
wrong.. If an MVP answers my question, I can feel pretty safe in assuming
they know what they are talking about.. I do have my favorites in this
group! thanks for your input.. Rainy
1. This is not a group of techies. It is a user group. There are very
few if any MS users here. Everyone is a volunteer, here to share their
knowledge, good bad and indifferent.

2. It's a good idea to verify any information you choose to follow from
any newsgroup. You drive vendor would be the best place to be asking
this question.

HTH

Pop`

 

[Rainy]

I am considering buying a new dvd drive.. thanks for your input.. Rainy

Normally, DVD burners are either - or + or a combination of both.
If you have one that's -, most likely no firmware update is going to change
this.

New burners are very inexpensive...and great prices are available at
newegg.com

His drive is a - +, but it's old in writer years.

Best Buy has a nice LG on sale for about $54.00 right now.

 

[Rainy]

I have been able to use DVD-R's before just not HP.. apparently HP is not
one one that Nec supports .. strange .. Rainy
Normally, DVD burners are either - or + or a combination of both.
If you have one that's -, most likely no firmware update is going to change
this.

New burners are very inexpensive...and great prices are available at
newegg.com

 

[Rainy]

HI, No, my CD Rom is not a Nec manufacturer.. I think I have decided to
give the DVD-R's in question to my son, and eventually replace the Drive and
avoid HP when I am buying my DVD-R's I don't have any problem with Imation
or Maxell. Thanks Rainy

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a
firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

Yes, I have an NEC drive which only worked with DVD+R. The update did the
trick.

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always
check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start? No

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with
Device
Manager..

Unless the slave is also an NEC unit, it really should not be necessary to
disable the slave.
There can be quite a bit if difference between "should not" and "is not".
The easy way to disable the slave drive (is it also a CD or DVD unit) is to
shut the system down.
Then unplug the slave.
Reboot, and the slave will be gone.

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible
with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2

A DVD-R is a DVD-R is a DVD-R.
Jim

_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[Rainy]

Thanks so much for your input.. I appreciate it very much.. Will not attempt
this.. I think it sort of scared me off, easier to use other media, or
replace the drive in the future.. thanks, Rainy

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the
manufacturer of my DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but
will support DVD+R! The person I purchased the DVD Disks from
(EBAY) is suggesting I get a firmware update which may or may not
correct the problem..

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I
always check with this group before I attempt something I have
never done before) My question is, is there something else I could
do to safeguard my computer before I start?

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and
know I must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm
familiar with Device Manager..

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be
compatible with my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2
_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

If the firmare update will allow you to utilize more media - it should be
relatively simple and generally harmless.

You always take some chance when dealing with flashing any type of
firmware - so keep that in your mind (like have as little as possible -
other than the computer - plugged into your UPS in case of a power outage,
etc.) Just do all they suggest and you should be fine.

Of course - there is no guarantee it will fix your issues. ;-)

 

[Rainy]

I have been able to use both in the past.. just not HP Brand. thanks, Rainy
Normally, DVD burners are either - or + or a combination of both.
If you have one that's -, most likely no firmware update is going to change
this.

New burners are very inexpensive...and great prices are available at
newegg.com

 

[Jim]

HI, No, my CD Rom is not a Nec manufacturer.. I think I have decided to
give the DVD-R's in question to my son, and eventually replace the Drive
and
avoid HP when I am buying my DVD-R's I don't have any problem with
Imation
or Maxell. Thanks Rainy

Your original post said otherwise. So, now I have no idea what make of
drive you are using.
FYI, my Dell 4600 was delivered with an NEC drive that only recognized
DVD-R/RW. Later, Dell
posted a firmware upgrade which enable use of DVD+-R/RW. However, it still
will not deal with
a double layer disk; therefore, I have installed a Plextor which does deal
with DL disks.
I have had better luck getting Verbatim disks to last. The other makes
don't seem too reliable.
And, there is nothing worse than unreliable backup media.
Jim

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of
my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a
firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

Yes, I have an NEC drive which only worked with DVD+R. The update did the
trick.

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always
check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start? No

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know
I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with
Device
Manager..

Unless the slave is also an NEC unit, it really should not be necessary to
disable the slave.
There can be quite a bit if difference between "should not" and "is not".
The easy way to disable the slave drive (is it also a CD or DVD unit) is
to
shut the system down.
Then unplug the slave.
Reboot, and the slave will be gone.

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible
with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2

A DVD-R is a DVD-R is a DVD-R.
Jim

_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[Xandros]

Drives can be finicky when it comes to media. Stick with the brand(s) that
you know work. Cheap brands especially can be a real PITA. I have never used
the HP brand of media but have a whole spindle I got for Christmas waiting
to be opened. One of my drives is a NEC so I'll see how it handles the HP's.

--

Xandros

HI, No, my CD Rom is not a Nec manufacturer.. I think I have decided to
give the DVD-R's in question to my son, and eventually replace the Drive
and
avoid HP when I am buying my DVD-R's I don't have any problem with
Imation
or Maxell. Thanks Rainy

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of
my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a
firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

Yes, I have an NEC drive which only worked with DVD+R. The update did the
trick.

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always
check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start? No

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know
I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with
Device
Manager..

Unless the slave is also an NEC unit, it really should not be necessary to
disable the slave.
There can be quite a bit if difference between "should not" and "is not".
The easy way to disable the slave drive (is it also a CD or DVD unit) is
to
shut the system down.
Then unplug the slave.
Reboot, and the slave will be gone.

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible
with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2

A DVD-R is a DVD-R is a DVD-R.
Jim

_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[Rainy]

I have two drives. .One a master and the other a slave.. The top drive which
is the DVD drive was the drive in question.. Rainy

HI, No, my CD Rom is not a Nec manufacturer.. I think I have decided to
give the DVD-R's in question to my son, and eventually replace the Drive
and
avoid HP when I am buying my DVD-R's I don't have any problem with
Imation
or Maxell. Thanks Rainy

Your original post said otherwise. So, now I have no idea what make of
drive you are using.
FYI, my Dell 4600 was delivered with an NEC drive that only recognized
DVD-R/RW. Later, Dell
posted a firmware upgrade which enable use of DVD+-R/RW. However, it still
will not deal with
a double layer disk; therefore, I have installed a Plextor which does deal
with DL disks.
I have had better luck getting Verbatim disks to last. The other makes
don't seem too reliable.
And, there is nothing worse than unreliable backup media.
Jim

I recently purchased DVD-R's and discovered that Nec the manufacturer of
my
DVD Drive does not support HP brand DVD-R but will support DVD+R! The
person I purchased the DVD Disks from (EBAY) is suggesting I get a
firmware
update which may or may not correct the problem..

Yes, I have an NEC drive which only worked with DVD+R. The update did the
trick.

If a tech here says this is ok to do.. I will attempt this.. (I always
check
with this group before I attempt something I have never done before) My
question is, is there something else I could do to safeguard my computer
before I start? No

http://support.necam.com/optical/downloads/flashfirmware/readme.asp?ID=4

I have discovered that the DVD drive in question is the master, and know
I
must disable the slave before I attempt this.. and I'm familiar with
Device
Manager..

Unless the slave is also an NEC unit, it really should not be necessary to
disable the slave.
There can be quite a bit if difference between "should not" and "is not".
The easy way to disable the slave drive (is it also a CD or DVD unit) is
to
shut the system down.
Then unplug the slave.
Reboot, and the slave will be gone.

Any help appreciated, TIA Rainy

Ps. I have come across other DVD's which do not seem to be compatible
with
my DVD so fixing this would be a good thing for me..

Windows XP Home
SP2

A DVD-R is a DVD-R is a DVD-R.
Jim

_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A [CD-ROM drive]

 

[WaIIy]

I have had better luck getting Verbatim disks to last. The other makes
don't seem too reliable.

I heartily agree.
Verbatim consistently rates as the best readily available disk. (Best
Buy, etc)

 

[Rainy]

Thanks for the input, I will look for them.. Rainy

I have had better luck getting Verbatim disks to last. The other makes
don't seem too reliable.

I heartily agree.
Verbatim consistently rates as the best readily available disk. (Best
Buy, etc)

 

[Anthony Buckland]

Drives can be finicky when it comes to media. Stick with the brand(s) that
you know work. Cheap brands especially can be a real PITA. ...

Ditto. I have a Sony machine with a Sony-installed
Pioneer drive, so I use nothing except Sony media,
not so much from loyalty as to avoid the
aforementioned PsITA. There are plenty of other
ways of acquiring them.