Windows XP not recognizing new CDROM Volume after swap

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hugh Johnson
  • Start date Start date
H

Hugh Johnson

I am having a problem with my Windows XP Pro install. It has become
more apparent after installing several programs that use multiple
CDROMS to install.

Most multiple CD installs use the volume label of the CD to determine
if the disks were swapped. When I swap disks, say from Disk 1 to disk
2, my Windows XP doesn't recognize the disk swap and doesn't let the
install program know that I swapped disks. So I always get a message
telling me to insert the next disk.

I have found a way around it but would really like to get it fixed.
Here is what I have to do to get around it. First, I have to have the
My Computer window open on the desktop in order to see all of the
drives and their volume labels. After removing disk 1, I have to shut
the drive door and wait about 20 seconds. Then I press F5 to refresh
and I have to see that Windows now recognizes the drive as empty.
Then I open the drive and put the new disk in. I again have to wait
about 30 to 45 seconds and press F5 again. Then I can click the
continue button on the install.

I have to do it exactly like that. If I don't wait long enough and do
an F5 then the My Computer window blanks out white and hangs. I then
cannot stop the install. The only way out is to CTRL-ALT-DELETE and
kill the install program. Then I have to reboot and start over.

I looked up some stuff on autoinsert notification thinking that might
be the problem, but Windows XP deals with autoinsert notification
differently for all type of CD's. I tried messing around with the
different settings but couldn't get it to work.

I have two CD Drives (one DVDR and one DVDROM) and it works the same
on both drives, so it isn't an issue related directly to one of the
drives, it has to be an OS issue.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.
 
msnews.microsoft.com server has several XP news groups.
I think you might find faster help there, since you feel it's not
a drive issue. However, have you checked the drives elsewhere
on the off chance it's the drives.
 
Most multiple CD installs use the volume label of the CD to determine
if the disks were swapped. When I swap disks, say from Disk 1 to disk
2, my Windows XP doesn't recognize the disk swap and doesn't let the
install program know that I swapped disks. So I always get a message
telling me to insert the next disk.
Click to expand...

Here's what I'd do...more to follow...

Re-letter the drives. Make the (W)riter the W drive...and the
(R)eader the R drive.

Then go to the manufacturer's site and download and install the latest
drivers and firmware upgrades for each.
I looked up some stuff on autoinsert notification thinking that might
be the problem, but Windows XP deals with autoinsert notification
differently for all type of CD's. I tried messing around with the
different settings but couldn't get it to work.
Click to expand...

I keep mine turned off...mainly because of the kinda problems that yer
havin'. The machine will often try to read the newly inserted
disk...rather than easily continue with the next disk on the program
install.

I usually simply run any installs by browsing the disk and running the
appropriate .exe file.
I have two CD Drives (one DVDR and one DVDROM) and it works the same
on both drives, so it isn't an issue related directly to one of the
drives, it has to be an OS issue.
Click to expand...

You didn't say what drive letters they were given...so try the advice
above. But there's often a problem when you connect a device that
will automatically change drive letters...like a digital camera, smart
card reader, etc. That's why I always change the drive letters on my
installs.

Also, you didn't say whether these disks were burns...or store bought.

Good luck...let us know.


Have a nice week...

Trent©

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
Hugh said:
I am having a problem with my Windows XP Pro install. It has become
more apparent after installing several programs that use multiple
CDROMS to install.

Most multiple CD installs use the volume label of the CD to determine
if the disks were swapped. When I swap disks, say from Disk 1 to disk
2, my Windows XP doesn't recognize the disk swap and doesn't let the
install program know that I swapped disks. So I always get a message
telling me to insert the next disk.

I have found a way around it but would really like to get it fixed.
Here is what I have to do to get around it. First, I have to have the
My Computer window open on the desktop in order to see all of the
drives and their volume labels. After removing disk 1, I have to shut
the drive door and wait about 20 seconds. Then I press F5 to refresh
and I have to see that Windows now recognizes the drive as empty.
Then I open the drive and put the new disk in. I again have to wait
about 30 to 45 seconds and press F5 again. Then I can click the
continue button on the install.

I have to do it exactly like that. If I don't wait long enough and do
an F5 then the My Computer window blanks out white and hangs. I then
cannot stop the install. The only way out is to CTRL-ALT-DELETE and
kill the install program. Then I have to reboot and start over.

I looked up some stuff on autoinsert notification thinking that might
be the problem, but Windows XP deals with autoinsert notification
differently for all type of CD's. I tried messing around with the
different settings but couldn't get it to work.

I have two CD Drives (one DVDR and one DVDROM) and it works the same
on both drives, so it isn't an issue related directly to one of the
drives, it has to be an OS issue.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

One of my friends had this problem, and apparently it's common pre-sp1.
Do you have the latest Windows Updates?

--
-Luke-
If cars had advanced at the same rate as Micr0$oft technology, they'd be
flying by now.
But who wants a car that crashes 8 times a day?
Registered Linux User #345134
 
I haven't bothered installing SP1 because I have heard problems with
slowdown issues. I really am not having problems with my current
build (except for this one). I have had bad luck with MS Service
Packs before. I have all the updates though.
 
I haven't bothered installing SP1 because I have heard problems with
slowdown issues. I really am not having problems with my current
build (except for this one). I have had bad luck with MS Service
Packs before. I have all the updates though.
Click to expand...

Then you should mention this in all your future posts...so we don't
take the time to give you suggestions that simply aren't pertinent.

At this late stage in the game, most of us (me) assume that everybody
has already installed SP1.

To not install SP1 is foolish.


Have a nice week...

Trent©

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
Great, I took your advice and tried to install SP1 and I get an error
message stating that ATAPI.SYS is in use and I should exit all
programs and try again. There are no programs running. I exited my
Virus scanner and it still doesn't work.
 
Hugh said:
Great, I took your advice and tried to install SP1 and I get an error
message stating that ATAPI.SYS is in use and I should exit all
programs and try again. There are no programs running. I exited my
Virus scanner and it still doesn't work.
Click to expand...
<snip>
This may well show you what is wrong. The file allocation tables are
cached off the CD when inserted to improve seek time. It seems that th
cache doesn't get cleared when changing CDs.

ATAPI.SYS is a CDROM driver file. If it is continually in use, then the
data probably won't be updated properly.

If nothing else works, disable the cdrom drive (I don't know if the
windows disable will do what you want it to; if it doesn't, disable it
in BIOS or unplug it) and install SP1 from your hard drive. Chances are
that this will fix your problem.

If you aren't familiar with your BIOS, ask a friend who is, and/or note
down every setting you change. If something goes wrong there, you can
always reset the BIOS.

--
-Luke-
If cars had advanced at the same rate as Micr0$oft technology, they'd be
flying by now.
But who wants a car that crashes 8 times a day?
Registered Linux User #345134
 
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