Acer TM4402 freezes while playing DVD

Hi guys,

My acer TM 4402 freezes randomly while playing DVD with PowerDVD. When I take out the DVD and put it back, the DVD-ROM would not recognize the media, so I have to restart the computer.

It occurs after playing DVD for a while, and I tried to use another player(media player classic), same result. The media is not dirty and burned.

I also tried to install the latest version(Catalyst Mobility 5.10 for Windows XP) from ATI, it failed and said that incompatible with my system.

Any help will be appreciated.

Here is the spec:

WindowsXP(SP2)
Turion 64 AMD ML-30(1.6GHz)
1024MB DDR333
100GB 5400rpm
DVD Super Multi Double Layer
ATI Mobility RADEON X700

 

Might want to update your firmware or ide drivers if available. Is it getting warm while skipping?

 

well you and me seem to be having similiar problems, i get graphics tearin in games. Though dvd seem to run fine at least the one i ran for a short period. Now is your machine really hot after runnin dvd's for that long?

and yes i cant install any of the mobility drivers either.

How old is it? where did you get it from?

i got my from newegg.com

hope we can help eachother

brock

 

@zazonz, I am gonna try the firmware; the warm is normal, just as usual.

@brock, me also got it from newegg about one month ago, and none of the reviews mention that problem :=(

 

For the mobility drivers, you will need Microsoft .NET Framework to get the drivers running. If not, try to download the mobility drivers from http://www.driverheavendownloads.net/ati.htm or take a look at http://www.driverheaven.net/patje/
Also, is the DVD a burnt DVD?
Brock, graphics tearing in games and DVD skipping is totally different. For DVD, the problem mostly lies in the drive, or disk. For tearing in games, mostly it is because of the GPU or GPU drivers. And the laptop will get very hot when playing games, if that is what you are driving at.

 

@CHEZIYI, thanks for the tip. I am gonna try .NET. the DVD is not burnt dvd.

 

Update:

I was able to install ATI Catalyst 5.9 Mobility for Windows XP(downloaded form http://www.driverheavendownloads.net/ati.htm, removed the default version first ), after playing a DVD for 15 minutes, it freezed again. Really drives me nuts. I am gonna call acer support line anyway.

 

Update:

I call them up at 11:40 PT. They are going to send me a new DVD-ROM for free to replace the old one. See if the problem would be gone with the new dvd-rom.

 

great to hear, at least it seems they have good support. Ive yet to have time, but im glad to hear they handle tech issues well .

brock

 

That is good news. I like how Acer has their tech support based in the US (Texas), rather than overseas. Let us know how you make out!

 

Its a little bit surprise since I just described my problem briefly, and then the representative decided to send me a new one. It seemed that they'd known the problem already, and didn't bother asking me to update the driver. They said mine is the only complaint about the dvd playback frozen issue when I asked them if there are other similar complaint. Just wish the "defective" dvd rom is the cause.

 

Btw, Acer seems to have their Tech Support everywhere... they also have tech support in Singapore.

About them offering to send you a new drive.. i think its just because they felt that even if you update the driver the problem would not be solved.. and decided to just send you a new drive so that you will be happy.

EDIT: I have unfortunately needed to bring my notebook to their centre.. fried motherboard... They didn't doubt my technical knowledge, like, when I described my problem, they didn't double check to see if it really is that problem, and when straight to fixing it. They also called me to let me know that my notebook is ready for collecting.. I heard that for HP their service centre in Singapore has a corner that provides free snacks and drinks...