How can i change the DVD region my laptop accepts?

I bought my computer from Dell mexico, so i supposed it would be region 4, but when i tried playing a movie on it, it rejected it saying it was the wrong region. I thought "no big deal, ill just change it" but i cant! all the options are blanked out except for region 1 for the US..

I dont see the point of having a dvd player if you cant watch dvds! Anybody know how to change it, or a way around it?

 

Was it a new computer? Is it set for region 1? Sounds like all the region changes (usually 4 changes allowed) have been used. If its new i'd be complaining to Dell. There are ways and means around it, either through software or altering the drives firmware (which can damage the drive so be careful) but i'm not sure if we're allowed to discuss it because it could be classed as aiding piracy

Grand Admiral

 

This should help you change your region settings. Most DVD drives allow you to change the region up to 4 or 5 times.

http://grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleId=2334

 

That's not going to work if the region code changes are used up. Makes me think the machine might be a refurbished return or one that someone in the sales channel has been playing with. Also note that there are not always hacks to get around this - the M1330's with Panasonic drive have no workaround to the 5 changes (or is it 5 values with 4 changes).

(This whole region code stuff stinks for those of us who move around different countries as you end up with a collection of DVDs for different regions.)

 

You pretty much have to use an external DVD drive that's set to the other region.

 

you have to find rpc1 firmware to flash your dvd drive in order to make it region free.

 

There is also software capable of doing so, I won't post it here but if you can't solve the problem another, preferable, way, PM me.

 

look for anydvd from slysoft start that prior to running the dvd and you will be region free.