XPS 1210 DVD-writer and NERO issues

I had my XPS 1210 since December 2006. I recently ran into some annoying problem with the DVD-writer for my XPS 1210 (Philips SDVD8820 with the latest firmware from Dell). I am using NERO 6.6.1.15 for burning backups.

I usually backup my files (which consist of several word documents, excel, MP3s, video clips and photos) on a quarterly basis. A few days ago, it was time for my scheduled backup routine. I popped in a DVD-R (8x from Philips). I have been using this media for quite some time now. It was the same media I used from my previous backup. It works well. Most of the DVD drives I use can flawlessly read this media.

When I ran NERO, the burning process went well (no errors reported and NERO was the only active application). However, when it was time to verify the written data, the media couldn't be read properly.

Well, I know for the fact that there are failures to writing a backup on a DVD from time to time. So I simply replaced the wasted DVD-R and proceeded with another attempt to write a backup. To my disappointment, the backup failed again. The media was rendered useless.

I tried another and still failed. I have wasted 5 DVD-R until I decided to give up. After some thinking, I tried writing a sample backup using a CD-R, and to my surprise the burning went well. The result was flawless.

It is just disappointing that now I can't seem to properly backup using a DVD-R. The drive used to work properly from my previous backup. I tried testing the drive by reading several disc. The drive seems to be in good condition when it comes to reading.


Has anybody experienced this issue before? Also, has anybody notice if DVD-R or DVD+R is better on DELL installed DVD-writers?


Another thing... has anybody tried replacing DVD-writer drive of their XPS 1210? or is it possible to replace it with an type of DVD-writer other than those from DELL?

 

A couple of thoughts:

1. Did you recently apply the firmware update?

2. Are the problem discs from a new box of the Philips media?

The firmware contains database of media dye types and the optimum burning parameters. The label on the box or disc is no indicator of the real media. You can use Nero InfoTool to check the media type (disc properties tab). This will be something like CMC MAG E01, Ritek R03, etc. Check if the old DVDs and the new (probelematic) ones all have the same Manufacturer ID. If the media are the same then maybe your burner is the problem. They are one of the least durable notebook components.

If you want to replace the burner, first check (i) the model of the existing burner (Nero will tell you that) and (ii) whether the burner is the only device on the IDE channel which it uses (look in the advanced setting of the properties of each channel to find one which is running at Ultra DMA mode 2).

Most notebooks use a standard slimline (1/2") optical drive which has an IDE channel for itself. Upgrade is then easy: Remove the old burner. Switch over any fixing brackets, plug adapters and bezel. Slot in the new one.

John

 

Thanks for the reply John.

1. Nope. The firmware was applied last March. Just a few weeks after its release. My last backup was last June. The backup using the same media worked well.

2. The media was from the same batch from my last backup. Supposedly, it should have worked fine. I have also tried the same media on another DVD-writer, and the writing work well.


Do you know any good replacement models for the DVD-writer for the XPS M1210? I am planning to look find a good model early on just in case the writer is indeed a problematic.

I will try a different batch of media to see if the drive can perform better on a different media.

 

Assuming that your optical drive is a standard 1/2" module (called slimline), I would suggest looking for a Liteon such as this. I've always found them to be reliable and, if you need it, they are easy to be made region-free. Avoid Matsh!ta - they seem to be the most problematic.

However, if you are replacing the optical drive then you might want to look for one which supports LightScribe. The scribable media are now getting towards a reasonable price. Unfortunately, I haven't seen many slim Lightscribe burners available as bare drives.

John