I have a Dell deminsion 8300 with a NEC DVD+RW ND 1100A and it used to accept DVD-R discs and now it only likes DVD+R. IS there any software updates for it??

Darren

 

When a drive starts to not recognise a particular format (when it worked before) and can still read others, it usually means it's a drivehead read issue. I had an old Samsung drive which did exactly the samething. It would read dvdrws no problem n then all off a sudden it wouldn't. Shortly afterwards it wouldn't read anything at all.

You can get firmware updates for NEC drives, but I strongly doubt this would make any difference.

So I would bin it, and get yourself the latest NEC3540A drive which is only £35, and reads all formats except DVD-RAM and is pretty much the fastest drive on the market. Burns 4.5g 16X dvd-r's in less than 6minutes.

 

I was thinking i might have to do that and buy a new DVD+RW drive.

Just got to find a black one

 

are you talking about this one: Click me

how do NEC compare to other brands like Sony, Pioneer, Lite-On, LG etc...

 

Sorry yes the 3550 is the latest, that's the right one. I have two NECs in my box, and I can't fault them at all. Not had a single coaster, ever. Speeds are excellent to.

Sony n Pioneer are also good, but I if a brand works for you, then stick with it.

DVDRW drives don't tend to last for very long if you use them everyday.

 

The drive is like 2 years old

the DVD-ROM (HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8162B) dive is ok says and he touches wood

 

Yeh 1-2 yrs is pretty good and common. I'd be surprised if ure drive was 4yrs or older n still ok though. DVD-Roms tend to last a bit better, if u keep them clean, as they only read

Btw just a thought but try cleaning your dvdrw drive just in case its a bit of muck on the lens

 

Ok. I think i have a CD with the little brushes on it somewhere
Just tried it and now it does not like DVD+R's i think a new DVD+RW drive is needed and right before Christmas

 

I have just bitten the bullet and ordered that DVD-RW drive

Darren