Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Hi All......

I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD in it.
I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before. It
keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both Roxio and
Music Match burning proggies.

I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went away, I
used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway thru,
which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.

I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded CD in it
and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I play songs
on did.

Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((

Cheers....Heather

PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Hi Heather, - my standard (edited) response to check-out CD-ROM's in Real
Mode DOS - please use the 'bits' applicable to your CD-RW :-

OK, then consider the following, which "assumes" two CD-ROM drives are
fitted (CD reader and CD reader/writer) in the computer :-

To 'see' them in Real Mode DOS, Boot, using your WinMe Startup (floppy) Disk
in the A: drive.
Select option 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.

Let the screen information scroll until you eventually see a line which
should report a drive letter for each of the CD-ROM's - but note that they
may not necessarily the same letter as you would expect to see in Windows.

For example, you should see TWO CD-ROMS, becoming the E: and the F:, so the
screen should
show:
> Drive E:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> Drive F:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 1
> Your CD-ROM Is Drive E

(Don't worry that you didn't also see a further line "Your CD-ROM Is Drive
F" - you won't, it will only show the one)

When the boot disk finally settles down, you will be presented with an A:\>
prompt.

Now put a (data) CD into the first CD-ROM and at the A:\> prompt, type "E:"
(no quotes and note the colon after the letter E) Then Press Return.

Now, at the E:\> prompt, type "DIR /P" (no quotes and note the space) Then
press Return.

You should see a listing of the CD contents.

Try again with the (data) CD in the other drive, this time typing "F:" at
the "E:\>" prompt to change drives and at the F:\> prompt type "DIR /P" for
the listing.

Come back with your results. Give EXACT errors reports - if any, but if you
can't "see" it in RM DOS,

> I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust.

Maybe - in more senses than 'just plain dead'. Try an Audio cleaning disk
kit (from your local HiFi shop, to clean any dust on the laser etc., - or
more likely, a failing CD-RW, in which case, visit Willy.

Mart


"Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:e8r2T2geFHA.688@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Hi All......
>
> I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD in
> it.
> I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before. It
> keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both Roxio
> and
> Music Match burning proggies.
>
> I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went away,
> I
> used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway thru,
> which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
>
> I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded CD in
> it
> and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I play
> songs
> on did.
>
> Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
>
> Cheers....Heather
>
> PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

<lol> I think it's definitely time you visited Willy and got that new
machine, you'll be so much happier <g>
Glad to hear Elayne got home safely and enjoyed her holiday, thought she
might have stayed on the road and popped down to see me <g>
Joan


Heather wrote:
> Hi All......
>
> I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD
> in it. I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this
> before. It keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it
> with both Roxio and Music Match burning proggies.
>
> I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went
> away, I used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up
> halfway thru, which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
>
> I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded
> CD in it and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive
> which I play songs on did.
>
> Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
>
> Cheers....Heather
>
> PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Hi Mart.......

Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted me
to be. When Willy tried to install XP on here, he had set it up as a dual
boot. He didn't take that aspect off and I have to pick WinME at startup.
So even getting into Safe Mode is a tad different......just played with it
now. So I assume that is the problem. I even made a new Startup Disc, but
no go on that.

Noel had suggested removing the CD Writer in Device Manager and I found
(when I finally got to Safe Mode) that there were two identical Writer
drives. Removed first one.....no joy. Removed both.....still no joy. When
I put a blank or data CD in that drive, Windows Explorer doesn't see it.
Nor do Music Match or Roxio. Settings in Roxio are definitely for the CD
Writer drive.

So I guess it is off to Willy the Wonder Tech tomorrow and ask him to fix me
up. I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer and this latest
snafu is shoving me over the edge.....lol!! Hell.....the roof cost me 4
times what a new computer will!! Next is the furnace. Another $3500. Time
to spend some money on moi, I think!!

Thanks for your help, but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5 years
old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up).....could be 10 for all I know.

XX Heather
"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:uGhivsieFHA.2288@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Hi Heather, - my standard (edited) response to check-out CD-ROM's in
Real
> Mode DOS - please use the 'bits' applicable to your CD-RW :-
>
> OK, then consider the following, which "assumes" two CD-ROM drives are
> fitted (CD reader and CD reader/writer) in the computer :-
>
> To 'see' them in Real Mode DOS, Boot, using your WinMe Startup (floppy)
Disk
> in the A: drive.
> Select option 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.
>
> Let the screen information scroll until you eventually see a line which
> should report a drive letter for each of the CD-ROM's - but note that they
> may not necessarily the same letter as you would expect to see in Windows.
>
> For example, you should see TWO CD-ROMS, becoming the E: and the F:, so
the
> screen should
> show:
> > Drive E:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> > Drive F:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 1
> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive E
>
> (Don't worry that you didn't also see a further line "Your CD-ROM Is Drive
> F" - you won't, it will only show the one)
>
> When the boot disk finally settles down, you will be presented with an
A:\>
> prompt.
>
> Now put a (data) CD into the first CD-ROM and at the A:\> prompt, type
"E:"
> (no quotes and note the colon after the letter E) Then Press Return.
>
> Now, at the E:\> prompt, type "DIR /P" (no quotes and note the space) Then
> press Return.
>
> You should see a listing of the CD contents.
>
> Try again with the (data) CD in the other drive, this time typing "F:" at
> the "E:\>" prompt to change drives and at the F:\> prompt type "DIR /P"
for
> the listing.
>
> Come back with your results. Give EXACT errors reports - if any, but if
you
> can't "see" it in RM DOS,
>
> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust.
>
> Maybe - in more senses than 'just plain dead'. Try an Audio cleaning disk
> kit (from your local HiFi shop, to clean any dust on the laser etc., - or
> more likely, a failing CD-RW, in which case, visit Willy.
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
> news:e8r2T2geFHA.688@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> > Hi All......
> >
> > I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD in
> > it.
> > I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before. It
> > keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both Roxio
> > and
> > Music Match burning proggies.
> >
> > I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went
away,
> > I
> > used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway thru,
> > which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
> >
> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded CD
in
> > it
> > and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I play
> > songs
> > on did.
> >
> > Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
> >
> > Cheers....Heather
> >
> > PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!
> >
> >
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Hi Heather,

I'd forgotten that you were on dual boot - although I did wonder why you
were asking on the WinMe pages when I recalled that you were running XP.

However, that shouldn't stop you from checking out my previous tests - but
using a WinMe Startup (floppy) Disk of course (so long as you still have
one!!)

The reason being that by using the WinMe boot disk, you are completely
eliminating any other OS (XP or WinMe) as you are not booting from your
HDD - and hence those systems will not be loaded. (Don't worry if you get a
warning about a missing/corrupted/virus C: drive - if its NTFS then DOS
won't see it and 'assumes' things aren't right)

BUT you can look at and test your CD-ROM's, as all the appropriate (DOS 7)
OS and drivers are contained on your WinMe floppy.

Good old WinMe (well, the boot disk anyway) comes to the rescue again -
wouldn't be without it!!

> Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted me
> to be.

Please explain <g> - Unless your BIOS is not set to read the A: drive at
boot-up. I don't quite see the 'dual boot' relevance - see above.

> ..... but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5 years
> old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up)...

Quite likely. And, if you've been in the BIOS, that *may* explain you Boot
sequence - if it's not seeing the A: at boot-up.

But probably all very academic, if you are seeing Willy later

> ... I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer

So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your existing model

Mart


"Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:uAE6%23moeFHA.3160@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Hi Mart.......
>
> Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted me
> to be. When Willy tried to install XP on here, he had set it up as a dual
> boot. He didn't take that aspect off and I have to pick WinME at startup.
> So even getting into Safe Mode is a tad different......just played with it
> now. So I assume that is the problem. I even made a new Startup Disc,
> but
> no go on that.
>
> Noel had suggested removing the CD Writer in Device Manager and I found
> (when I finally got to Safe Mode) that there were two identical Writer
> drives. Removed first one.....no joy. Removed both.....still no joy.
> When
> I put a blank or data CD in that drive, Windows Explorer doesn't see it.
> Nor do Music Match or Roxio. Settings in Roxio are definitely for the CD
> Writer drive.
>
> So I guess it is off to Willy the Wonder Tech tomorrow and ask him to fix
> me
> up. I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer and this latest
> snafu is shoving me over the edge.....lol!! Hell.....the roof cost me 4
> times what a new computer will!! Next is the furnace. Another $3500.
> Time
> to spend some money on moi, I think!!
>
> Thanks for your help, but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5
> years
> old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up).....could be 10 for all I know.
>
> XX Heather
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> news:uGhivsieFHA.2288@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> Hi Heather, - my standard (edited) response to check-out CD-ROM's in
> Real
>> Mode DOS - please use the 'bits' applicable to your CD-RW :-
>>
>> OK, then consider the following, which "assumes" two CD-ROM drives are
>> fitted (CD reader and CD reader/writer) in the computer :-
>>
>> To 'see' them in Real Mode DOS, Boot, using your WinMe Startup (floppy)
> Disk
>> in the A: drive.
>> Select option 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.
>>
>> Let the screen information scroll until you eventually see a line which
>> should report a drive letter for each of the CD-ROM's - but note that
>> they
>> may not necessarily the same letter as you would expect to see in
>> Windows.
>>
>> For example, you should see TWO CD-ROMS, becoming the E: and the F:, so
> the
>> screen should
>> show:
>> > Drive E:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
>> > Drive F:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 1
>> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive E
>>
>> (Don't worry that you didn't also see a further line "Your CD-ROM Is
>> Drive
>> F" - you won't, it will only show the one)
>>
>> When the boot disk finally settles down, you will be presented with an
> A:\>
>> prompt.
>>
>> Now put a (data) CD into the first CD-ROM and at the A:\> prompt, type
> "E:"
>> (no quotes and note the colon after the letter E) Then Press Return.
>>
>> Now, at the E:\> prompt, type "DIR /P" (no quotes and note the space)
>> Then
>> press Return.
>>
>> You should see a listing of the CD contents.
>>
>> Try again with the (data) CD in the other drive, this time typing "F:" at
>> the "E:\>" prompt to change drives and at the F:\> prompt type "DIR /P"
> for
>> the listing.
>>
>> Come back with your results. Give EXACT errors reports - if any, but if
> you
>> can't "see" it in RM DOS,
>>
>> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust.
>>
>> Maybe - in more senses than 'just plain dead'. Try an Audio cleaning disk
>> kit (from your local HiFi shop, to clean any dust on the laser etc., - or
>> more likely, a failing CD-RW, in which case, visit Willy.
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:e8r2T2geFHA.688@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi All......
>> >
>> > I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD in
>> > it.
>> > I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before.
>> > It
>> > keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both Roxio
>> > and
>> > Music Match burning proggies.
>> >
>> > I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went
> away,
>> > I
>> > used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway thru,
>> > which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
>> >
>> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded CD
> in
>> > it
>> > and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I play
>> > songs
>> > on did.
>> >
>> > Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
>> >
>> > Cheers....Heather
>> >
>> > PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Hi Mart......

I still have the dual boot *start* setup, but due to the old BIOS
(motherboard?), neither I or Willy could install XP or a second HD, so he
left the dual boot at the start, but there is nothing other than WinME on
here.

Complicated I suppose, but it didn't worry me. However, using a WinME boot
disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.

I did see it reading the floppy at the beginning, but it just didn't go to
what you were describing. Talk about a *hybrid*!!! I still have some XP
folders on here from the failed install by me in February, but Noel helped
me get rid of a lot of them.

Then when Willy tried to install it, he got the same crashing. Seems that
MDG where I bought it put in a really old motherboard or BIOS (get confused
on those two), but Noel saw 2 or 3 dates on the Everest Report.

So while it works fine as ME, it really ticks me off that they (and a lot of
the big companies) put inferior parts in coz they figure no one will ever
find out. I still may call and blast them, but OTOH, this Willy seems way
more trustworthy and I will get him to build me a new computer using my XP
Home.

Thanks for the advice......but I guess I better let him have a look at it
tomorrow and who knows....it might just be something minor. Got those
fingers crossed??

You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your existing
model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this machine??

Cheers....Heather

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
newsHdF7VqeFHA.1448@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Hi Heather,
>
> I'd forgotten that you were on dual boot - although I did wonder why you
> were asking on the WinMe pages when I recalled that you were running XP.
>
> However, that shouldn't stop you from checking out my previous tests - but
> using a WinMe Startup (floppy) Disk of course (so long as you still have
> one!!)
>
> The reason being that by using the WinMe boot disk, you are completely
> eliminating any other OS (XP or WinMe) as you are not booting from your
> HDD - and hence those systems will not be loaded. (Don't worry if you get
a
> warning about a missing/corrupted/virus C: drive - if its NTFS then DOS
> won't see it and 'assumes' things aren't right)
>
> BUT you can look at and test your CD-ROM's, as all the appropriate (DOS 7)
> OS and drivers are contained on your WinMe floppy.
>
> Good old WinMe (well, the boot disk anyway) comes to the rescue again -
> wouldn't be without it!!
>
> > Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted
me
> > to be.
>
> Please explain <g> - Unless your BIOS is not set to read the A: drive at
> boot-up. I don't quite see the 'dual boot' relevance - see above.
>
> > ..... but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5 years
> > old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up)...
>
> Quite likely. And, if you've been in the BIOS, that *may* explain you Boot
> sequence - if it's not seeing the A: at boot-up.
>
> But probably all very academic, if you are seeing Willy later
>
> > ... I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer
>
> So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your existing model
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
> news:uAE6%23moeFHA.3160@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> > Hi Mart.......
> >
> > Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted
me
> > to be. When Willy tried to install XP on here, he had set it up as a
dual
> > boot. He didn't take that aspect off and I have to pick WinME at
startup.
> > So even getting into Safe Mode is a tad different......just played with
it
> > now. So I assume that is the problem. I even made a new Startup Disc,
> > but
> > no go on that.
> >
> > Noel had suggested removing the CD Writer in Device Manager and I found
> > (when I finally got to Safe Mode) that there were two identical Writer
> > drives. Removed first one.....no joy. Removed both.....still no joy.
> > When
> > I put a blank or data CD in that drive, Windows Explorer doesn't see it.
> > Nor do Music Match or Roxio. Settings in Roxio are definitely for the
CD
> > Writer drive.
> >
> > So I guess it is off to Willy the Wonder Tech tomorrow and ask him to
fix
> > me
> > up. I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer and this
latest
> > snafu is shoving me over the edge.....lol!! Hell.....the roof cost me 4
> > times what a new computer will!! Next is the furnace. Another $3500.
> > Time
> > to spend some money on moi, I think!!
> >
> > Thanks for your help, but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5
> > years
> > old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up).....could be 10 for all I know.
> >
> > XX Heather
> > "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> > news:uGhivsieFHA.2288@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> >> Hi Heather, - my standard (edited) response to check-out CD-ROM's in
> > Real
> >> Mode DOS - please use the 'bits' applicable to your CD-RW :-
> >>
> >> OK, then consider the following, which "assumes" two CD-ROM drives are
> >> fitted (CD reader and CD reader/writer) in the computer :-
> >>
> >> To 'see' them in Real Mode DOS, Boot, using your WinMe Startup (floppy)
> > Disk
> >> in the A: drive.
> >> Select option 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.
> >>
> >> Let the screen information scroll until you eventually see a line which
> >> should report a drive letter for each of the CD-ROM's - but note that
> >> they
> >> may not necessarily the same letter as you would expect to see in
> >> Windows.
> >>
> >> For example, you should see TWO CD-ROMS, becoming the E: and the F:, so
> > the
> >> screen should
> >> show:
> >> > Drive E:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> >> > Drive F:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 1
> >> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive E
> >>
> >> (Don't worry that you didn't also see a further line "Your CD-ROM Is
> >> Drive
> >> F" - you won't, it will only show the one)
> >>
> >> When the boot disk finally settles down, you will be presented with an
> > A:\>
> >> prompt.
> >>
> >> Now put a (data) CD into the first CD-ROM and at the A:\> prompt, type
> > "E:"
> >> (no quotes and note the colon after the letter E) Then Press Return.
> >>
> >> Now, at the E:\> prompt, type "DIR /P" (no quotes and note the space)
> >> Then
> >> press Return.
> >>
> >> You should see a listing of the CD contents.
> >>
> >> Try again with the (data) CD in the other drive, this time typing "F:"
at
> >> the "E:\>" prompt to change drives and at the F:\> prompt type "DIR /P"
> > for
> >> the listing.
> >>
> >> Come back with your results. Give EXACT errors reports - if any, but if
> > you
> >> can't "see" it in RM DOS,
> >>
> >> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust.
> >>
> >> Maybe - in more senses than 'just plain dead'. Try an Audio cleaning
disk
> >> kit (from your local HiFi shop, to clean any dust on the laser etc., -
or
> >> more likely, a failing CD-RW, in which case, visit Willy.
> >>
> >> Mart
> >>
> >>
> >> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
> >> news:e8r2T2geFHA.688@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> >> > Hi All......
> >> >
> >> > I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD
in
> >> > it.
> >> > I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before.
> >> > It
> >> > keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both
Roxio
> >> > and
> >> > Music Match burning proggies.
> >> >
> >> > I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went
> > away,
> >> > I
> >> > used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway
thru,
> >> > which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
> >> >
> >> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded
CD
> > in
> >> > it
> >> > and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I play
> >> > songs
> >> > on did.
> >> >
> >> > Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
> >> >
> >> > Cheers....Heather
> >> >
> >> > PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Heather, regarding your last point :-

> You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your
> existing
> model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this
> machine??

My message was essentially that as you are (sooner or later) going to invest
in a Brand New PC, then not to 'waste' your hard earned cash on fettling
your existing PC, but rather, put it towards your new one. If you can manage
without a burner for a while, then that's "money in the bank". However, if a
burner is essential for your day-to-day stuff, then buy the cheapest CD
writer you can find, just to see you thru'.

I just wonder at what point the

> ... WinME boot
> disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.

goes wrong. Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start computer
with CD-ROM support."?

Good luck with your visit to Willy

Mart


"Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:e8D$WEreFHA.580@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> Hi Mart......
>
> I still have the dual boot *start* setup, but due to the old BIOS
> (motherboard?), neither I or Willy could install XP or a second HD, so he
> left the dual boot at the start, but there is nothing other than WinME on
> here.
>
> Complicated I suppose, but it didn't worry me. However, using a WinME
> boot
> disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.
>
> I did see it reading the floppy at the beginning, but it just didn't go to
> what you were describing. Talk about a *hybrid*!!! I still have some XP
> folders on here from the failed install by me in February, but Noel helped
> me get rid of a lot of them.
>
> Then when Willy tried to install it, he got the same crashing. Seems that
> MDG where I bought it put in a really old motherboard or BIOS (get
> confused
> on those two), but Noel saw 2 or 3 dates on the Everest Report.
>
> So while it works fine as ME, it really ticks me off that they (and a lot
> of
> the big companies) put inferior parts in coz they figure no one will ever
> find out. I still may call and blast them, but OTOH, this Willy seems way
> more trustworthy and I will get him to build me a new computer using my XP
> Home.
>
> Thanks for the advice......but I guess I better let him have a look at it
> tomorrow and who knows....it might just be something minor. Got those
> fingers crossed??
>
> You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your
> existing
> model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this
> machine??
>
> Cheers....Heather
>
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> newsHdF7VqeFHA.1448@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>> Hi Heather,
>>
>> I'd forgotten that you were on dual boot - although I did wonder why you
>> were asking on the WinMe pages when I recalled that you were running XP.
>>
>> However, that shouldn't stop you from checking out my previous tests -
>> but
>> using a WinMe Startup (floppy) Disk of course (so long as you still have
>> one!!)
>>
>> The reason being that by using the WinMe boot disk, you are completely
>> eliminating any other OS (XP or WinMe) as you are not booting from your
>> HDD - and hence those systems will not be loaded. (Don't worry if you get
> a
>> warning about a missing/corrupted/virus C: drive - if its NTFS then DOS
>> won't see it and 'assumes' things aren't right)
>>
>> BUT you can look at and test your CD-ROM's, as all the appropriate (DOS
>> 7)
>> OS and drivers are contained on your WinMe floppy.
>>
>> Good old WinMe (well, the boot disk anyway) comes to the rescue again -
>> wouldn't be without it!!
>>
>> > Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted
> me
>> > to be.
>>
>> Please explain <g> - Unless your BIOS is not set to read the A: drive
>> at
>> boot-up. I don't quite see the 'dual boot' relevance - see above.
>>
>> > ..... but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5 years
>> > old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up)...
>>
>> Quite likely. And, if you've been in the BIOS, that *may* explain you
>> Boot
>> sequence - if it's not seeing the A: at boot-up.
>>
>> But probably all very academic, if you are seeing Willy later
>>
>> > ... I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer
>>
>> So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your existing model
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:uAE6%23moeFHA.3160@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi Mart.......
>> >
>> > Well.....tried to do what you said and couldn't get to where you wanted
> me
>> > to be. When Willy tried to install XP on here, he had set it up as a
> dual
>> > boot. He didn't take that aspect off and I have to pick WinME at
> startup.
>> > So even getting into Safe Mode is a tad different......just played with
> it
>> > now. So I assume that is the problem. I even made a new Startup Disc,
>> > but
>> > no go on that.
>> >
>> > Noel had suggested removing the CD Writer in Device Manager and I found
>> > (when I finally got to Safe Mode) that there were two identical Writer
>> > drives. Removed first one.....no joy. Removed both.....still no joy.
>> > When
>> > I put a blank or data CD in that drive, Windows Explorer doesn't see
>> > it.
>> > Nor do Music Match or Roxio. Settings in Roxio are definitely for the
> CD
>> > Writer drive.
>> >
>> > So I guess it is off to Willy the Wonder Tech tomorrow and ask him to
> fix
>> > me
>> > up. I am teetering on the brink of buying a new computer and this
> latest
>> > snafu is shoving me over the edge.....lol!! Hell.....the roof cost me
>> > 4
>> > times what a new computer will!! Next is the furnace. Another $3500.
>> > Time
>> > to spend some money on moi, I think!!
>> >
>> > Thanks for your help, but I guess the drive is screwed up. It is 4.5
>> > years
>> > old (I assume, after that BIOS screw-up).....could be 10 for all I
>> > know.
>> >
>> > XX Heather
>> > "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
>> > news:uGhivsieFHA.2288@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> >> Hi Heather, - my standard (edited) response to check-out CD-ROM's in
>> > Real
>> >> Mode DOS - please use the 'bits' applicable to your CD-RW :-
>> >>
>> >> OK, then consider the following, which "assumes" two CD-ROM drives are
>> >> fitted (CD reader and CD reader/writer) in the computer :-
>> >>
>> >> To 'see' them in Real Mode DOS, Boot, using your WinMe Startup
>> >> (floppy)
>> > Disk
>> >> in the A: drive.
>> >> Select option 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.
>> >>
>> >> Let the screen information scroll until you eventually see a line
>> >> which
>> >> should report a drive letter for each of the CD-ROM's - but note that
>> >> they
>> >> may not necessarily the same letter as you would expect to see in
>> >> Windows.
>> >>
>> >> For example, you should see TWO CD-ROMS, becoming the E: and the F:,
>> >> so
>> > the
>> >> screen should
>> >> show:
>> >> > Drive E:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
>> >> > Drive F:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 1
>> >> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive E
>> >>
>> >> (Don't worry that you didn't also see a further line "Your CD-ROM Is
>> >> Drive
>> >> F" - you won't, it will only show the one)
>> >>
>> >> When the boot disk finally settles down, you will be presented with an
>> > A:\>
>> >> prompt.
>> >>
>> >> Now put a (data) CD into the first CD-ROM and at the A:\> prompt, type
>> > "E:"
>> >> (no quotes and note the colon after the letter E) Then Press Return.
>> >>
>> >> Now, at the E:\> prompt, type "DIR /P" (no quotes and note the space)
>> >> Then
>> >> press Return.
>> >>
>> >> You should see a listing of the CD contents.
>> >>
>> >> Try again with the (data) CD in the other drive, this time typing "F:"
> at
>> >> the "E:\>" prompt to change drives and at the F:\> prompt type "DIR
>> >> /P"
>> > for
>> >> the listing.
>> >>
>> >> Come back with your results. Give EXACT errors reports - if any, but
>> >> if
>> > you
>> >> can't "see" it in RM DOS,
>> >>
>> >> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust.
>> >>
>> >> Maybe - in more senses than 'just plain dead'. Try an Audio cleaning
> disk
>> >> kit (from your local HiFi shop, to clean any dust on the laser etc., -
> or
>> >> more likely, a failing CD-RW, in which case, visit Willy.
>> >>
>> >> Mart
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> >> news:e8r2T2geFHA.688@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> >> > Hi All......
>> >> >
>> >> > I can't get my CD Writer Drive to recognize that there is a blank CD
> in
>> >> > it.
>> >> > I have tried for an hour now. It has never failed like this before.
>> >> > It
>> >> > keeps telling me to put a blank CD in it. I checked it with both
> Roxio
>> >> > and
>> >> > Music Match burning proggies.
>> >> >
>> >> > I checked Device Manager......all seems to be OK. But before I went
>> > away,
>> >> > I
>> >> > used MusicMatch to record a music CD and it was messed up halfway
> thru,
>> >> > which I blamed on the program coz I always use Roxio.
>> >> >
>> >> > I am wondering if this drive has bitten the dust. I put a recorded
> CD
>> > in
>> >> > it
>> >> > and it wouldn't read that either. Yet the DVD Rom drive which I
>> >> > play
>> >> > songs
>> >> > on did.
>> >> >
>> >> > Any thoughts? Or do I go and visit Willy coz this is broken. 8-(((
>> >> >
>> >> > Cheers....Heather
>> >> >
>> >> > PS.....The Mouse is safely home and had a wonderful holiday!!!
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Heather, have you tried several name-brands of CD-RW media? Some
readers/writers are finicky.

BTW, when will Slim Hips and her SO be in Brampton next?
--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
In Memorium: Alex Nichol
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] ichol.mspx
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
------
"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
newsmFr1HveFHA.596@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...

> Heather, regarding your last point :-
>

<SNIP>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

>>>>> I just wonder at what point the... WinME boot disk doesn't get me into
the DOS screen you were talking about.... goes wrong.
Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start computer with CD-ROM
support."?<<<

NO.....couldn't find that. So problems right at the start of your
instructions. Had about 10 other choices. Possibly that was an XP screen?
Will talk to Willy today.

And once I get set up with a new XP computer, I will network this one, copy
over all the things I need and then reformat it, I guess. Get rid of the
extraneous folders and start fresh, using it for backup.

Cheers....Heather

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
newsmFr1HveFHA.596@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> Heather, regarding your last point :-
>
> > You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your
> > existing
> > model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this
> > machine??
>
> My message was essentially that as you are (sooner or later) going to
invest
> in a Brand New PC, then not to 'waste' your hard earned cash on fettling
> your existing PC, but rather, put it towards your new one. If you can
manage
> without a burner for a while, then that's "money in the bank". However, if
a
> burner is essential for your day-to-day stuff, then buy the cheapest CD
> writer you can find, just to see you thru'.
>
> I just wonder at what point the
>
> > ... WinME boot
> > disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.
>
> goes wrong. Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start
computer
> with CD-ROM support."?
>
> Good luck with your visit to Willy
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
> news:e8D$WEreFHA.580@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> > Hi Mart......
> >
> > I still have the dual boot *start* setup, but due to the old BIOS
> > (motherboard?), neither I or Willy could install XP or a second HD, so
he
> > left the dual boot at the start, but there is nothing other than WinME
on
> > here.
> >
> > Complicated I suppose, but it didn't worry me. However, using a WinME
> > boot
> > disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.
> >
> > I did see it reading the floppy at the beginning, but it just didn't go
to
> > what you were describing. Talk about a *hybrid*!!! I still have some
XP
> > folders on here from the failed install by me in February, but Noel
helped
> > me get rid of a lot of them.
> >
> > Then when Willy tried to install it, he got the same crashing. Seems
that
> > MDG where I bought it put in a really old motherboard or BIOS (get
> > confused
> > on those two), but Noel saw 2 or 3 dates on the Everest Report.
> >
> > So while it works fine as ME, it really ticks me off that they (and a
lot
> > of
> > the big companies) put inferior parts in coz they figure no one will
ever
> > find out. I still may call and blast them, but OTOH, this Willy seems
way
> > more trustworthy and I will get him to build me a new computer using my
XP
> > Home.
> >
> > Thanks for the advice......but I guess I better let him have a look at
it
> > tomorrow and who knows....it might just be something minor. Got those
> > fingers crossed??
> >
> > You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your
> > existing
> > model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this
> > machine??
> >
> > Cheers....Heather
> >

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Tried 3 different brands. No go.

SH dumped the SO about 16 months ago. Seems he was a less than intelligent
con man (user) and she booted him out. She said "being single with 2 cats
is preferable to living with a loser", or words to that effect. (G)

Figgs

"Jack E Martinelli" <jemartin_DELETE@NO_SPAM_gis.net> wrote in message
news:eRj6IYveFHA.3808@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Heather, have you tried several name-brands of CD-RW media? Some
> readers/writers are finicky.
>
> BTW, when will Slim Hips and her SO be in Brampton next?
> --
> Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
> Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
> In Memorium: Alex Nichol
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] ichol.mspx
> Your cooperation is very appreciated.
> ------
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> newsmFr1HveFHA.596@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>
> > Heather, regarding your last point :-
> >
>
> <SNIP>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsme.general (More info?)

Mmm...

> >Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start computer
> > with CD-ROM support."?
>
> NO.....couldn't find that.

Ah!. Sounds like you're BIOS is not set to look at the A: drive on Boot-up.

I'm sure Willy should be able to sort that for you.

Mart


"Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:u27SpYzeFHA.412@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> I just wonder at what point the... WinME boot disk doesn't get me
>>>>>> into
> the DOS screen you were talking about.... goes wrong.
> Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start computer with
> CD-ROM
> support."?<<<
>
> NO.....couldn't find that. So problems right at the start of your
> instructions. Had about 10 other choices. Possibly that was an XP
> screen?
> Will talk to Willy today.
>
> And once I get set up with a new XP computer, I will network this one,
> copy
> over all the things I need and then reformat it, I guess. Get rid of the
> extraneous folders and start fresh, using it for backup.
>
> Cheers....Heather
>
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> newsmFr1HveFHA.596@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Heather, regarding your last point :-
>>
>> > You said....."So don't be tempted to throw good after bad, on your
>> > existing
>> > model" meaning in Cumbrian talk not to put a new CD Writer on this
>> > machine??
>>
>> My message was essentially that as you are (sooner or later) going to
> invest
>> in a Brand New PC, then not to 'waste' your hard earned cash on fettling
>> your existing PC, but rather, put it towards your new one. If you can
> manage
>> without a burner for a while, then that's "money in the bank". However,
>> if
> a
>> burner is essential for your day-to-day stuff, then buy the cheapest CD
>> writer you can find, just to see you thru'.
>>
>> I just wonder at what point the
>>
>> > ... WinME boot
>> > disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.
>>
>> goes wrong. Did you get the (DOS) Menu containing option 2. "Start
> computer
>> with CD-ROM support."?
>>
>> Good luck with your visit to Willy
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "Heather" <figgs@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:e8D$WEreFHA.580@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi Mart......
>> >
>> > I still have the dual boot *start* setup, but due to the old BIOS
>> > (motherboard?), neither I or Willy could install XP or a second HD, so
> he
>> > left the dual boot at the start, but there is nothing other than WinME
> on
>> > here.
>> >
>> > Complicated I suppose, but it didn't worry me. However, using a WinME
>> > boot
>> > disk doesn't get me into the DOS screen you were talking about.
>> >
>> > I did see it reading the floppy at the beginning, but it just didn't go
> to
>> > what you were describing. Talk about a *hybrid*!!! I still have some
> XP
>> > folders on here from the failed install by me in February, but Noel
> helped
>> > me get rid of a lot of them.
>> >
>> > Then when Willy tried to install it, h