How do I get my DVD R/RW to work?

[lostkat]

I want to back up my photos onto DVD, but Nero doesn't seem to recognise that my computer has a DVD R/RW drive, and asks for the disc (which of course I don't have) when I try to get it to detect it.

Are there any simple, small (HDD full) programmes that I can use just to make a straight back up of various photos onto DVD?

It's a LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1653S if it makes any difference.

I take it that XP can't do it?

[leowyatt]

you used to be able to format a cdrw to act a a normal disc and just use that.

[Mark]

I have a 1653S and a 1673S and I'm sure they both came with Nero, so it should work.

I think I have the disk from the 1653S if you want me to try and pull anything off it for you.

[After_8]

XP can't just drag and drop to DVDs because Microsoft didn't want to pay for the extra DVD license money. I think Vista might be able to do this.

Nero should be able to use that drive without problem, but failing that there're plenty other programs for burning discs. I sometimes use Power ISO from http://www.poweriso.com/ since it supports file types that many other programs don't. It's fairly decent, so might be worth a look for you.

[Mark]

Vista can indeed. Didn't realise XP couldn't because MS didn't want to pay though.

[lostkat]

Any more ideas? Preferably free ones??? Had a look at the Lite-On website and there's nothing but trial copies of Nero :/

Help??? I have a useless DVD drive here and have wasted money on DVD+R's that it doesn't look like I can use :(

[Zirax]

Have you considered visiting some torrent sites for Nero? That should get you the latest version

[Mark]

Kate, did you miss my reply? I have the same drive as you and I think I have the CD for it. I'll check tomorrow.

I have a suspicion this is the drive I sold you - I'll gladly do what I can to help.

[lostkat]

Sorry Mark, didn't read it properly. Have you sold me a drive?? *forgetful* Thought I got it off Ebuyer ages ago, but could be wrong. If you have the CD and that has something on it that'll work, that'd be great. Currently trying some freeware, but it's not doing much :/

[Mark]

I'm sure I did - at an OcUK UB Doo I think. That, and a case fan.

I'll see what I can find tomorrow. The drive is at work so I'm hoping the CD is there too.

[Daz]

If you want some other software just to see what it can find, try cdburnerxp (http://cdburnerxp.se/). Should at least indicate if it's just Windows having a barney or if its something else.

[lostkat]

Right, I've got some freeware called "Instant CD & DVD Burner", which is horrific, but is working for now.

I think you're right Mark, it's all coming back now lol. If you could get the disc that would be fantastic :)

I have a version of Nero which came from a Torrent, but it doesn't want to know about the DVD drive. Just asks for a disc every time I try and detect it. Will see if I can find anything better, but I'm not too good with this whole torrent milarky and I REALLY need to get some data off this hard drive before I download anything else. Got about 1/2 gig spare at best and everything's starting to grind to a halt. EEK!!!!

Cheers all.

[lostkat]

I probably did, I just wasn't on MSN last night so I didn't get a notification. Thanks a lot, will have a look when I get home :)

[Burble]

I (read the company) bought Nero 8 yesterday (that'll teach me to check i've got all my stuff installed when setting up a new laptop). If you want a copy give me a prod Kate.

[Mark]

OK - I failed in the search at work. That means either I took it back home or it got lost when I recently had to do an emergency change of office furniture (lock broke on a cupboard and it had to be forced). All is not lost though - since I have a second drive, there's another disc somewhere at home. I'll turn stuff out tonight if you don't have a solution by then.

[Wossi]

If you require a key for Nero 7 I may have some spare ones just lying about.