Wonky CD or developing problem with drive?

[pctechxp]

Hi

I recently reformatted my PC to recover the unallocated space left by a deleted recovery petition (I never bother with those and don’t know why MS insists on system builders using them)

Anyway I backed up my stuff and popped the XP CD into my DVD RAM/RW drive (I also have a CD-R/RW) and rebooted the system.

I got the any key prompted and text mode setup commenced and loaded its drivers, when it reached the starting windows setup message there was a click and the drive appeared to break hard, then spun up again after a second or so.

I completed the necessary option to delete the existing partition and left the machine formatting while I went to grab something to eat.

I came back about 40 minutes later and setup indicated 98% of the copying files process was complete; the drive seemed to be running ok at this point.

The machine rebooted and commenced GUI mode setup, at the installing devices stage, I heard the drive brake hard again and then spin up about 6 or 7 times, setup appeared to be continuing ok.

The machine rebooted once more when setup completed and I began the process of installing updates.

I also ran the Office 2003 installation (DVD based) and the drive appeared to be fine (although this copies the installer and cab files to the hard drive and runs from there)

Once I had installed everything, I decided to look further into the problem.

I created a folder in the root of C called XPCD and used Edit Copy and then Edit Paste to start a copy operation.

I noticed that when copying the NTUPGRAD and another folder (cant recall the name) the drive seemed to brake and spin up again several times (with the LED still lit), the drive would then appear to start spinning slower (from an audible point of view at least), the copy speed would also seem to fluctuate (these files aren't particularly large) but have observed it appears to occur when changing folders.

I repeated this test with the disk in my CD-RW drive and although it would stop momentarily over some files and the speed appeared to change, the drive did not appear to stop completely.

I have tried loading other CD-ROMs such as need for speed underground 2 and king kong with no problems (drive runs evenly throughout the install and file copy test)

I have only ever had one intermittent problem with a DVD game since the system was new, Prince of Persia, warrior within, the drive sometimes refuses to recognise (just spins) until a restart.

My question is, is this normal behaviour for this drive for CD-ROMS, a wonky Windows disk (the surface of the disk looks fine and have wiped with a soft dry cloth) or does this sound like a developing problem (I'm keen to get it nipped in the bud)

Can Davey or another Mesh person please advise? (order number is in my profile).

I'm not dumb when it comes to PCs (I work within software tech support and am a MS Certified technician) but obviously not aware of every drives particular behaviour.

Music CDs and DVD video seems to play ok.


My thanks

pctechxp

[Davey W]

Hi pctechxp,

I couldn't tell you specifically why your drive stops at a certain point, only that it will be due to the disc being read.

The drive will attempt to read as fast as possible, and modify it's speed depending on whether the read was successful. Usually this means the drive just slows down as it spins. Sometimes however the drive needs to reset and it's at that point the spinning stops completely before starting up again.

It isn't a problem with the drive and is caused by the way the data is arranged on the disc more than anything.

Davey

[pctechxp]

Hi Davey

Thanks, I thought as much but just wanted to be sure.

I'd just like to say after reading quite a few negative comments on here that I for one am very impressed by the quality of hardware supplied and the support I have received via this forum but I have got to agree that the quality of telephone support could be better (happy to offer my services in that department, if Mesh are interested, PM me) :-)

All the best

pctechxp

[pctechxp]

Hi Davey and other Mesh folks

I'm having real difficulties with the DVD-RW drive reading CD-ROMs now, DVDs are ok and it seems to burn ok.

I keep getting read errors, have checked the CDs on my CD-RW drive and indeed on DVD units at work (which are also Sony) and all are ok.

I also tried upgrading the drive's firmware from Sony's service and support section on http://www.sonybiz.net but to no avail firmware was for DW-G120A and upgraded the drive from release MYS2 to MYS6.

The questions I have now are:

1) Although I have a three years parts and labour warranty I can't really afford to take time off to wait in for an engineer/drop everything when he ir she decides service Mesh or other PCs in the area, with this in mind, is it possible (without me voiding the warranty) for me to remove the drive, Mesh to raise the paperwork to facilitate an exchange and for me to fit the replacement drive?

2) If the above is permissable, could you tell me what the turnaround timescale would be and whether I could have the replacement part delivered to my work so that it can be signed for?

3) Is it possible for me to deal with one of the Mesh people that moderate this forum as you folks seem to be a lot more helpful than the folks I have spoken to in Customer 'service' and technical support.


I'd really appreciate your help on this.

Looking forward to a swift response.

Thanks

pctechxp

[Davey W]

Hi pctechxp,

The onsite visit would be better for you I think. Even if you had the drive removed and just swapped the part with him when he turned up.

If we collect and replace we would be using Amtrak who could not specify a time of visit. You would essentially be waiting for them, although you could arrange the collect and replace from your work place.

With the onsite, you speak to the engineer when the visit date is arranged and so whilst they also would state they cannot give a specific time, you can come to a personal arrangement with them in most cases to narrow down the visit time.

Let me know which you would prefer as I can happily arrange either.

Davey

[pctechxp]

Hi Davey

Please go ahead and book an onsite (I will PM you my phone numbers for you to pass onto the engineer)

I look forward to hearing from them.


Many thanks

pctechxp

[Davey W]

Hi pctechxp,

All done. I just came across another thread from your about the same problem which I've removed. It had no responses to it so it was obviously better to keep this one and remove the other. Just so you know where it went.

Davey

[pctechxp]

Thanks

I reposted so you knew that it was an update to the original issue.

I should get a call sometime next week then?

pctechxp

[Davey W]

Hi pctechxp,

Yes. We quote 3-5 working days for the contact allthough usually it's the former. It usually depends on how soon we get the part to the depot closest to yourself, and on the company who does the visit and how soon they have an engineer free.

Davey

[pctechxp]

Hi Davey,

Got a call yesterday and engineer calling tomorrow, impressed at the speed.

Fingers crossed its straightforward.

Thanks again

pctechxp

[pctechxp]

Hi Davey

Just to counter some of negative posts, engineer has just been, fitted new drive and all is working fine now.

Excellent service

Thanks again

pctechxp