Dell 5150 problem

COVKID

Purchased comp. approx.2mths. ago. Problem with dvd/cd. drive.
When i put in audio or programme cd. the comp crashes & i have to take out cd. & re-boot.It has also happened with dvd's.Have installed Nero.and copied audio & backup cd ok. Tried to play copied audio cd. comp. crashed.Dont use the drive very often & previously sometimes it worked and sometimes it did'nt,put it down to different cd's (not very comp. literate).although the dvd worked ok.at that time.Dell installed trial vers. of Roxio and a programme called Sonic.What does Sonic do?. Is it anything to do with these.What programme is run when i use the drive. By the way it is a Sony.
Hope this all makes sense. Thanks.

COVKID

Sod's law spent 20mins. typing this in, thought i'll give it one more go,what happens,everything works,dvd's cd's. There must be something wrong somewhere though.Did try keeping the mouse moving but this would'nt have any effect would it?

fguk

Covkid

Firstly, this sounds like it might be a software conflict, so probably shouldnt require replacement of the drive. If it proves to be that way, try giving Dell a call, you should have at least a 90 day warranty with the system.

Secondly, if this problem has happened ever since you bought it, then try removing all of the CD/DVD authoring software you have, Nero, Roxio, Sonic, everything you can think of. Make sure you do a reboot inbetween removing all of the software, just to make sure its all gone. Then see how things go, with just Windows Media Player to play audio or DVD's.

If you can remember a precise time that this started occuring, you may be able to use "system restore" to go back to a point before this started happening. Program, Accesories, System Tools, System Restore, and follow the prompts. You shouldnt lose any of your documents etc, but you should always ensure you have a good backup before fiddling with your computer too much! I would say backup to the DVD/CD writer, but I guess that might be inappropriate!

COVKID

Thanks fguk will give that a try tomorrow.

fairytooth

I would agree with fguk, it is almost certainly a software conflict. Nero is well known for problems with Windows XP. I would unistall that first and see how you get on.

COVKID

Just got back on comp. Tried music cd. comp crashed. Re-booted and got rid of Roxio and Sonic. Had to re-boot and now it works on all discs.Keeping my fingers crossed.Thanks to all for taking the time.