Copied CDs will only play on computer, not stereo or car. Why?!

WeirdoMagnet

I'm trying to burn a few CDs so I can have a copy in the car and leave the original in the house. I'm using Windows Media Player 10.

So, I can copy the CD no problem, but it won't play when I test it on a stereo or in the car. Am I being dim, do I need to change a setting somewhere, or are they copy protected. I've tried it with lots of different CDs, old and new, so I don't think they are protected.

There was a thread on here ages ago (before the forum software changed), but it seems to have vanished.

Someone once said something about adding an index - if so, how do I do that?

Any tips anyone?

TIA

George

Mattjimf

The best way to do is is using nero or something similar to that. When you start it, if your just wanting to copy a cd you select copy disc and it will copy it completely. If you are wanting to make a cd from files on your computer select create audio cd put the files you want on it then burn the cd.
The problem with WMP is that the cds will be made with files that are WMA or MP3, which unless your cd player says it can support these file types, it won't work.

Rex_Mundi

What type of disc are you writing the music on? Chances are that your car stereo doesn't read the type of disc you are using. This happens less on more modern players because they seem set up nowadays to read more types of disc.

I sometimes have this problem with discs I burn for family. Sometimes the discs will play in one stereo and not another.

payless

As Mattjimf says - ensure burning as audio CD not MP3/WMA ( unless you car stereo supports those)

Even then I believe some (older?) car CD players had problems with copies

My friend was having same problem - of course he owned the original but did not want to leave them at risk in his car - although he was doing audio disks & other copied CD's played - found he was using CDRW disks ( instead of CDR ) and that was his problem

Queenie

Ditto payless!! I originally made the mistake of using CDRW's too :doh: Ah well, live and learn (8 CDRW's later!)

wolfman

Try burning at the slowest speed possible. I've often found burning audio or video at maximum, or a high speed is fine for the computer but can cause problems for certain, or cheaper steroes.

I used to burn audio at about 4x speed, but now, as I have a DVD-Writer, Nero will only let me burn at a minimum of about 16x.

Simple answer is, burn at the slowest rate possible, with branded discs (ie Verbatim or TDK). If that still causes problems, either create an image of the tracks you want prior to burning (ie, ISO, Bin/Cue), then burn the image, or upgrade your stereo.

MoneyMonkey

I have not used WMP to copy discs. However, they are tightening up on their digital rights management (copy protection), so it is entirely possible that the copys will not work. I use Roxio Easy CD Creator (or Nero sometimes), and they usually work fine. Just make sure that you finalise the CD.

One thing to point out, is that some CD players do not accept CDR/CDRW. This is especially true with old ones, and those installed in a car.

Hope this helps,

MM.

WeirdoMagnet

Thanks for all your suggestions folks - I'll try them all out! You are as always a hive of information.

It's a new CD player, installed into car last September, so not that old. The indoor stereo is about 8 years old, so that may account for that one. I'll see if we've still got the manual for the car one though. In fact on second thoughts, my Dad had copied one for me that plays fine in the cae, so it must be happy enough reading them.

I have been using CDRWs, so off to Tesco to get some CDRs on the BOGOF offer!

I'll report back to let you know how I got on.

George

Rex_Mundi

I have been using CDRWs, so off to Tesco to get some CDRs on the BOGOF offer!

I think you will find that this is what is causing the problem. I use CD-R and they seem to play on most stereos that I've tried.

WeirdoMagnet

Success! I found a spare CDR (didn't realise we had any), and have copied onto it using WMP, Eva Cassidy now singing away on my stereo - just got to test it in the car now.

Thanks again, you are all :A

George

Pat__3

wolfman wrote:

Try burning at the slowest speed possible. I've often found burning audio or video at maximum, or a high speed is fine for the computer but can cause problems for certain, or cheaper steroes.

I used to burn audio at about 4x speed, but now, as I have a DVD-Writer, Nero will only let me burn at a minimum of about 16x.

Simple answer is, burn at the slowest rate possible, with branded discs (ie Verbatim or TDK). If that still causes problems, either create an image of the tracks you want prior to burning (ie, ISO, Bin/Cue), then burn the image, or upgrade your stereo.

I do agree with you on this wolfman, as the slowest speed is nesscessary for some CD Players.

I have a DVD Rom CD writer as well as a DVD writer, so I can write at really slow speeds.:)



Good Luck Georgina.:)