Hi,

I'm running a Dell Dimension 3000 with a Sony CRX330E DVD/CD-RW drive.

When I put the Myst V disk in, it doesn't autorun.

If I use Windows Explorer to look at the contents, it allows me to enter the disk directory but there's nothing there.

If I try to use 'Start -> Run' it claims there isn't a disk in the drive.

I know the disk is fine because it works on my friend's system.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

LJ.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LordJuss,

Was the Sony CRX330E original equipment on your Dimension 3000, or did you add it later?

The sony CRX was the original drive that came with the machine.

LJ.

Your CRX330E is apparently having trouble reading discs. This can be due to discs that aren't perfectly clean, or to setup problems with your Dimension 3000 or with Windows, or you might have picked up some sort of malware infestation.

Suggestions, to do in the order shown. Try EoA installation after completing each suggestion.

1. Use your anti-virus, spyware, and adware utilities to do complete, in-depth scans of your hard disk(s). Always log into Windows as Administrator when doing the following.

First, clear your Internet Explorer caches.
-- a. Close all open applications.
-- b. Open a single Internet Explorer session.
-- c. Click on Tools > Internet Options.
-- d. Click on Delete Cookies > OK.
-- e. Click on Delete Files (check the 'Delete all offline content' box) > OK.
-- f. Click on Clear History > Yes.
-- g. Click on OK to exit.

Second, use Windows (*not* Internet) Explorer to search all hard disks and partitions for \temp, \tmp, and \temporary folders, and delete any files in these folders that aren't currently in use. If you can delete a file in a temp folder, it's not in use - if it's in use, Windows won't let you delete it.
-- a. Close all open applications, and open a Windows Explorer session. (Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer.)
-- b. Click on Tools > Find > Files or Folders.
-- c. Type temp in the Named: box.
-- d. Click on the arrow at the right end of the Look in: box and then click on the disk drive to be searched.
-- e. Click on Find Now to start the search.
-- f. Click on the temp folders found to open them.
-- g. Delete any files in these folders that aren't currently in use.
-- h. Repeat for tmp and temporary folders.
-- i. Close Windows Explorer back to the Desktop.

Third, use your anti-virus software to do a complete, in-depth scan of your hard disk(s). This is the 'start it and let it crank' type of scan, not the bootup quickie!

Fourth, do complete, in-depth spyware and adware scans of your hard disk(s). I regularly use and recommend all of:
-- Spybot - Search & Destroy - free version available
-- Ad-aware SE - free version available
-- Spyware Doctor - free scan available
-- PestPatrol - free scan available

2. Make certain that all of the EoA discs are free of smudges, fingerprints, any sort of haze, etc. Don't just look at the discs and say "yeah, clean". Actually clean all of them using either water-clear (additive-free, no witch hazel or whatever, no green color) rubbing alcohol or a warm mild detergent solution. Dry with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth (not paper towels or tissue paper) using a center-outward motion, not circular around the disc. Remove any deep scratches on the disc using one of the repair kits available on-line or at CompUSA, Best Buy, Circuit City, et al. Then try installing EoA.

Also, the laser lenses in your disc drive can build up a haze coating over time which fouls up drive read operation, particularly if:
-- You live in a dusty area.
-- There's a smoker in the house.
-- You don't have a vent hood over your kitchen stove or cooktop.
-- You use burning-candle or plugin (oil-dispersing) room deodorizers.

Using a CD or DVD laser lens cleaning disc can help. This is essentially a CD or DVD with tiny brushes on it that take the haze off of the lenses. The best ones (especially for smokers, non-hooders, and candle burners/oilers) come with a cleaning solution used to wet the brushes, but this isn't a strict requirement. Run the cleaning cycle at least 3 times in succession, as a first pass. Then try installing EoA.

3. Disable Sonic DLA.
-- a. Click on Start.
-- b. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
-- c. In the My Computer window, right-click on CRX330E and choose Properties.
-- d. On the CD Drive Properties screen, click on the DLA tab.
-- e. Click to remove the checkmark from Enable DLA on your drives.
-- f. Click on OK, then reboot.

4. Install the latest chipset drivers for your Dimension 3000, available here from Dell.

5. Have Win XP re-detect your CRX330E.
-- a. Log into Windows as Administrator, and close all open applications.
-- b. Click on Start > Run, type services.msc, then click on OK.
-- c. Double-click on Plug and Play. (If you get a Configuration Manager message, click on OK.)
-- d. In the Startup Type list, click on Automatic, then click on OK.
-- e. Close Services, and reboot into normal Windows. Log in as Administrator, and close all open applications.
-- f. If you get no error messages during bootup, reboot into Safe Mode.
-- g. Right-click on the My Computer icon on the Desktop.
-- h. Click on Properties, click on the Hardware tab, then click on Device Manager.
-- i. Click on your CRX330E, and press Delete.
-- j. Close Device Manager, go back to the Desktop, and reboot into normal Windows. Your CRX330E should be re-detected during the reboot process.

6. Take a look at:
-- How to Install a CD-RW Drive & Various Tips, especially Sections 9 through 15
-- SONY CRX330E stutter playback - chipset driver reinstallation?, both pages
-- How do I restore my CD drive functionality after uninstalling Roxio Easy CD Creator in Microsoftâ® Windowsâ® XP?
-- Myst V: Clean Boot Install/Re-install With Win XP, especially under Installing and Re-Installing EoA, "1. Preventing Installation Problems - General Comments"


BTW, if you don't already have the URL, drivers and downloads for your Dimension 3000 are available here from Dell. The Sony CRX330E User's Guide is available here.

This is now fixed. Thanks for the suggestions.

For information, turning off DLA and resetting did fix it but only intermittantly. In the end I removed the Sonic DLA software and that seemed to do the trick.

Thanks,

LJ.