I need to know if I have a DVD burner

How can I tell if my computer has a DVD burning capability?? I know it is DVD, but can't recall if it burns or not.

 

Open Device Manager
Click on - Expand - DVD/CD-ROM drives.
Write down and post each / all listings
If it is correctly identified, it will provide brand, type, model.
The clues are as follows ...
.... DVD-ROM ... it is a reader, can not write.
.... CDDVDW .... it is a CD/DVD writer and reader.
.... COMBO ....... Generally a CD/DVD Reader - no writing.

 

Under properties it reads HL-DT-ST CDRW/DVD GCC4482 [/B] and type says DVD/CD-ROM drives

so I guess it is read only? correct?

 

Hi Missy,
sounds like it will read CDs and DVDs but only burn CDs

Den

 

Hi Missy

Your optical reads/writes CD's and reads only DVD's
It is a Hitachi/LG product and seems to show up in the Dell computer family. Current update firmware revision E114. This is a DOS based firmware flash utility that will update the HL-DT-ST GCC4482 CDRW/DVD.
Be aware, these files need to be copied to a bootable DOS Floppy diskette or bootable DOS Memory Key.

 

Thanks. Yes it is a dell computer. I have no idea what a bootable DOS floppy or memory key is? Can I use it the way it is? Do I need this update you mention?

Would it even matter if I plan on getting an external DVD burner? TIA

 

I would agree with Steve R Jones, if you are not having issues with the optical, no update is necessary.
What many users do not realize, blank media constantly changes. This is very common in blank DVD media. As manufactures change dyes and or speeds (coded to the disk, tells the optical max burning speed) DVD burners require frequent review of firmware to address new blank media. Since you do not have any problems, NOT burning DVD's, I would leave it alone.
For future reference if any of the following conditions arise, you may need to update the firmware.

 

Hi Folks.

A far easier method to get an optical drive's properties is:

Nero Info Tool

_

 

Is this the Missy that plays violin from MD?