Power Calibration on CD-Rs

Hi,

I have read all the threads regarding problems people are having with writing CD-R/RW/DVDs etc. I have a power calibration issue and have looked all over the internet for a workable solution. I can read all media inserted into the drive, but I can only burn DVD-R discs.


I have tried to change the primary and secondary IDE channels from DMA to PIO in device manager. I have changed my CD-R media from the one I have always used (HHB professional audio discs) to TDK CD-Rs. I have also bought a new CD/DVD drive for my laptop (Matshita DVD-RAM drive UJ845S) as I thought that it was my CD drive was faulty - I've had it for a while. I have checked the Matshita website for any driver updates.

I use windows XP pro SP2 as my OS and Nero as my burning software. I have done a clean install of my computer, pretty much everything I can think of; apart from buying a new laptop!

I have just tried another burn and have saved the log file for the error.

I really hope someone can help as I need it for work next week, cause it gets expensive having to use DVD-Rs to send 200mb of data to my clients.

Thank you in advance for any help with this problem.

Regards
Marconi.

 

Try another burning program. This one
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SilentNight_Micro_CDDVDISOAudio_Burner_d4765.html
says it uses it's own ASPI drivers and is stand alone (no installation required) so it won't conflict with other software. It could be a little "raw" so you may need to do a little research to get use to it. There should be detailed instructions at the developer's website.
Look through the Back Up listing at Majorgeeks for others.

If you are using an old version of Nero OEM, it won't work on a new drive, you need to purchase the latest version for new drives. You should have the option of purchasing OEM burning software with a new drive, but they are usually "aligned" with one software maker or another...Ahead, Adaptec, Sonic, etc., and if you want to run Nero you may need to purchase the full retail version.

Matt

 

Hello Marconi,

You might also try XP's built in one - if only to see if it works.

Type burn into Help & Support's search box for how to.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks for all your advice with this problem: I have tried everything suggested but, still I get this Power Calibration Error! I am now at my wits end. I have emailed the manufacturer and the company I purchased the drive from to see if they have any ideas.

I downloaded the full trial version of Nero 7, CDBurner XP Pro and Microburner - the latter two from MajorGeeks. I also tried to send files to XP's own CD burner but, it wouldn't recognise the drive in the send list and if I double click on the drive from My Computer it tells me that it is not accessible.

Thanks again for the help.
Marconi.

 

Good point Pete. Those first few hits identify Nero specifically. The one about IMAPI might be hopeful.
http://www.gidforums.com/t-1805.html

Nero FAQs, number 9:
http://www.nero.com/nero6/eng/FAQs_Error_Messages.html#9

Looking at what Marconi has done eg., new drive and clean install, I might still see Nero as the common factor.

Power problem...it burns DVDs.

Marconi, if you can't find a solution, I would try another clean install and this time don't install Nero or uninstall it immediately if it comes as part of the laptop's software.

I found what should be a firmware update for that model. Follow the instructions carefully. Use it as a last resort.
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?category=14&manufactor=18

Matt

 

Hi Guys,

Have spent all day re-loading windows sp1 and 2 and all the updates. I now have recogintion of the CD burning facility in xp, I have tried to disable the IMAP thingy but it wouldn't recognise CDs at all so, now set back to manual. Nevertheless it is still not burning.

I might try to reinstall nero7 (full) and disable the IMAP again. I have read the thing about updating firmware and got a little worried about their warning about being at my own risk and stuff.

I'll let you know how the reinstall of nero goes. I used to use it quite happily when, one day it just stopped burning. I thought that the CD burner was faulty and wanted to buy one with DVD capability so I upgraded; same make different model. All my buring on this laptop has been with nero5 express and have never had a problem until July when I was using it quite heavily, that is why I thought my CD drive had broken.

Anyway, just going to install Nero again, according to the forum that Matt sent me a link for it seems that disabling the IMAP has solved most peoples problems.

So here goes!

Thanks for the continued advice.

Tom (Marconi).

 

Hi Pete,

Burnging DVDs is not a problem, the problem lies with burning CDs. Anyway have just tried and it still doesn't work. I might have to get someone in! Ohh the expense. Maybe time for a mac.

Cheers,
Tom.

 

I've tried putting the IMAPI back to manual and still no joy.

Is firmware really that tricky to insall. Maybe I could try it with my old drive first. Anyway I've had enough of windows for one day, I'm going to have some cider up the road and then think about my screenplay.

Thanks again guys,
Tom.

 

Tried it enabled and disabled. The only drives it shows up are my HDDs, is that correct or do you see your burner drive too?

Anyway, it's definately time for Cider now.

 

I'll just add one or two of my thoughts.

You have upgraded to another OEM CD/DVD burner. OEM equipment is "restricted" a lot of the time to not only a specific brand (in this case Toshiba), but also to a specific model. If you don't know whether the UJ845S is completely compatible with your system, you should check (an email to Toshiba's support).

The information on that firmware page suggests that it has standard jumpering, that is, Master, Slave and CS. Is the jumpering correct? You may find information in the laptop's manual/User Guide or check the jumpering on the original drive (although, since that has the same problem, it may not tell you much). Have any other drives been changed in the system that may causing the problems with these drives?

The warnings about the firmware updates are to make you aware that it will only work on the model it was intended for. CD/DVD enthusiasts get into "cross-flashing" to improve performance or capabilities of a drive. As long as you are certain it is correct one for your model it should be safe, but as you can see, they claim no responsibility. Since both of your drives have shown the same symptoms, I am not certain it would help. As you were thinking, it would be better to trial it on the original drive.

Another thought, contact the local Toshiba service center. Ask about getting the laptop's BIOS flashed/updated and let them know the reason why. It is not suggested in any(?) of the Power Calibration fix recommendations, but talking in person to the technican may gain some "insights ". We could be battling a known "bug ". Check any information for BIOS upgrades for your model at the Toshiba website.

See if there are any programs available that will burn CDs outside of Windows. One I can think of is BartPE Ultimate Boot Disk, another Norton Ghost. This would identify a problem inside Windows and rule out a problem with the machine.

Matt
Edit: Another...you mention two brands of media . Try one or two others (get some singles, try Imation). Check the speed information.