1. What Stand Alone DVD players are compatible with DVD+RW discs?
DVD+RW discs are compatible with most standard DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives. However, there are some DVD-Players and DVD-ROM drives in the market today, especially older units, that are not capable of reading DVD+RW discs. Test results have shown that most DVD players are compatible with most DVD+RW discs. For a compatible listing please see the DVD+RW Alliance's compatibility listing:
NOTE***This list is not maintained by Sony. If your unit is not on this list please contact the DVD player or DVD-ROM manufacturer for specific compatibility questions.
http://www.dvdrw.com/why/compatibility.htm
2. I am unable to recognize DVD blank media in my Sony DVD Recordable drive. Why?
Please make sure you have the latest firmware and ASPI update from our website.
ASPI - http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/software_dwn.htm
Firmware: http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/software_dwn.htm
3. Do DVD+RW PC drives support CAV or CLV recording?
DVD+RW is the only recordable DVD format that allows for both CAV (Constant Angular Velocity - used in high speed access applications) and CLV (Constand Linguar Velocity - used in real time recording applications), so it is an ideal storage medium for both data and video purposes. DVD-RW ("minus" RW) does not support CAV, making it less ideal to use as a computer storage device. DVD-RAM uses the less sophisticated ZCAV (Zoned CAV).
4. Can I use other software with the DVD burner other than the one supplied?
Please refer to the compatibility chart below
http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/index.htm
5. I am trying to install the MyDVD that came with my DRU-530 drive and it will not accept the serial number I input. How can I resolve this?
The serial number for the software will automatically be inputted in the fields. Do not change this serial number. If you have already removed the serial number from the field, please cancel the installation and start the installation over again and the serial number will re-appear.
6. When attempting to do a burn in Windows 2000 or XP, my system froze up and shut down. Once I rebooted the system, the computer no longer detects my drive. How can I get the drive detected again by my system?
Restoring you system to the last know good configuration in Windows 2000 and XP should fix the issue. Below are instructions how to do this.
Windows 2000 Last Known Good Configuration Instructions
1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
2. Click Restart, and then click OK.
3. When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.
4. Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER. NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.
5. Use the arrow keys to highlight an operating system, and then press ENTER.
***Note
Choosing Last Known Good Configuration provides a way to recover from problems such as a newly added driver that may be incorrect for your hardware. It does not solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files. When you choose Last Known Good Configuration, Windows 2000 restores information in registry key HKLM/System/CurrentControlSet only. Any changes you have made in other registry keys remain.
Windows XP Last Know Good Configuration Instructions
If Windows does not start, restart Windows by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature:
1. Start the computer and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
2. Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.
3. If a boot menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER. Windows XP restores the computer to the most recent restore point.
If Windows XP Does Start
1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
6. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
7. Click OK.
Troubleshooting
You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want. To undo the restoration:
1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
4. On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
5. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
6. Click OK.