Weird CD-RW Problem

[Albinoni]

Sorry to say but there is definately something not right here. Let me explain. I re-formatted this whole CD-RW and erased all the data using the full format function. After that I did a InCD format as I want to use this CD-RW as InCD format. All this went well and the CD-RW's format was now formatted to InCD meaning that I was able to drop files into it and also could erase files by deleting them, similar to that of a floppy disk.

Anyhow what I was doing was making a CD-RW and calling it PC Security. Basically what I do is put PC Security software such as firewalls, antivirus, antispam etc etc software on it (mostly free stuff).

Now here's the weid part. I had a look at how much space/capacity I had left which was 450MB's, so I decided to transfer AVG Free edition. During the transfer I of AVG Free edition I got an error which told me that the disc was full, surely AVG doesn't take up more than 450MB's. Now I'm told I've used up 540MB on my CD-RW and also I cannot delete files. What ????? If I'm using this CD-RW as InCD format I should be able to delete, rename files like what you do uing a 3.5" floppy disk.

[Bhairav]

Try a full format using Nero or CDSPeed and then try an InCD format.

[pranav81]

Is the CD-RW old?As Bhairav has said,try reformatting the disc.


::Pranav::

[Albinoni]

Now in regards to my above post it seems that things have gotten a lot worse. After having probs with TDK CD-RW I decided to go out and buy some Imation CD-RW's which is made by CMC magnetics. I formatted these to InCD MRW format which all went well than tranferred/burnt some files onto it. This process all went well and wasn't an issue here. Now after the burning or files transfers was done and finish the drama started. When I re-inserted the CD-RW back into the drive and went to My Computer the CD-RW disc in the drive showed up blank, though during the burn process it did burn the files/data onto the CD-RW using InCD method. It was like the CD-RW in the drive was a brand new one and was black.

I did also try and installed a normal CD-R disc and did not have any issues with it.

Questions:

1. The firmware on my Liteon LTR48246S is SS08 should I update it or
leave it.

2. Could this be a firmware issue re the media

3. Whats the best firmware update utlity to use, preferably a windows
based one.

4. Whats the best firmware to use for this drive

5. I'm using InCD version 4.3.20.1 is there any issues with this and if so
what version of InCD would you reccomend.

6. Is the CD-RW faulty or is it my drive.

[pranav81]

I think that InCD is the culprit here.I have never been lucky with InCD before.

I would highly recommend Roxio Drag-To-Disc for your packet writing needs.I have been using the software for about 5 years now,without any problems.I have dozens of CD-RW's formatted with D2D format.I also have some CD-R's,which work fine.


::Pranav::

[Albinoni]

Can I try and revert or go back to an earlier version of InCD. Say like the one before this one or one before that and see.

Thing is where can I download it from to test it.

[MediumRare]

I don't use packet writing, so I can't tell you much there. So on to the other 4 questions.

A firmware update is something you really should do- SS08 is kind of old. I've been using SS0E for years (2 that is ). You can get it directly from LiteOn: http://www.liteonit.com/ODD/webfw/LTR-48246S/R48SS0E.zip (LiteOn's firmware page doesn't function properly with browsers other than IE ). The zip file contains the firmware with integrated Windows-based flasher. Just use that.

I doubt that this is reponsible for your MRW problems, but it sure won't hurt with general burning results

Also, the only CD-RW's I've used are Verbatim. I think it's generally agreed that these are the best available. So if you want to remove that variable from your investigations, try some Verbatim media.

G