Ultra DMA4 mode being reset to PIO...

[freeloader]

I have a pair of Lite On SOHW 1673S burners. I normally use only the master unit to burn CDs and DVDs with Nero. Every once in a while the burn buffer indicator in Nero begins cycling wildly from the high 90%s down to low single digit %s. This is associated with the Device Manager setting "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controlers\Primary Channel/Advanced Settings\Device 0\ULTRA DMA 4" transfer mode being changed to PIO for some unknown reason. The usual result is a coaster from a bad burn.

As soon as the controler driver is uninstalled and the PC rebooted the Ultra DMA 4 setting is restored, the buffer stays in the high 90%s and the burns are good again.

So, my question:
What keeps changing the transfer mode from Ultra DMA4 to PIO?

I haven't a clue as to why it happens. There doesn't seem to be any pattern to it. The only sign that there is a problem is after a burn has begun and the buffer indicator begind cycling meaning that a new coaster is being made.

Thx for any advice on this.

[dodecahedron]

i can never find the link for this but...
WinXP, when it detects a certain number of errors on the IDE channel, automatically switches down to PIO.
maybe a bad cable???

[hoxlund]

bad ide cable/low computer specs

reaching on this one but, low power through the power supply rail (crappy psu)

[TCAS]

Try to upgrade your Motherboard Bios.

[parcival]

You can get this by just reading a badly scratched disk. Google for resetdma.vbs for a script that reset to dma (or go here: http://winhlp.com/WxDMA.htm has a full explanation of the problem as well). There is no need to uninstall/install drivers. Occasionally check your settings and run this script when xp "knows better that you" and switches it to pio.

[freeloader]

Thx guys for your input.

I just built this PC a little over a year ago. While I didn't go for a screamer, I find it hard to believe that it has low specs.

ASUS P5AD2-E Premium - MoBo
Intel 630 3GHz - CPU
2GB Kingston DDR2 533 - RAM
2x Seagate 7200.7 160GB SATA - HDD
Antec NeoPower 480 - PS
2x Lite On SOHW 1673S - DVD
etc.

Basically, I wanted something upgradeable to dual core and 64 bit when it pays to do so.
It runs at internal case temps under 100*F, barely.
Hardware utilities show voltages as stable in the specified ranges.
There is one more BIOS update I can make, but supposedly it only addresses a low speed CPU fan setting.

With that said, I do have a couple of IDE cables left over from building the PC I could try.

I've copied that VB script to Notepad, but I've never played with script before. I'm a bit at a loss as to what to do with it. I can get it figured out if I need to.
I'm reluctant to do a BIOS update unless it is absolutely necessary. I've had a firmware update blowup in my face once. It ruin a perfrectly good piece of hardware. I'm a bit paranoid about those types of updates.

If you have any more thought on this, I'm still open to hear them.
Thx again, guys.

[hoxlund]

vbs scripts are very dangerous, i personally wouldn't try it

if your not acting like a total tool when updating bios then you'll be ok

first thing is to try a new cable, switch up the power connectors also

all else fails, it could be just a failing drive

fork over the $50 or less and get a new burner

also i just installed x64 windows yet again today, after having xp pro for couple of months

theres no getting over the nice speedy quickness of a 64bit OS

[MacClipper]

i can never find the link for this but...

Try this thread,
http://www.cdrinfo.com/forum/tm.asp?m=81131

[dodecahedron]

Try this thread,
http://www.cdrinfo.com/forum/tm.asp?m=81131

thanks MacClipper.
yeah that containd a link to the MS article i was thinking of.