Vista - Optical drives

The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally different, I
see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer, but
the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.


"Rock" wrote:

> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1E281BFD-CA04-4F32-9600-F6F3DE5FABD1@microsoft.com...
> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone from
> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables and
> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
> > explorer
> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I backed
> > up
> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the subkey to
> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
> >
> > "Rock" wrote:
> >
> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Rock" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they will
> >> >> > write
> >> >> > but
> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
> >> >> > runnning
> >> >> > Vista
> >> >> > home premium.
> >> >>
> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows open
> >> >> for
> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it by
> >> >> itself
> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here are
> >> >> the
> >> >> questions:
> >> >>
> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent what
> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always been
> >> >> this
> >> >> way
> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older system on
> >> >> which
> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
> >> >> computer's
> >> >> tech
> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
> >> >> install?
> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >>
> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard, power
> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was preinstalled
> >> > so
> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked ok.
> >> > I'm
> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest system
> >> > restore
> >> > without sucsess.
> >>
> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the Vista and
> >> XP
> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave you
> >> were
> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here are
> >> some
> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning software?
> >>
> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer to
> >> Windows Vista
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
> >>
> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you install
> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
> >>
> >> --
> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >>
> >>
>
>
> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second one
> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the controller
> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>
> Where do you see this message about write only?
>
> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been using
> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times cause
> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was at
> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD problems
> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP resolved it
> by reinstalling the OS.
>
> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is backed
> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install in XP.
> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
> problems they were trying to correct.
>
> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of the
> OS (always a last resort.)
>
> --
> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>
>

"doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally different,
> I
> see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
> explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
> reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer, but
> the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.

> "Rock" wrote:
>
>> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:1E281BFD-CA04-4F32-9600-F6F3DE5FABD1@microsoft.com...
>> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
>> > from
>> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
>> > and
>> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
>> > explorer
>> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
>> > backed
>> > up
>> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the subkey
>> > to
>> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
>> >
>> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
>> >> >> > will
>> >> >> > write
>> >> >> > but
>> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
>> >> >> > runnning
>> >> >> > Vista
>> >> >> > home premium.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
>> >> >> open
>> >> >> for
>> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it by
>> >> >> itself
>> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
>> >> >> are
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> questions:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
>> >> >> what
>> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always been
>> >> >> this
>> >> >> way
>> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older system
>> >> >> on
>> >> >> which
>> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
>> >> >> computer's
>> >> >> tech
>> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
>> >> >> install?
>> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >>
>> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
>> >> > power
>> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
>> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
>> >> > preinstalled
>> >> > so
>> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
>> >> > ok.
>> >> > I'm
>> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
>> >> > system
>> >> > restore
>> >> > without sucsess.
>> >>
>> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the Vista
>> >> and
>> >> XP
>> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave you
>> >> were
>> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here are
>> >> some
>> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
>> >> software?
>> >>
>> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer to
>> >> Windows Vista
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
>> >>
>> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you install
>> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second one
>> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
>> controller
>> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
>> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>>
>> Where do you see this message about write only?
>>
>> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
>> using
>> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times cause
>> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was at
>> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD problems
>> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP resolved
>> it
>> by reinstalling the OS.
>>
>> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
>> backed
>> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install in
>> XP.
>> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
>> problems they were trying to correct.
>>
>> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
>> the
>> OS (always a last resort.)


Sorry Doug, I'm out of suggestions.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

"doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally different,
> I
> see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
> explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
> reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer, but
> the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.

> "Rock" wrote:
>
>> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
>> > from
>> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
>> > and
>> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
>> > explorer
>> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
>> > backed
>> > up
>> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the subkey
>> > to
>> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
>> >
>> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
>> >> >> > will
>> >> >> > write
>> >> >> > but
>> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
>> >> >> > runnning
>> >> >> > Vista
>> >> >> > home premium.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
>> >> >> open
>> >> >> for
>> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it by
>> >> >> itself
>> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
>> >> >> are
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> questions:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
>> >> >> what
>> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always been
>> >> >> this
>> >> >> way
>> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older system
>> >> >> on
>> >> >> which
>> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
>> >> >> computer's
>> >> >> tech
>> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
>> >> >> install?
>> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >>
>> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
>> >> > power
>> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
>> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
>> >> > preinstalled
>> >> > so
>> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
>> >> > ok.
>> >> > I'm
>> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
>> >> > system
>> >> > restore
>> >> > without sucsess.
>> >>
>> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the Vista
>> >> and
>> >> XP
>> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave you
>> >> were
>> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here are
>> >> some
>> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
>> >> software?
>> >>
>> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer to
>> >> Windows Vista
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
>> >>
>> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you install
>> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second one
>> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
>> controller
>> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
>> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>>
>> Where do you see this message about write only?
>>
>> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
>> using
>> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times cause
>> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was at
>> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD problems
>> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP resolved
>> it
>> by reinstalling the OS.
>>
>> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
>> backed
>> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install in
>> XP.
>> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
>> problems they were trying to correct.
>>
>> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
>> the
>> OS (always a last resort.)

Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista DVD?
It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.

This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1 file.
You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
delete it.

Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over itself. I
would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system to an
external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.

Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

I will try to run the Vista DVD manually on Sunday to repair or if that fails
a reinstall.
I will have to unplug the drives, restart then restart again with drives
pluged in to see the contents. Your Question about registry cleaner, I have
used Registry Mecanic since installing Vista without problem and tried it to
cure the problem with it to no avail, Doug.


"Rock" wrote:

> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> > The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally different,
> > I
> > see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
> > explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
> > reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer, but
> > the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.
>
> > "Rock" wrote:
> >
> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
> >> > from
> >> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
> >> > and
> >> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
> >> > explorer
> >> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
> >> > backed
> >> > up
> >> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the subkey
> >> > to
> >> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
> >> >
> >> > "Rock" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
> >> >> >> > will
> >> >> >> > write
> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
> >> >> >> > runnning
> >> >> >> > Vista
> >> >> >> > home premium.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
> >> >> >> open
> >> >> >> for
> >> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it by
> >> >> >> itself
> >> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
> >> >> >> are
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> questions:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
> >> >> >> what
> >> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always been
> >> >> >> this
> >> >> >> way
> >> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older system
> >> >> >> on
> >> >> >> which
> >> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
> >> >> >> computer's
> >> >> >> tech
> >> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
> >> >> >> install?
> >> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >> >>
> >> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
> >> >> > power
> >> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
> >> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
> >> >> > preinstalled
> >> >> > so
> >> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
> >> >> > ok.
> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
> >> >> > system
> >> >> > restore
> >> >> > without sucsess.
> >> >>
> >> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the Vista
> >> >> and
> >> >> XP
> >> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave you
> >> >> were
> >> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here are
> >> >> some
> >> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
> >> >> software?
> >> >>
> >> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer to
> >> >> Windows Vista
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
> >> >>
> >> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you install
> >> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second one
> >> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
> >> controller
> >> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
> >> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
> >>
> >> Where do you see this message about write only?
> >>
> >> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
> >> using
> >> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times cause
> >> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was at
> >> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD problems
> >> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP resolved
> >> it
> >> by reinstalling the OS.
> >>
> >> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
> >> backed
> >> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install in
> >> XP.
> >> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
> >> problems they were trying to correct.
> >>
> >> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
> >> the
> >> OS (always a last resort.)
>
> Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista DVD?
> It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.
>
> This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1 file.
> You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
> delete it.
>
> Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over itself. I
> would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system to an
> external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.
>
> Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?
>
> --
> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>
>

would suggest not running System Mechanic till you see that the drives work or not.
it is possible that some how for unknown reason this program has caused a problem.



mikeyhsd@comcast.net



"doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:13449222-DE2E-428F-9DFC-722EDC10AEF0@microsoft.com...
I will try to run the Vista DVD manually on Sunday to repair or if that fails
a reinstall.
I will have to unplug the drives, restart then restart again with drives
pluged in to see the contents. Your Question about registry cleaner, I have
used Registry Mecanic since installing Vista without problem and tried it to
cure the problem with it to no avail, Doug.


"Rock" wrote:

> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> > The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally different,
> > I
> > see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
> > explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
> > reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer, but
> > the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.
>
> > "Rock" wrote:
> >
> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
> >> > from
> >> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
> >> > and
> >> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
> >> > explorer
> >> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
> >> > backed
> >> > up
> >> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the subkey
> >> > to
> >> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
> >> >
> >> > "Rock" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
> >> >> >> > will
> >> >> >> > write
> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
> >> >> >> > runnning
> >> >> >> > Vista
> >> >> >> > home premium.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
> >> >> >> open
> >> >> >> for
> >> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it by
> >> >> >> itself
> >> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
> >> >> >> are
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> questions:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
> >> >> >> what
> >> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always been
> >> >> >> this
> >> >> >> way
> >> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older system
> >> >> >> on
> >> >> >> which
> >> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
> >> >> >> computer's
> >> >> >> tech
> >> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
> >> >> >> install?
> >> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >> >>
> >> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
> >> >> > power
> >> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
> >> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
> >> >> > preinstalled
> >> >> > so
> >> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
> >> >> > ok.
> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
> >> >> > system
> >> >> > restore
> >> >> > without sucsess.
> >> >>
> >> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the Vista
> >> >> and
> >> >> XP
> >> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave you
> >> >> were
> >> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here are
> >> >> some
> >> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
> >> >> software?
> >> >>
> >> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer to
> >> >> Windows Vista
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
> >> >>
> >> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you install
> >> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second one
> >> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
> >> controller
> >> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
> >> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
> >>
> >> Where do you see this message about write only?
> >>
> >> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
> >> using
> >> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times cause
> >> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was at
> >> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD problems
> >> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP resolved
> >> it
> >> by reinstalling the OS.
> >>
> >> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
> >> backed
> >> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install in
> >> XP.
> >> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
> >> problems they were trying to correct.
> >>
> >> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
> >> the
> >> OS (always a last resort.)
>
> Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista DVD?
> It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.
>
> This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1 file.
> You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
> delete it.
>
> Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over itself. I
> would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system to an
> external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.
>
> Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?
>
> --
> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>
>

"doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>I will try to run the Vista DVD manually on Sunday to repair or if that
>fails
> a reinstall.
> I will have to unplug the drives, restart then restart again with drives
> pluged in to see the contents. Your Question about registry cleaner, I
> have
> used Registry Mecanic since installing Vista without problem and tried it
> to
> cure the problem with it to no avail, Doug.

> "Rock" wrote:
>
>> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> > The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally
>> > different,
>> > I
>> > see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
>> > explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
>> > reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer,
>> > but
>> > the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.
>>
>> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
>> >> > from
>> >> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
>> >> > and
>> >> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
>> >> > explorer
>> >> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
>> >> > backed
>> >> > up
>> >> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the
>> >> > subkey
>> >> > to
>> >> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
>> >> >
>> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> "doug" <doug@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
>> >> >> >> > will
>> >> >> >> > write
>> >> >> >> > but
>> >> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
>> >> >> >> > runnning
>> >> >> >> > Vista
>> >> >> >> > home premium.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
>> >> >> >> open
>> >> >> >> for
>> >> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it
>> >> >> >> by
>> >> >> >> itself
>> >> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
>> >> >> >> are
>> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> questions:
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
>> >> >> >> what
>> >> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always
>> >> >> >> been
>> >> >> >> this
>> >> >> >> way
>> >> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older
>> >> >> >> system
>> >> >> >> on
>> >> >> >> which
>> >> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
>> >> >> >> computer's
>> >> >> >> tech
>> >> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
>> >> >> >> install?
>> >> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >> >>
>> >> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
>> >> >> > power
>> >> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
>> >> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
>> >> >> > preinstalled
>> >> >> > so
>> >> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
>> >> >> > ok.
>> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
>> >> >> > system
>> >> >> > restore
>> >> >> > without sucsess.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the
>> >> >> Vista
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> XP
>> >> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> were
>> >> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here
>> >> >> are
>> >> >> some
>> >> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
>> >> >> software?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer
>> >> >> to
>> >> >> Windows Vista
>> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
>> >> >>
>> >> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you
>> >> >> install
>> >> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
>> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second
>> >> one
>> >> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
>> >> controller
>> >> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
>> >> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>> >>
>> >> Where do you see this message about write only?
>> >>
>> >> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
>> >> using
>> >> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times
>> >> cause
>> >> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was
>> >> at
>> >> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD
>> >> problems
>> >> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP
>> >> resolved
>> >> it
>> >> by reinstalling the OS.
>> >>
>> >> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
>> >> backed
>> >> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install
>> >> in
>> >> XP.
>> >> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
>> >> problems they were trying to correct.
>> >>
>> >> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
>> >> the
>> >> OS (always a last resort.)
>>
>> Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista DVD?
>> It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.
>>
>> This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1 file.
>> You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
>> delete it.
>>
>> Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over itself.
>> I
>> would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system to
>> an
>> external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.
>>
>> Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?

Yeah now I remember you said that before, and I replied before that the
registry cleaner could be the cause of the problems. My recommendation is
to not use one. They are snake oil remedies that cause more problems then
they ever fix. In fact someone else recently posted they had a problem with
DVDs after running a reg cleaner.

The only way to use one is for suggestions on what to change, but don't let
it do anything automatically. Research each suggestion and only make
changes based knowledge, experience, and on need or a problem. Unused
entries, as a whole, don't cause problems.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

On 21 Apr, 22:12, "Rock" <R...@nospam.net> wrote:
> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>
>
>
>
>
> >I will try to run the Vista DVD manually on Sunday to repair or if that
> >fails
> > a reinstall.
> > I will have to unplug the drives, restart then restart again with drives
> > pluged in to see the contents. Your Question about registry cleaner, I
> > have
> > used Registry Mecanic since installing Vista without problem and tried it
> > to
> > cure the problem with it to no avail, Doug.
> > "Rock" wrote:
>
> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> > The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally
> >> > different,
> >> > I
> >> > see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E" in
> >> > explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled and
> >> > reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only answer,
> >> > but
> >> > the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.
>
> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>
> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had gone
> >> >> > from
> >> >> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected cables
> >> >> > and
> >> >> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen in
> >> >> > explorer
> >> >> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
> >> >> > backed
> >> >> > up
> >> >> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the
> >> >> > subkey
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the problem.
>
> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>
> >> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >>news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
>
> >> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>
> >> >> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode, they
> >> >> >> >> > will
> >> >> >> >> > write
> >> >> >> >> > but
> >> >> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I am
> >> >> >> >> > runnning
> >> >> >> >> > Vista
> >> >> >> >> > home premium.
>
> >> >> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply windows
> >> >> >> >> open
> >> >> >> >> for
> >> >> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent it
> >> >> >> >> by
> >> >> >> >> itself
> >> >> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions. Here
> >> >> >> >> are
> >> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> >> questions:
>
> >> >> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If recent
> >> >> >> >> what
> >> >> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always
> >> >> >> >> been
> >> >> >> >> this
> >> >> >> >> way
> >> >> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older
> >> >> >> >> system
> >> >> >> >> on
> >> >> >> >> which
> >> >> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
> >> >> >> >> computer's
> >> >> >> >> tech
> >> >> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a clean
> >> >> >> >> install?
> >> >> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
>
> >> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>
> >> >> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new motherboard,
> >> >> >> > power
> >> >> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
> >> >> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
> >> >> >> > preinstalled
> >> >> >> > so
> >> >> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and worked
> >> >> >> > ok.
> >> >> >> > I'm
> >> >> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
> >> >> >> > system
> >> >> >> > restore
> >> >> >> > without sucsess.
>
> >> >> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the
> >> >> >> Vista
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >> XP
> >> >> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I gave
> >> >> >> you
> >> >> >> were
> >> >> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use. Here
> >> >> >> are
> >> >> >> some
> >> >> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
> >> >> >> software?
>
> >> >> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a computer
> >> >> >> to
> >> >> >> Windows Vista
> >> >> >>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
>
> >> >> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you
> >> >> >> install
> >> >> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
> >> >> >>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>
> >> >> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the second
> >> >> one
> >> >> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
> >> >> controller
> >> >> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
> >> >> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>
> >> >> Where do you see this message about write only?
>
> >> >> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you been
> >> >> using
> >> >> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times
> >> >> cause
> >> >> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There was
> >> >> at
> >> >> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD
> >> >> problems
> >> >> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP
> >> >> resolved
> >> >> it
> >> >> by reinstalling the OS.
>
> >> >> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data is
> >> >> backed
> >> >> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair install
> >> >> in
> >> >> XP.
> >> >> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect the
> >> >> problems they were trying to correct.
>
> >> >> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall of
> >> >> the
> >> >> OS (always a last resort.)
>
> >> Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista DVD?
> >> It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.
>
> >> This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1 file.
> >> You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
> >> delete it.
>
> >> Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over itself.
> >> I
> >> would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system to
> >> an
> >> external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.
>
> >> Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?
>
> Yeah now I remember you said that before, and I replied before that the
> registry cleaner could be the cause of the problems. My recommendation is
> to not use one. They are snake oil remedies that cause more problems then
> they ever fix. In fact someone else recently posted they had a problem with
> DVDs after running a reg cleaner.
>
> The only way to use one is for suggestions on what to change, but don't let
> it do anything automatically. Research each suggestion and only make
> changes based knowledge, experience, and on need or a problem. Unused
> entries, as a whole, don't cause problems.
>
> --
> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I had to reinstall Vista. Not easy as I had to change boot drive in
the bios & unplug drives, restart etc. All is now working ok, just
putting all my programs and data back on the reformated drive.

<djf46@hotmail.co.uk> wrote
> On 21 Apr, 22:12, "Rock" <R...@nospam.net> wrote:
>> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote

>> >I will try to run the Vista DVD manually on Sunday to repair or if that
>> >fails
>> > a reinstall.
>> > I will have to unplug the drives, restart then restart again with
>> > drives
>> > pluged in to see the contents. Your Question about registry cleaner, I
>> > have
>> > used Registry Mecanic since installing Vista without problem and tried
>> > it
>> > to
>> > cure the problem with it to no avail, Doug.

>> > "Rock" wrote:

>> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> > The 2nd item does not seem to apply as the symtoms are totally
>> >> > different,
>> >> > I
>> >> > see the message this disk is blank When I click on drive "D" or "E"
>> >> > in
>> >> > explorer. I can write to the drives ok. I have already uninsalled
>> >> > and
>> >> > reinstalled. It looks like a reinsall of the Vista is the only
>> >> > answer,
>> >> > but
>> >> > the drive can't see the DVD! Doug.
>>
>> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>>
>> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> > Rock I unplugged power & IDE cables, restarted, both drives had
>> >> >> > gone
>> >> >> > from
>> >> >> > device manager, I ran registry mecanic & shutdown, reconected
>> >> >> > cables
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > restarted. The drives did not autorun but the files could be seen
>> >> >> > in
>> >> >> > explorer
>> >> >> > & started. I restarted and the old fault was back "write only". I
>> >> >> > backed
>> >> >> > up
>> >> >> > and tried regedit, but thre is no Upper or Lower filters in the
>> >> >> > subkey
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > delete as KB/929461. So I am still at a loss in solving the
>> >> >> > problem.
>>
>> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>>
>> >> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >>news:A69B1C55-5560-4F3D-8D54-787CF28D78AC@microsoft.com...
>>
>> >> >> >> > "Rock" wrote:
>>
>> >> >> >> >> "doug" <d...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> >> >> > My DVD writer & CD writer are both locked in write mode,
>> >> >> >> >> > they
>> >> >> >> >> > will
>> >> >> >> >> > write
>> >> >> >> >> > but
>> >> >> >> >> > will not read. CD's show as blank disks. Can anyone help? I
>> >> >> >> >> > am
>> >> >> >> >> > runnning
>> >> >> >> >> > Vista
>> >> >> >> >> > home premium.
>>
>> >> >> >> >> Sorry Doug, I messed up. I inadvertently had two reply
>> >> >> >> >> windows
>> >> >> >> >> open
>> >> >> >> >> for
>> >> >> >> >> your message and copied that link to an empty window and sent
>> >> >> >> >> it
>> >> >> >> >> by
>> >> >> >> >> itself
>> >> >> >> >> instead of adding it to the reply that had some questions.
>> >> >> >> >> Here
>> >> >> >> >> are
>> >> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> >> questions:
>>
>> >> >> >> >> Has it always been this way or is it a recent change? If
>> >> >> >> >> recent
>> >> >> >> >> what
>> >> >> >> >> changed between when things worked and now? If it has always
>> >> >> >> >> been
>> >> >> >> >> this
>> >> >> >> >> way
>> >> >> >> >> is this a new computer with Vista preinstalled, or an older
>> >> >> >> >> system
>> >> >> >> >> on
>> >> >> >> >> which
>> >> >> >> >> you installed Vista? If the former have you talked with the
>> >> >> >> >> computer's
>> >> >> >> >> tech
>> >> >> >> >> support? If the latter, was this an upgrade from XP, or a
>> >> >> >> >> clean
>> >> >> >> >> install?
>> >> >> >> >> Did the drives work ok in XP?
>>
>> >> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>>
>> >> >> >> > This was an old machine which failed, I fitted a new
>> >> >> >> > motherboard,
>> >> >> >> > power
>> >> >> >> > suppy,keyboard,DVD writer,graphics
>> >> >> >> > card all of which were faulty. I was running XP but it was
>> >> >> >> > preinstalled
>> >> >> >> > so
>> >> >> >> > I had to buy an new OEM OS. This was a > clean install and
>> >> >> >> > worked
>> >> >> >> > ok.
>> >> >> >> > I'm
>> >> >> >> > not sure when the drives stopped working, I've used the oldest
>> >> >> >> > system
>> >> >> >> > restore
>> >> >> >> > without sucsess.
>>
>> >> >> >> Sorry again Doug, I have been going back and forth between the
>> >> >> >> Vista
>> >> >> >> and
>> >> >> >> XP
>> >> >> >> newsgroups, and in so doing forgot where I was. The links I
>> >> >> >> gave
>> >> >> >> you
>> >> >> >> were
>> >> >> >> all for XP. There might be some similarities for Vista use.
>> >> >> >> Here
>> >> >> >> are
>> >> >> >> some
>> >> >> >> for Vista. Also did you install any 3rd party CD / DVD burning
>> >> >> >> software?
>>
>> >> >> >> Optical drives do not work as expected after you upgrade a
>> >> >> >> computer
>> >> >> >> to
>> >> >> >> Windows Vista
>> >> >> >>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461/en-us
>>
>> >> >> >> CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive appears to be missing after you
>> >> >> >> install
>> >> >> >> Windows XP or Windows Vista Beta 2
>> >> >> >>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
>>
>> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]
>>
>> >> >> What about the other knowledge base articles starting with the
>> >> >> second
>> >> >> one
>> >> >> referenced above? Have you tried uninstalling the drives and the
>> >> >> controller
>> >> >> they are on through Device Manager, shutting the system down, then
>> >> >> restarting and letting windows redetect them?
>>
>> >> >> Where do you see this message about write only?
>>
>> >> >> With System Mechanic, is that a registry cleaner? If so have you
>> >> >> been
>> >> >> using
>> >> >> that regularly? Registry cleaners are not needed, and often times
>> >> >> cause
>> >> >> more problems than they are help (and seldom do they help). There
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> at
>> >> >> least one other thread in these newsgroups recently about CD/DVD
>> >> >> problems
>> >> >> that were associated with the use of a registry cleaner. The OP
>> >> >> resolved
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> by reinstalling the OS.
>>
>> >> >> If none of the above things correct the problem, and all the data
>> >> >> is
>> >> >> backed
>> >> >> up, try an upgrade of Vista over itself, similar to a repair
>> >> >> install
>> >> >> in
>> >> >> XP.
>> >> >> Some people have reported it worked and helped. I don't recollect
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> problems they were trying to correct.
>>
>> >> >> If that doesn't do it, then you could look doing a clean resinstall
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> OS (always a last resort.)
>>
>> >> Doug, have you tried running a startup repair by booting the Vista
>> >> DVD?
>> >> It's a huge long shot but you might want to try it.
>>
>> >> This is an even longer shot. Delete the C:\windows\inf\INFCACHE.1
>> >> file.
>> >> You'll need to edit the permissions to give your account permission to
>> >> delete it.
>>
>> >> Another option is to do an inplace upgrade, upgrading Vista over
>> >> itself.
>> >> I
>> >> would only do this as a last resort, and would first image the system
>> >> to
>> >> an
>> >> external hard drive in case it didn't work I could restore the image.
>>
>> >> Did you by any chance use a registry cleaner?
>>
>> Yeah now I remember you said that before, and I replied before that the
>> registry cleaner could be the cause of the problems. My recommendation
>> is
>> to not use one. They are snake oil remedies that cause more problems
>> then
>> they ever fix. In fact someone else recently posted they had a problem
>> with
>> DVDs after running a reg cleaner.
>>
>> The only way to use one is for suggestions on what to change, but don't
>> let
>> it do anything automatically. Research each suggestion and only make
>> changes based knowledge, experience, and on need or a problem. Unused
>> entries, as a whole, don't cause problems.

> I had to reinstall Vista. Not easy as I had to change boot drive in
> the bios & unplug drives, restart etc. All is now working ok, just
> putting all my programs and data back on the reformated drive.


Sorry it had to come down to that, but glad things are working ok now.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]