Solved DVD drive failure?

[Moira]

Hi. My CD/DVD writer is an ATAPI DVD A DH20A4P ATA device. After burning a home video a few days ago I now find I it will not work. In Device Manager the error message reads: Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19). The driver appears to be up to date though. Does this mean the hardware has failed?

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Most likely it is software, the registry. If you can make a system restore from before the problem, you should be ok.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

 

[Moira]

Welcome
Most likely it is software, the registry. If you can make a system restore from before the problem, you should be ok.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

Thanks, I will try it. I've been having problems with system restore as well though.

 

[richc46]

If it is the registry and you cannot correct the problem with System Restore, the final step is to try a repair install and then possibly a reinstall. Before you try any of these steps, you should make a system restore point. If you cannot, you can download the free Macrium Reflect and make a copy of your hard drive and put it on an external hard drive. This will allow you to go back to, at least, what you have today, if needed.

 

[Moira]

I've got file backup running at the moment. When it has finished I'll make a restore point. Not sure how to do a repair install or a reinstall though. I haven't got a disc and of course the drive isn't working??

 

[richc46]

Did you try the system restore?
If worse comes to worse, do you have back ups of all the stuff that you want.

 

[Moira]

Still waiting for the backup to finish but yes I will have everything onan external hard drive.

 

[richc46]

That's good. Did you try the system restore?

 

[Moira]

Will try system restore again once this backup has finished (it is taking forever). Couldn't do it even in safe mode last time when I was having problems with my log on profile (see my previous thread). Thanks for your help by the way.

 

[richc46]

You are welcome. I just hope we can help.

 

[Moira]

You are welcome. I just hope we can help.

Hey, guess what, system restore worked and I have the drive back! There were two Windows updates and I had uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes during the time after the restore point. Do you think it was something there that caused the problem? In other words is it safe to do the updates again?

 

[richc46]

Here is my advice. Do not rely on System Restore. Download the free Macrium Reflect. Make an image of your entire hard drive, now that you are happy with the way it works. Install one update at a time. If they work, fine. If not just use the image to reinstall. Good luck

 

[Moira]

Here is my advice. Do not rely on System Restore. Download the free Macrium Reflect. Make an image of your entire hard drive, now that you are happy with the way it works. Install one update at a time. If they work, fine. If not just use the image to reinstall. Good luck

Thank you so much, I will do that. Thanks again.

 

[richc46]

I am glad that I was able to help solve your problem.