Hello Bob,

Windows XP isn't the problem. Which version of Roxio were you using? Roxio
version 5 is not compatible with XP without an update that should be
installed as per Roxio's instructions. Versions 6 and 7 are both compatible,
but have updates that should be installed. There is a known problem with
optical drives not being recognized after Roxio is uninstalled but this
doesn't appear to be the case in your situation.

You stated that neither drive will recognize any CD. Does this include
commercial CDs?  As a starting point, I suggest you check the drive
manufacturer's Web site for any firmware updates for your drives. Then
insure any updates for the software (Roxio, Sonic, SyncBack) has been
installed. All should format to the UDF (Universal Disk Format) file system
which is readable in any Windows system. Check for remnants of previously
installed DVD/CD mastering software as this almost always causes conflicts.

My recommendation is to salvage any data you can from the CD-RW disks and
use CD-R disks. CD-RW disks deteriorate rapidly over time and with use.
Nowadays, CD-R disks are cheaper and they are much more reliable.

You can still use the Backup Utility for Windows to make your backups. Just
save the backup to the hard drive and record or copy it to CD from there.

Sven Swanson, Sr.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert T. Morse" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 9:41 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] XP: Unable to format CD ROM or recognize drive


Neither my CD ROM DVD drive (D:) or my CD R/ CD/RW burner (E:) will now
recognize previously formatted data disks and do not recognize any CD in
either drive.  Nor does my CD burner give me the format option.  My primary
goal is to creative a simple and quick backup to CD/RWs and CD/Rs.  I had
been using Roxio but found it unwelildy so uninstalled Roxio.  I then
planned to use XP's MS Backup until I realized it wouldn't accept CDs.  I
then downloaded SyncBack software (shareware) as well as HP/Sonic DLA files
so I could format the discs in UPD.  I preume my problem is basically with
XP but am stumped - tried ebery knowledge base I could think of.  Hope
someone can assist.  Thnx,

bob.m

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