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below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and byline, copyright, and resource box below is included. ---------------------------------------------------------- CD-ROM ProblemsBy Stephen Bucaro
Today there are many forms of CD (compact disc) media. CD-RW allows you to over-write previous data. CD-R is one-time recordable. This article focuses on problems with standard CD-ROMs (read only media), but some of information also applies to recordable forms.
A CD-ROM is written by etching "pits" into surface of disc. To read a CD, a laser beam is directed at disc as it spins inside drive. The areas between pits, called "lands", reflect more light than pits. A sensor in drive reads data by measuring amount of reflected light.
Most problems with CD-ROMs are caused by mishandling. Fingerprints and scratches on surface of CD cause electrical noise when read in drive. Never touch recorded surface of a CD-ROM, always hold it by edges. Never put a label on a CD-ROM, this can cause it to vibrate because of an imbalance.
Use following troubleshooting guide.
Can't Read CD-ROM
First check obvious. Try another CD-ROM in drive. If you have another computer, try first CD-ROM in other computer.
Recordable CDs are made differently than regular CD-ROMS. Instead of etching pits into surface of disc, heat is used to burn spots on surface of disc. Some high-speed CD-ROM drives cannot read some recordable CDs. Also, file structure on a recordable CD may not be compatible with operating system.
No CD Sound
If CD drive starts, but no sound comes from speakers, try plugging a headset into jack on front of drive. If headset works, problem is in your speaker system or sound card.
If CD drive does not start, enable autoplay on your computer. Select Start | Settings | Control Panel | System. In System dialog box select Device Manager tab. Click on + sign next to CDROM to open that branch. Then click on name of CD-ROM to highlight it. Click on Properties button. In properties dialog box, select Settings tab. Check box next to "Auto insert notification". Click on OK button. Then remove and replace CD.
