CD-RW problem

[aharrisreid]

I have a Plextor W1210TA (12x10x32) with which I can format and write to CDs on my pc (running NT Workstation). I am gradually moving a lot of my data over to a Win200 machine, which only has a CD-ROM drive. When I place the CD-RW disk in the W2K machine the drive attempts to read it, but then stops and the whole system locks-up and I have to reboot. Upon rebooting the W2K pc checks the hard-disk for errors before proceeding!

The writeable CD is formatted using PacketCD, and I am told that the W2K CD-Rom has probably got and Adaptec driver to read the CD. How can I check this? Would I have to install PacketCD on every machine that I want to read the CD-RW disk(s) from? This seems a bit drastic!

Is the Adaptec software the way to go? Is it becoming a recognised standard for CD-RW formats? Can I download it from anywhere or will I have to buy it? Or is it worth sticking with PacketCD?

I'm confused. Any help would be appreciated.

Alan Harris-Reid

 

[Telsa]

Typically, you would format a CDRW disk for using with DirectCD (PacketCD - I'm assuming is the same) so you can move files over while in Windows Explorer.

BUT, if you want every computer to see this disk (and probably not all your computers have CD burners in them), don't use CDRW disks, use CDRs. And use the burning program to copy files onto the disks. I've never like the DirectCD (PacketCd). Because it is good for only one computer, not easily shareable. And I've always had problems with it. And yes, if all of your computers have CDRWs in them, you would need DirectCD (PacketCD) on all of them.

You can get the Easy CD Creator Deluxe but you shouldn't need to.

HTH

Mary

 

[aharrisreid]

Telsa, thanks for the reply.

Since I posted the original question, I found some (free) software on the Adaptec web-site which enables me to view data written to CD-RWs on other CD-Roms without PacketCD.

Regards,
Alan

 

[gcastillo]

Which software is that??

 

[aharrisreid]

>Which software is that??<

The file is udfread_v103-115_inst.exe, and I found it in the Support/download section of the Adaptec web site. Because it's free, it is not supported by Adaptec. Let me know if you would like me to send you a copy (please give your email address).

HTH,
Alan