Any Computer Boffins?

[TonyW]

Hi phil
Well it seems that you do at least have a DVD writer installed

Is there any reason why you are only partially answering questions posed about what you have done with your system? In order to try and help or at least try and point you in the right direction could you please respond to the points listed below.

I tried to download the K-LITE standard, it did download but basically done nothing as in I still couldn't play the DVD.

1. By the sound of this you clicked on the program download button and only saved the exe file to your disk.
What was the name of the file that you downloaded and saved?
Once saved to your hard drive did you double click on the downloaded file and run the application setup to actually load the codecs?

2. What DVD's have you been trying to play and what if any success have you had?

3. You stated that you downloaded either PowerDVD or WinDVD. Could you explain precisely which one?
How you downloaded and installed it and what result you get when you either a. Try and run a DVD or b. Click on the application to run it?

4. Is there any reason why you selected K-Lite standard over the recommended K-Lit Full package?

Tony

 

[phil p]

Hi Tony

just been playing around with the K-LITE

I downloaded the full version and checked it had installed and it was actually showing in programs so I'm assuming I did download it correctly.

I did actually play the DVD however in my delight I let it play for a minute or so then took the disc out and tried it again to show it wasn't a fluke...it was, and hasn't played since.

Ive uninstalled it again so I'm back to square one.

In programs it also showed a clapperboard logo with a coloured 123 on it, or beside it?

All I'm trying to play is a music DVD, however since Ive had the laptop Ive never played a disc from start to finish

 

[Steve Jones]

Phil,

The clapper-board logo with 123 is K-Lite's in built media player.

Steve

 

[misterfish]

Have you tried looking at the Dell technical support site? You can enter the machine tag and get specific info and drivers or possibly have a look at http://support.euro.dell.com/support/to ... 0AB7E15FFC as that gives info on CD/DVD problems.

Misterfish

 

[TonyW]

I suggest that you follow the excellent link provided by misterfish and that you click on the first link on the page 'Detect and Fix CD/DVD problems Automatically'.

I would also check for all updated drivers for your system including sound, graphics, chipset, BIOS etc. If your system was an early release then it is possible that drivers originally installed for Vista were to put it mildly 'a little flaky'

Cheers
Tony

 

[phil p]

Hi Guys,

tried the link from Misterfish...still won't work.

Think its about time I got someone in to have alook for me, however thanks everyone for all your help, it was very much appreciated

Thanks Again

Phil

 

[misterfish]

Mmm.. so if the system is aware the hardware is present but it only works now and again then I would tend towards the drive itself being duff. Thinking back I recollect this problem on a couple of computers I've supported in the past and replacing the drive was the only way to make the problem go away.

Misterfish

 

[OLD]

The clapper board with 123 K-LITE is the way to go .I have the same set up with vista home but you need to make the computer use it, so right click and go open with and/or always open this type of file with, or choose default.