A CD writer is utilized to make music and data CDs. You can make personal music mixes, backup files and move reports and other files. CDs can also be utilized for picture slide shows. CD writers support numerous kinds of disks like CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW and CD+RW. If you begin getting error messages or CD writer is not identified, it's time to take steps to solve and repair CD writer.

Instructions

1. Put in a blank CD into CD writer. Start CD burning software. See if CD writer is shown in software. This checks to see if software locates CD writer. If writer is identified, burn a test project. If you get an error, try a different kind of disk. For example, if you utilized a CD-R disk, try burning with a CD+R disk. Few writers only work with one or the other.

2. Test to see if CD writer is identified by OS, if it's not found by burning software. Test hardware list for disk drives. In Windows, right tick "My Computer" and select "Manage." Choose "Device Manager" and expand "Disk Drives." Make sure CD writer model is listed. If it is and you see no symbol like an exclamation point, beside it, then CD writer is identified properly. Go to Step 3 if you see a symbol beside drive.

3. Update drivers for CD writer. Right tick CD writer as in "Device Manager" and choose "Update Drivers." Be certain to have an active Internet connection during this time. This occasionally solves exclamation points and red X errors next to your drive.

Alternately, visit CD writer's company's Web site for newest driver updates. These are usually found below "Downloads," "Support" or "Help" on company Web sites.

If symbol still exists, right tick CD writer again and press "Uninstall." Reboot PC and permit OS to automatically identify and again install CD writer.

4. Test to see that all cables are attached firmly if you have newly installed a new CD writer. Turn off PC. Open desktop or laptop and detach and reconnect all cables attached to CD writer drive. Tighten all screws to avoid CD writer from vibrating out of place. Close desktop or laptop. Reboot PC and permit CD writer to be identified by OS.

5. Make sure CD writer is well-suited with OS. If you have original paperwork for CD writer, check system necessities for well-suited OS. If not, check CD writer's company's Web site for model particular system necessities. Drivers are also accessible from company's site for hardware to be identified by supported operated systems.

6. Make sure CD burning software is well-suited with OS. This can effect in a "CD Burner Not Found" error or something like, based on software. Install various burning software as a test.

7. If not anything works, buy a new CD writer. These can be ordered from PCs Company’s Web site or at many electronics retailers. Power surges can cause CD writers to end working. Earlier CD writers just exhaust, causing them not to read CDs properly.