Problems with burning video DVDs?

I’ve received reports of users with machines purchased from big name OEMs that are unable to burn video DVDs. The first thing I’d recommend is following up with the OEM since the encoders should be installed correctly when you buy the machine. Though, a user did email in this fix, which I haven’t verified and which you can attempt at your own risk if you’re having issues:

  • Uninstall the Sonic Solutions burn engine:
    Start->Control Panel->Add or Remove Programs->Add/Remove Windows Components. Uncheck the box next to Sonic DVD and CD Burning and click Next.
  • Reboot.
  • Reinstall the Sonic Solutions burn engine:
    Start->Control Panel->Add or Remove Programs->Add/Remove Windows Components. Check the box next to Sonic DVD and CD Burning and click Next. *If there are errors finding the required files (CD2 is requested), perform a Search on the file names and then Browse to the folder containing each required file.
  • Reboot.

Comments

  1. Tom T
    June 11th, 2006 | 3:33 pm

    OK…On Saturday I spent 10 hours with nitwits from India, and the result was a condition worse than before these “technicians” attemped to fix my problem. On Sunday, I read the above solution, for correcting the problem of burning DVD’s through Media Center, and..in 10 minutes…PROBLEM SOLVED!

    One of the reasons I bought a very expensive Dell XPS, with the featured “Media Center,” was because of the “high level” expert support service. My experience was nerve-wracking. Those 10 hours were a complete waste of time. Neither my original tech, nor his supervisor had any idea as to what was going on. We left off (I had to go to bed) with the tech telling me that he was going to try and burn DVD’s on his computer and then he would call me back!

    To add insult to injury, we had to resort to “System Restore,” because the “supervisor tech,” who took control of my computer, wiped out my DVD software and could not correct the problems he caused!

    As a hard-core capitalist, who supports “out-sourcing” I have one suggestion for Dell. When you decide to out-source your premiere clients, make sure there is some sourcing that goes along with the outing!

    Thanks Random, you saved the day. Want a job overseas?

  2. need2learn
    June 30th, 2006 | 4:05 pm

    Am I in rite place? Need help in burning DVD. I record 30 min and and told its 2hrs:30min and wont fit on disc. I record 15 min and am told “error”. Followed directions until face is blu. Something I am missing. Using WinXPwith MCE2005

  3. Gord V
    July 7th, 2006 | 9:52 am

    Good morning -

    Kudos to Matt Goyer!

    To add to Tom T’s comments: I too have been struggling with this exact problem with my high-end Dell for several months, and I too have spent hours on the phone with the “nitwits from India.” It was very disheartening to put my faith in someone and struggle through the language barrier patiently, only to figure out that the person knew less about computers than I do. And I too have been transferred (or insisted to be transferred) to a “supervisor tech” who initially sounded very knowledgeable and comforting, but in both cases I wound up with worse problems than I started with. They’re pretty good about immediately replacing hardware, but if you have a software problem, you might as well talk to the neighborhood chihuahua.

    Anyway, as Tom said, I tried this tip and in 10 minutes the problem was fixed.

    I still can’t burn DVDs from videos that’s I’ve recorded via DVD Shrink though–if anyone has a solution for that I would welcome it.

    Thanks again Matt!

  4. Tom
    August 2nd, 2006 | 12:27 pm

    Hi Matt,

    I have put in the hours trying to learn how to burn a simple dvd. called newDELLi more than once, called sonic, went by a dell kiosk in the mall and no one can help.
    I have a dell 700m with dvd buring capabilities. using sonic digital media v7 it looks so easy, I get one click away.
    I copy the source dvd to a temp file on the harddrive and now should be able to put in a blank dvd-r and hit the pretty red button and bam, nothing, not able to burn, retry…..
    I just tried your remedy above and will let you know how it works out but please try and offer a suggestion or three.
    thanks from NC
    Tom

  5. September 27th, 2006 | 4:38 pm

    I need someone’s help please.
    I have a ”Memorex DVD Double-Layer Recorder 16×16 Dual Format Internal
    Unit” installed on my computer.
    Model Number: 3202-3292, Firmware: DVD16+/-DL4RWD2
    Supports Blank Media Types:
    16x DVD+/-R
    4x DVD+R9(Double-Layer)
    4x DVD+/-RW
    16x DVD-ROM
    48x CD-R
    24x CD-RW
    48x CD-ROM
    The unit works fine reading or recognizing other blank media I have used
    (blank CD-RW, CD-R) But now before inserting a blank DVD, everything is
    displayed as “DVD-RW Drive (D:)”. However, after inserting it, the drive
    changes to “CD Drive (D:)”. When I insert it into the drive it’s ‘Not
    Recognized’ by ether Memorex player or WindowsXP programs. With one
    exception, My ‘Windows Live OneCare’ program will burn a backup DVD. Not even
    Ahead/Nero software program will work which came WITH my Memorex DVD hardware.
    I’ve already contacted and worked with Microsoft’s, Phillips and Memorex
    Techs over and over. I went through these “ALL” (Dichotomy 1, Dichotomy 2,
    Clean Boot, ‘Un-checked and Checked’ this and that and Everything else etc.
    etc….).
    So far I’ve tried using blank DVD+/-R andDVD+/-RW. Noting seems to work.
    Thank you,
    Edward Janus

  6. Ronnie W
    November 3rd, 2006 | 1:34 am

    I am new to DVD burning and copying. I installed DVD Shrink 3.2 on my HP Pavillion with Media Center. Hoping to back up my kiddos DVD, which they scratch regularly. Once I installed and ran DVD Shrink my DVD player in Media center has choppy audio and picture playback. Have uninstalled DVD Shrink but problem remains. Can’t find anything on the web to help. The generic DVD player that also came with the computer works fine. Problem seems to be only in media center. Any suggestions?? Thank you greatly

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