[RESOLVED] Using a boot cd

[wallie]

I am running Windows 7 on a Packard Bell model X6620UK computer.
I have disk recovery software that need a boot cd if the OS fails.
My problem is: if this ever happened I am unable to use the DVD player till windows installs.
The player does not even have a small hole at the front to open manually.
A boot menu comes up to select the drive to boot from, but I cannot open the player.

I would like to know if there is a way around this.

Thanks
wallie

[Steve R Jones]

I would recommend reading the manual

If Win 7 came on the machine you probably don't need the dvd's...The recovery info is probably on a partition on the hard drive.

[SuperSparks]

I've never yet come across an optical drive that wouldn't open during the boot phase. If you press the open button during boot up, it should open.

[wallie]

Thanks for the reply but neither have I came across a none opening DVD, but this one wont.
I have tried everything pressing the button during startup. keeping it pressed, changed the Bios for the DVD to be the primary drive.
Still no joy.
There is not even a hole in the front to open it manually.
Its a new Packard Bell I purchased in November 2009.
I have e-mailed packard bell about 2 weeks ago no reply.
I am wondering if I trying another DVD drive would be any good, or could this be due to some packard bell software or the operating system.
When I initially set it up I created 3 startup DVD,s as per manual but cannot use them.
After installing a piece of software a couple of month ago i got the dreaded blue screen at startup and tried using the CDs but could not.
Thankfully I booted in safe mode and restored with Windows Restore.

wallie

[SuperSparks]

I don't see how it could be a software issue, as no software can b running while the OS loads. It definitely isn't something that Windows is doing. Could you humour me please, and boot into the BIOS Setup, and see if you can open the drawer while in there. Whilst you're there, make sure the boot order is set to boot from the DVD drive first, and see if that changes things.

[jdc2000]

I'd try another drive. It sounds like a hardware issue.

[wallie]

As I said before I had made the DVD drive the 1st Boot Device.
I went back into the Bios to check and realised I still had the DVD as the 1st Boot Device then tried to open it while in the bios but no joy.
So even though I have the DVD as first, its just booting straight in Windows.

wallie

[dneilson]

I agree with jdc2000, I think it's time for a new drive.

[SuperSparks]

I concur.

[wallie]

I had a look at the DVD and its:
HLDS Model GH-41N Sata drive and I am wondering if it could be the driver needing updated
Although it works o/k when Window,s starts.
What does the panel think?
If so I wonder if there are any free driver update sites on the internet, all the free ones I have looked at want your money.

wallie

[dneilson]

Drivers aren't required for CD and DVD drives.

[SuperSparks]

Yep, drivers are built into all versions of Windows, they never need updating. Even DOS had a driver! It still wouldn't explain why the drawer won't open during the boot phase, long before any drivers could have loaded.

Really you should get HP to fix it under warranty before you go changing the drive yourself.

[wallie]

Thanks everyone.
Took it into PC World and they fitted a new drive.

Regards
wallie

[SuperSparks]

You're very welcome