Getting information and updates for your CD/DVD Recorder

Summary:  This document will guide you through the process of determining what CD/DVD recorder you have and how to get updates for this device.  There are 2 steps required to complete this task:

·        Step One: Find CD/DVD Drive Model and Manufacturer information.

-If you already know the model/brand of CD/DVD recorder, you can skip this step and move onto Step Two. 

·        Step Two: Locate Updates for your CD/DVD Recorder. 

·        Refer to the FAQ Section for answers to common questions. 

Step One: Find CD/DVD Drive Model and Manufacturer information.

1. Open “My Computer” by double clicking on the following icon -  

-A list of CD/DVD drives will be listed under the heading “Devices with Removable Storage”

2. Right-click on your CD/DVD Recorder and select properties.

-The System Properties window will appear.  Click on the Hardware Tab to view installed drives on your machine. 

-A list of all CD/DVD drives will appear. 

3.  Locate the CD/DVD recorder on the system and take note of the model number:

-CD/DVD recorders will have the following icon à displayed next to it. 

Step Two: Locating updates for your CD/DVD recorder:

Firmware is the most important update for a CD/DVD recorder.  Updating a recorders firmware resolves the majority of common writing problems.    

-For more information on Firmware, refer to the FAQ Section.  

There are a few different ways to find available firmware updates for your CD/DVD recorder.  Below are the most common:

1. Check with your CD/DVD drive manufacturer for updates.

-Most hardware manufacturers provide updates on their website available for download.  Go to the hardware manufacturer’s website and look for updates/firmware for your CD/DVD recorder.   

-If you received your CD/DVD recorder with a purchase of a computer, check the computer manufacturer’s website for available updates. 

2. Search for firmware updates on the internet. 

-Using an internet search engine, search for firmware updates for your CD/DVD recorder.  Along with your drive model name/number, include the words, “firmware” “download” and “update” in the search field. 

-Popular search engines include:  http://www.google.com/  http://www.yahoo.com/

Note: If you have any problems finding or installing updates for your CD/DVD recorder, contact the hardware manufacturer. 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Firmware? 

A: Firmware is software that is included in a piece of hardware which control how the CD/DVD recorder communicates with a software application.  

Firmware is specific to a single CD/DVD recorder, it can not be applied to all CD/DVD drives.

Q: I just purchased my computer; do I still need to update my firmware? 

A: Yes, many manufacturers release firmware after a CD/DVD recorder is packaged and shipped to resellers.  Looking for updates when you first install your hardware is highly recommended. 

Q: I followed the instructions in Step One and am still unable to locate my DVD/CD recorder information.   

A: If you received your CD/DVD recorder with the purchase of a computer, check with the computer manufacturer for details on the hardware they included with your machine. 

If you purchased this CD/DVD recorder separately, look for drive information on the documentation that was included with your purchase.    

Q: I downloaded new firmware, how do I install it?   

A: Check with your hardware manufacturer for details on installing firmware for your particular drive.  Most firmware updates come with a “ReadMe” file with detailed instructions.