DVD Drive Problem

Here is the latest firmware update. Did it help?
http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=PCGFRV28&upd_id=1493&os_id=7

Hi Tuxx: The firmware update looks fine, but it said it is for sony Vaio Computer and refuse to update my Model of Toshiba. Could you find something that can work with Toshiba?

Hi rid:
     Sure, I can boot up the PC using this particular drive.

It seems likely that no solution can be found here.

If the lens cleaner didn't help, then the only thing that can be done is to change the drive,as like I mentioned earlier either it's alignment is off, or the laser intensity has deteriorated too much.

I think I gave the options in my first post.

If it was as you said, howcome that the drive still function normally when reading DVD-R and CD-R disk?

Can you find some software to complete analyze the Laser Head Functionality than to jump to the conclusion that my Drive's life span is over?

Can you find some software to make an objective analysis before jumping to any conclusion.

Further, don't recommend Len cleaner to your reader. They do much harm than good. Laser head won't dirty enough to unable recognize your disk.

Hi rindi,
     Don't you realize that those so called LEN CLEANERS are really mild detergent applied on a disk with a brush then played in the drive for cleansing. With such a high revolving speed your lens will gone under some scratch and reduce its life. Therefore no optical drive manufacturer would recommend in their Handbook to use lens cleaner for drive maintenance.
     You say to replace the drive, I think you mean an external drive. But my PC is a notebook, to carry an external optical drive with a notebook is a bit clumsy and not convenient. To change the internal drive is a much more difficult job. First, there is less chance that you can find a right brand of internal optical drive that can fit into your notebook. Second, to take out the original drive and replace the new one is a much complicate task. Although I can replace my hard disk within 30 minutes, because it is easy to find and what you have to do is just loosen some screws and push in the socket. Presently I don't see any internal optical drive for notebook in sale on the market and not so easy for you to disassemble it.
     To return to Toshiba for servicing? No, absolutely bullshits !!! Toshiba is the worst company ever exist in this world. They never get a good Sale Agent and they charge high. Their after sale service is good for nothing. I have once sent my notebook for their maintenance but instead they returned it with the LCD monitor scratched. I swear that I never deal with this company again!!!

There is usually no problem replacing internal drives of a notebook. It depends a bit on the notebook. Many notebooks have removable drives which you can eject, while others may need you to remove a screw.

If you can't get the drive for your PC, you can also often use another slimline drive, sometimes you might have problems that the front panel doesn't fit properly, but you can usually easily remove that.

If your model isn't easy to replace, then your other option is an external drive. You can get slim drives which don't add much in weight or space, and in most cases there is no need for an optical drive anyway, so if you are traveling you don't have to carry it with you unless you know you are going to need it.

You are probably looking at the wrong lens cleaner. But since it is a notebook drive, and if it isn't a slot in model, you should see the lens when the tray is out. In that case you can just use a soft cotton cloth and some cleaning alcohol to carefully clean the lens by hand.

As for Toshiba's service agents, that will be different from country and area where you live. Often it is handled not by Toshiba itself, but by other contractors, and those can be good and bad, it depends where you live. But this is the same with most other companies.

Are you sure that replaceing Optical Drive is as simple as that? If you are not sure that is the drive problem, replaceing a normal functioning drive is just wasting your time and money.
You better find me a good optical drive testing software that is used by professional technican to test my drive first before anything can be done.
I know every  drive maker has its own testing utilities which is normaly not disclosing to the public. But since you are Expert in this area you should have it. Don't give me advice that is insubstantial.

It depends on the model of the PC. Usually on PC's that aren't very old it is a simple procedure. On older PC's that weren't built for ease of service it is more difficult. No, I don't have any such equipment, it is far too expensive, and it is much easier and faster to just replace something. There is no point in wasting money and to test something that normally costs around $20.--or so, just to find out that it has to be replaced anyway. The best "test" is to replace it and see the results.

The price I mentioned was just approximate, it can also be $50.--, but also that is too cheap to make it worth repairing. If you check on ebay I'm sure you can get a slim line drive for cheap. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same model.

Now, listen here johnnyc! It's OK to have a difference of opinion and to not agree with an expert here, but you are on or beyond the line with your comments. Please keep to a civilised language and attitude. You don't need to follow advice you don't like, but the advice may be sound just as well.

Most symptoms point to a hardware malfunction or failure. Testing the equipment may be prohibitively expensive, getting a new drive may be the better option. Those are the advice, we can't help you realize them; YOU must decide whether to look for a new unit or a testing facility.
/RID

I object to Vee_Mod arrangement because it is really insensible. Only a fool would accept it.

Suit yourself, but don't cry idiot.