Member Avatar for zoepiglet

My cd/dvd combo re-writer causes the computer to re-start after 3 uses...........

can play, record, back up etc 2 disks then the 3rd one crashes the computer............... everything shuts down and comp er-starts...

Any ideas how or why????

how do i fix it???? been like this since i got it for christmas

cd/dvd burner is :ASUS DRW-1814BL

processor Intel(r) pentium(r)dual CPU E2180@2.00GHz

running windows media latest download

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by sittas87

Dani AI

Generated

Short, practical troubleshooting to narrow whether the problem is drive, software, or power-related — and what to capture before swapping parts. As suggested, a cross-test in another machine with a different PSU is a fast isolate; the checklist below covers low-cost checks that often find the root cause.

  • Capture the fault: disable automatic restart on system failure (System Properties → Advanced → Startup and Recovery) so a STOP code or BSOD can be seen. Enable small memory dumps and check the Minidump folder and Event Viewer (System/Application) for entries around the crash time (look for unexpected power/kernel or driver errors).
  • Software isolation: perform a clean boot (msconfig) to rule out background burning utilities or filters. Try a different burning/reading application and temporarily uninstall third‑party CD/DVD filter drivers. Update motherboard/chipset and storage controller drivers. Check the drive maker’s support site for firmware updates.
  • Quick hardware checks: swap the drive’s data and power cables to different connectors (use another molex/SATA power plug). Test the drive in another PC as suggested by rather than buying parts. Try different brands of media and lower burn speeds or read-only copies to see if motor/load triggers the fault. Improve case airflow and let the drive cool between sessions to rule out overheating.
  • When to replace: if the drive works fine in another system but the original still crashes, focus on PSU or motherboard power rails. If the drive fails the same way elsewhere, RMA/replace the drive.

Caution: avoid repeated long burns while diagnosing to prevent data loss. When asking for more help later, include exact STOP codes, minidump filenames, and the relevant Event Viewer messages — those details point directly to whether the fault is driver, firmware, or power-related.

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Member Avatar for sittas87

Hi there
first of tell me why do say or what makes you say its your cd/dvd writer??
also post your PSU wattage

Member Avatar for zoepiglet

Guessing related to dvd/cd drive or media software as it only re-starts when cd/dvd being used.

invoice says 480 watts

any ideas what else it might be if its not the media software or dvd/cd drive??? just assumed it woudl be since it happens only when you play 3 cd's in a row type thing...

thanks

zoe

Member Avatar for sittas87

It can be a number of things thats causing it t behave the way it does but its reasonable its cd/dvd drw.
get a higher wattege PSU (for testing) and see how it behaves.are you running xp?and how much ram do you have my friend

Member Avatar for zoepiglet

yes xp and Ram is 0.99GB

weird how it runs 2 perfectly then crashes on the 3rd one every time.....

will take a few days to get a higher wattage PSU...

anything else i can test in the mean time?

Member Avatar for sittas87

I know its pretty weird.i tell you what dont go and buy a new psu yet first test the cd/dvd dwr on a friends computer with a higher get back to you

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