Member Avatar for Robbie Dahl

I can no longer write to CDs using Windows XP and get the message "Drive E: is not accesible". When I go into properties for the drive there is no option available to enable recording. This was available before and I have no trouble writing to CD using Nero 8. As I have only recently installed Nero 8 I assume that the problem started after that installation. I don't really want to have to go through uninstalling Nero and reinstalling it if I can help it. If I have to, I have to, but does anyone have another solution?

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A compact Windows-side checklist that complements the hints from and the fallback idea from . These steps target the OS layer that exposes a recorder to Explorer/XP’s native burning support; they often fix cases where third‑party burners still work but Windows does not.

Start with Device Manager. Show hidden devices (Device Manager -> View -> Show hidden devices) and remove any ghost or duplicate entries under "DVD/CD-ROM drives". Uninstall the optical drive entry, then Scan for hardware changes so the driver is re-detected. In the same tool, expand "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers" and let Windows re-install channels if they look duplicated or have errors (reboot afterward). Check Event Viewer (System) for related errors to help narrow the cause.

If that does not restore Windows-level recording, remove problematic filter drivers in the registry (backup first). Export a copy of the key, then inspect and remove UpperFilters and LowerFilters at the class GUID for optical drives:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

Delete only the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values (export the key before changing), then reboot. This is a widely used, safe-if-backed-up fix for filter conflicts that third‑party burning suites sometimes introduce.

Also check Windows services: confirm IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service and Shell Hardware Detection are running (use services.msc). If third‑party helpers (InCD, packet‑writing drivers, etc.) are installed, remove them via Add/Remove Programs or vendor cleanup tools before re-testing. If all else fails, try firmware update for the drive and, as a last resort, uninstall the burning suite and reinstall it cleanly. Always keep a registry backup and system restore point before making these changes.

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Member Avatar for bobbyraw

in nero check if there is a setting to use atapi. make sure that not check, i beleive it say only use if your drive supprt it or if u have errors when burning

Member Avatar for Robbie Dahl

Thank you for once again trying to help me with my problems. I am sorry to be a bit stupid, but how do I find the settings in Nero 8. I don't seem to be having any luck. Can you help me?

Member Avatar for caperjack

this may sound crazy ,bu the quickest check would be to uninstall nero and reinstall you old version of nero or what ever you used before nero8

Member Avatar for Robbie Dahl

Thanks Caperjack. I am sure you are right. I will do that later today, Australian time, and let you know what happens.

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