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PHILIPS DVD+-RW DVD8631
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vambo
Newbie
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30. January 2006 @ 01:36 |
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Seems like a lot here are luckier than me! I insisted on an NEC drive after a second faulty Philips drive was sent only to be absolutly refused anything but another philips drive. After over 2 hours of arguing, I gave up, but I'll never buy another Dell again
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suttonsue
Newbie
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30. January 2006 @ 03:58 |
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Just had a phone call from Dell in response to my two letters. Unfortunately they caught me at work rather than at home but the gist was they are still maintaining that the upgrades on the Dell website would sort out this problem. I've told them that I've downloaded every conceivable critical update for driver software from their advisory pop-ups but they are saying that the patch is on the website. As I can't do much about it at work. Has anyone tried this and succeeded. They are ringing me back at home on Wednesday so want ammunition. It is very difficult for a non techie not to be blinded by science!
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vambo
Newbie
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30. January 2006 @ 04:44 |
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At the end of the day suttonsue, it's the philips drive that is duff. I would say just go along with what they've recommended and tell them it still doesn't work.I'm cringing while writing this, but like me, as a last resort, tell em you want a replacement philips drive with a years warranty. That's if you can't persuade them to give you an NEC drive. I'm gonna write to trading standards and the BBC's watchdog about this for sure
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Senior Member
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30. January 2006 @ 05:07 |
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Hello Vambo,
Quote:
Seems like a lot here are luckier than me! I insisted on an NEC drive after a second faulty Philips drive was sent only to be absolutly refused anything but another philips drive. After over 2 hours of arguing, I gave up, but I'll never buy another Dell again
I had the same attitude, to never buy a Dell again, but I've been a Dell customer for the past 10 years.
Will I buy a Dell again, probably.
Anyone could have issues with some equipment they sell.
The only bad side is how Dell deals with the issue.
They will loose future customer, for a damn burner that probably costs them $5.00 ?
That's their problem.
I know people who bought PC's at several different places, and it's not all Green Grass at other places either.
I was lucky, I did get a NEC, I guess I was part of all the users at the beginning of the problem.
But I was ready to trash the drive, and please *ME* and buy an other drive myself.
My 2 cents...
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 30. January 2006 @ 05:09
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stufff
Newbie
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30. January 2006 @ 05:31 |
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vambo, when you get the new Philips drive, don't even bother with trying to burn anything with it. Just call Dell back up and tell them you tried to use this one too and it did the same thing your last one did. Demand to speak to a hardware support supervisor or floor manager. Tell the floor manager that you are "frustrated and extremely disatisfied with your customer support experiance." Those are like the magic words. Also mention that this experiance makes you never want to buy a Dell again. The floor managers do have the authority to send you an NEC drive, you just have to be enough of a pain in their asses so they give in. If they tell you they can't do that, tell them very calmly that they are lying. If you have to be a parrot and repeat over and over again "I will not be satisfied with any less than the NEC drive" then do so. They will either give in to your demands or hang up on you, and if someone hangs up on you, call back and tell someone else what happened, that's like a free ticket to anything you want.
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BShad0w
Newbie
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1. February 2006 @ 19:14 |
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Hey guys, just a quick note on the problem Markf505 had in August (Page 5). I've got exactly the same problem. Started today. Grrrrr... oh well. To make matters worse my internet dropped out on that computer as well, and so I had to reformat and reinstall XP on a dinosaur I had gathering dust. More Grrrr... Anyways, just thought I would make note that his incident wasn't isolated.
Cheers,
Ian
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suttonsue
Newbie
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2. February 2006 @ 01:27 |
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Dell person coming today to install, sorry, another Phillips. They told me they hadn't got any others now in stock! Don't know what to believe other than calling them liars. But I have had it from them that if this doesn't work they will refund the cost as I was concerned about my guarantee running out by the time this drive starts to malfunction again. They said that the problem will be dated from when I originally complained and not when this driver goes Kaput, even if it does. Well we will see.
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suttonsue
Newbie
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2. February 2006 @ 04:53 |
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Dell have been and gone and now the Sonic software isn't working, which it wasn't before. Has anyone had this problem? The Dell Dimension came with Sonic Recordnow and Mydvd etc., preinstalled. Whilst I was tooing and froing trying to get the Philips drive to work with either Nero or Sonic, the Sonic software gave up and everything I tried to open it I just got a small dialogue box with a red cross and nothing else. I was told that I couldn't have two burning software installed so I got rid of Nero [through Control Panel add remove programmes] and reinstalled Sonic about 4 times. The last couple of times the wizard finished and locked the whole machine and in rebooting, still didn't work. Then the drive got locked completely with the Sonic software in it. The software came under the Dell badge for any reinstallation.
Dell technician has reinstalled Sonic as well and it still doesn't work so we can't check whether the new drive is working for burning or not. Any ideas of what to do?
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Senior Member
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2. February 2006 @ 05:26 |
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Hi there,
Here's something I said before about this drive:
Quote:
Option #2:
1- Power Down The PC
2- Remove Philips DVD8631 from PC
3- Open Window
4- Scream loud, WATCH OUT !
5- Swing the drive as far as you can
6- Breath In, breath out
7- Order yourself a decent drive (LG-4167B, Nec-3550A, BenQ, Plextor)
8- Live with the fact that HP and Dell sell you a CRAP burner.
Live happily ever after HAHAHAHA !!!!!
When I received my Dell Dimension 8400 in January 2004, I removed all this Sonic Crap (Personal Opinion)
I have 2 NEC Burners now, and use all VSO Software & Nero Burning Rom once in a while...
Personally, I can't wait to see this thread stop.
But it's still growing, so it just tells me this drive is CRAP (Personal Opinion again)...
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
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AfterDawn Addict
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2. February 2006 @ 17:34 |
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@suttonsue: Your problem with the Sonic software that came on the Dell, and your Nero software no doubt stems from two packet writing pieces of software being installed on the computer at the same time. That is a no go with computers. Both programs will be dysfunctional.
The two packet writing softwares are Sonic DLA and Nero InCD. If you just uninstall either one of these, or both of them, all other Sonic and Nero software will get along just fine.
Life is good!
GrandpaBruce - Vietnam Vet - 1970 - 1971
Computer: Intel Core i7-920 Nehalim;Asus P6T Deluxe V2
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Raptor_74
Newbie
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2. February 2006 @ 18:04 |
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Success!!! After over 2 hours and a few times being hung up on my replacement DVD+-RW is on its way from Dell.
The issue also that I am still having and I hope that the new drive will remedy this...when I burn a DVD despite the media it takes almost 2 hours. Before the burning process would complete in 15 minutes or less. Wondering if this is a DMA or other setting that is causing this. I have checked and reinstalled Nero 7 and the issue still remains.
Any thoughts folks?
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suttonsue
Newbie
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4. February 2006 @ 11:39 |
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Oh I'm happy, well for a moment anyway. Thanks Cougar and Grandpa for your advice. It's an 8701 that they installed and on your advice I ditched all the Sonic software and downloaded a trial VSO CopyToDVD as you seemed to have success with that Cougar. It works!! I've got through three disks just playing and seeing if the thing conks out on me again but I've transferred files and piccies to them and they open up with no problem. Cougar is this VSO software good in your opinion then? As I say I've just trialled it for 21 days. What I want to do with my disks is to put my digital photos, via Pinnacle Studio, on them and also back up my general Microsoft Office work files. Will the CopyToDVD be sufficient for this? I don't know why there are so many VSO mediatype software to choose from.
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Senior Member
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4. February 2006 @ 18:11 |
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Hi there,
Nero Burning Rom is very popular and very good.
VSO CopyToDVD is as good, it's a matter of preference and personal choice.
I use to be a Nero Person, but now use VSO CopyToDVD 99% of the time, since I am now a VSO Software ßeta Tester.
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 4. February 2006 @ 18:12
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vambo
Newbie
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9. February 2006 @ 03:28 |
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BEWARE.Just had my third philips drive sent to me. This has a 90 day warrenty because it's refubished! It's not even bloody new! The terms and condition contract state 'Dell manufactures and repairs using components, which are new or equivalent to new'.
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Mystrygel
Newbie
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15. February 2006 @ 18:31 |
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Hey all,
I just convinced Dell to replace my Philips DVD+-RW DVD8631 with a new one before my warranty runs out. The final straw was that it would not "take" the firmware upgrade with Dell tech support on the phone. The firmware from the DVD device still reads: Microsoft, 7/1/2001 5.1.2535 When I ran the firmware upgrade exe from Dell it told me that it was already upgraded. I'm running MediaCenter XP, if that matters.
I've had intermittent problems with the Philips, mostly copying to dual layer media, but a LOT of single sided DVD and CD coasters along the way. My 8400 was purchased in early March 2005, the tail end of the "bad batch of drives" from reading the customer complaints.
The Verbatim DVD+R DL ( part 95014 ) were not robust media. I've had better luck with the Memorex Double Layer DVD+R media- so if you're having troubles I'd try that first.
I had the choice to replace it with the NEC, but chose another Philips. I'll let you know how the new drive compares to the old. It was manufactured in Malaysia in Dec 2005.
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Senior Member
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16. February 2006 @ 03:42 |
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Hey,
Quote:
The Verbatim DVD+R DL ( part 95014 ) were not robust media. I've had better luck with the Memorex Double Layer DVD+R media- so if you're having troubles I'd try that first.
WHAT ? Replace Verbatim for Memorex ?
That's like saying I'll exchange your pure spring water for Javex :)
Ain't gonna happen here :)
Just get rid of this damn Philips piece of trash drive :)
Quote:
I had the choice to replace it with the NEC, but chose another Philips.
I told Dell Crap Support, if the technician arrives here with an other Philips drive, he's not getting in the house, it's that simple !
Just read this 500 pages thread :)
I have 2 NEC drives and can't complain 1 sec !
My 2 cents worth...
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 16. February 2006 @ 03:44
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smigs
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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19. February 2006 @ 09:09 |
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FOR ANYONE WHO HAS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE PHILIPS DVD 8631
Try this
1. UPDATE FIRMWARE
2. Try different brand of media
3. Burn at "4" speed
4. Try DIFFERENT SOFTWARE
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Raptor_74
Newbie
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19. February 2006 @ 09:15 |
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Here is an update to my situation. After about 4 hours on the phone with Dell support and 3 Philips drives sent to my house I received a HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GWA4164B. Not too sure how this stacks up in comparison but I am going to be using that drive along with another PHILIPS DVD+-RW DVD8701 that was sent to me. I am sending them back my DVD drive so now I have two DVD=-RW's. If anyone can enlighten me about the HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GWA4164B model I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
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Senior Member
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19. February 2006 @ 11:25 |
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Hi there,
Quote:
If anyone can enlighten me about the HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GWA4164B model I'd appreciate it.
Never heard of this model, but it's probably a Dell OEM of the LG-4163b or the LG-4167B.
I have only heard good of those drives.
I bought a NEC-3550a but my bext choice was a LG-4167b, so I tihnk your in good hands !
Personnaly anything beats this damn Philips DVD8631 elto Crapo :)
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
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Raptor_74
Newbie
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19. February 2006 @ 11:41 |
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Thanks for the feedback...we'll see how things go. I initially was having issues when burning a DVD. The burn always came out successful however it took about 2.5 hours to burn. I was and still am using Nero 7. Once I replaced the hardware with the replacement Dell sent the issue was the same. I baselined my system and the burning speed is as expected (approx 10 minutes) for a DVD copy. Not too sure if anyone knows if this is a DMA setting because the software settings looked good and are the same after the machine has been baselined. I have heard of this before from other people but could only say welcome to the club and not provide any reasoning.
Can you?
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gstone
Newbie
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19. February 2006 @ 15:42 |
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Hate to repost, but no one seemed to answer this, so here goes:
I also have this drive, but it is not responding at all. I can push the eject button, nothing. I manually opened the drive door, and pushed and pulled, but could not get the motor to activate.
I tried reflashing, and saw the light on the drive face light up, still no go when you push the eject button.
Checked my system setting in Windows XP, and it says the drive is working ok.
Any thoughts?
Dell Dimension 9100, about 7 months old. No warranty from Dell either, just had the 90 days.
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Senior Member
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20. February 2006 @ 04:49 |
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Hi gstone,
Are you talking about the Philips DVD8631 ?
If you are, remove it from your PC, open the window and throught it as far as you can, then buy yourself a decent drive.
My 2 cents...
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
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ytoldi
Newbie
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20. February 2006 @ 05:54 |
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In response to gstone's question, my Philips DVD8631 did the exact same thing. I was able play with it some to finally get it to eject again, but it didn't matter because it no longer would read a disc. My Dell warrenty had also run out. Anyway, I bought a new NEC ND3550A off the internet for about $50 and installed it this past weekend. Everything is running fine now...so far. I had never installed an internal drive before, but it was very easy. Instructions for hooking it up were on the disc that came with it...luckily I had another drive that worked so I could read it before I started.
I also figured the $50 I spent on the new drive was still a lot cheaper than the extended warrenty.
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Senior Member
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20. February 2006 @ 08:35 |
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Hey ytoldi,
Quote:
My Dell warrenty had also run out. Anyway, I bought a new NEC ND3550A off the internet for about $50
You have my vote on that :)
I also bought a NEC-3550a which is a nice drive.
I still have the NEC-3450a (Dell OEM) that Dell replaced the Philips DVD8631 with. (Look thought this thread for the full details...)
Both NEC drives works real well !
VSO Software Golden Membership Proud Owner / VSO Software Beta Tester
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 20. February 2006 @ 08:36
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marsue
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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6. March 2006 @ 02:40 |
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I am one of the frustrated, desperate customers of Dell and am on my 2nd crap Phillips 8631. I waited in today to receive a replacement for the 2nd faulty DVD-RW drive. I was told more than once that I would be receiving the NEC 3450A optical drive. No surprise to all of you disgruntled Dell customers that another PHILLIPS has arrived. I spent nearly one hour on the telephone to Dell's Call centre and was told that I should not have been told that I would receive the NEC drive, as this would not fit my machine!!! I said that this was not so and that I would not accept the Phillips drive. I was passed onto a Manager who went on to tell me that the Phillips used to be a bad drive, but this had been overcome and I should be happy with this drive. I told the Manager that I would not accept the Phillips that I was promised an NEC-3450A and that is what I wanted. She continued to assure me that the problems had been overcome in the Phillips and that Dell used most of these drives and very few of the NEC drive. She pressed me to try the Phillips drive out in my computer, but I refused to do this and told her how unhappy I was will Dell service. My warranty is due to run out so I was not prepared to fit this sub-standard drive into my machine for it to go wrong again. The Manager agreed to re-order me another drive, but she could not be sure that this would be the NEC as Dell did not stock many of these now. If another Phillips drive arrives she said that I should accept this. So we shall see what arrives with the courier. I agree with other members of the forum that the less stressful thing to do is to go out and buy one myself. This will be my last try at getting what I want. Down with DELL!
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