Dell Inspiron 1150 DVD +R

[Augurr]

I got a 1150 with a DVD+R/RW drive listed as a HL-DL-ST DVD+RW GCA-4040N. I got some Memorex DVD+R 8x blanks for Christmas. In the package it states that if you have a 2.4x or 4x DVD+RW/+R drive you must upgrade the firmware to be compliant with new 8x speed requirements. I was testing them to see if they would work, and it is only writing at 2.4x on these Memorex blanks, whereas it was writing at 4x on my friends blanks. I think they are TDK 4x. I have searched thru dell's website and can't find any mention of a firmware upgrade except for a Japan only model. Does anyone have any clues as to what I really need to do?

[Archer]

Dell LG/HLDS GCA-4040N, HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GCA4040N - Download Firmware Version C111

http://www.dvd-makers.com/public/1158.cfm

It seems they are picky on the DVD+R disks read
I would think the speed issue may be down to the firmware you have installed not recognising the newer disks.

|There seems to be a C112 version here

Lots of responses here for you model if you want to trawl through them.

[TechZ]

Thats a LG/Hitachi model, i have the same name on my laptop for a DVDROM/CDRW.

ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/rmsd/GCA-4040N_C112.exe
This is it I think Firmware C112

http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportf...ssage.id=34126

[Augurr]

thanks for the help. that's why i posted here instead of on dell's site. those people that answer on there are typically idiots or they don't answer at all or get your question all mixed up and never answer your original question. I will see what I can come up with on those links. thanks again.

[Augurr]

Well, I downloaded the C112 update and read that link to dvd-makers. Flashed the update and rebooted. Bluescreen, not the first time. I usually get it at boot, so I think it is hardware. I burned another disc and it still only wrote at 2.4x on the 8x discs. I'm at a loss. Guess I will have to buy 4x discs.

[Archer]

Might be the book type does not cover these disks and runs at the default speed.As noted by my link above the drive appears fine with major brands but is fussy with others.

[Augurr]

I'm an idiot. The discs were RW, not just R. So it only wrote at 2.4x. I didn't notice this when I opened the package ;-p

[TechZ]

lol, nice one Augurr.
Although doesnt it write RW's at more than 2.4x?

[Augurr]

lol, nice one Augurr.
Although doesnt it write RW's at more than 2.4x?

Apparently not. Seems many other people are getting th same results from these LG drives they are using and aren't very happy either. The only ones it seems without problems are the ones that can get the Japan only drives. Oh well, the price of keeping prices low. The drive works for me, which is all I really want. Until I decide to buy an external drive.