Recorded CD or DVD that contains data but appears blank in Windows XP

noreply@blogger.com (K.roshan) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:28:00 +0000

Problem:
     A few year back, me and my friends used to exchange lots of CD and DVD and we found that most of the DVD and CD showed Blank even though the CD OR DVD contains data. We troubleshooted the problem and we found that the culprit was the window XP and Not the CD or DVD Reader/Writer.

Cause For the Problem:
The problem occurred due to use of certain third-party Image Mastering API (IMAPI) CD-burning software to record data to a recordable CD or DVD. This CD-Burning software changes the Sub-Header bits on the disc to a format that Microsoft Windows XP cannot read correctly.

More Detail:
    The IMAPI, is a component of Microsoft Windows operating system used for CD and DVD recording. Windows applications such as Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker and Windows Explorer use IMAPI to burn discs. IMAPI was originally introduced with Windows XP.

How To Fix:
   The problem occurs when you use third party CD-DVD Burner for writing disc which made window XP unable to read the disk. Since it is a software flaw with window XP, You just need to update your service pack.
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Microsoft Windows XP, Update Window XP service pack.
However, if you feel that you don’t want to go for the service pack update instead just want to fix the specific problem then Click here to update your XP with Image Mastering API v2.0 (IMAPIv2.0) for Windows XP (KB932716) update from Microsoft.

Note: Updating to latest service pack will eventually fix any existing issue with Window XP. The latest and last service pack for window XP is service pack 3.
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How to Fix Flickering problem with your monitor

noreply@blogger.com (K.roshan) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:12:00 +0000

Flickering monitor problem are mostly seen on old monitor but in many case its not the same.There can be many cause for flickering monitor. It becomes difficult and annoying working with such monitor. Don't take flickering problem lightly because it can cause eye strain or headache, or can even damage your eyesight. Before you call the computer technician or the local geek to repair the monitor try out the below simple troubleshooting steps. If none of the step worked for you then its time to call your technician or you can go and buy new monitor for your self.

Causes for this Problem:
The possible Causes can be Overheated, incorrect Refresh rate setting, power problem, Video card driver problem, electromagnetic interference with other device like speaker, tv,etc or even can be an internal hardware problem.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Procedure:

Step1: Check the monitor if the monitor is overheated, switch off the power and let it cool.
Step2: The most likely cause for flickering monitor can be with incorrect refresh rate setting. Refresh rate
is used to reproduce image on screen.The lower the refresh rate, higher the flickering.
In Windows Vista and Window 7

Click Start , and then click Control Panel .

Find the Appearance and Personalization area, and click Adjust Screen Resolution. (For window 7 user Goto Personalisation >> Display >> Adjust Screen Resolution. )

Click Advanced settings , and then click the Monitor tab.

Select the Screen refresh rate that matches the default rate for your monitor (It always recommended to set refresh rate around 75hz or higher.)

Click OK , and click OK again.

In Windows XP

Click Start , click Settings , and then click Control Panel .

Double-click the Display icon, and select the Settings tab.

Move the slider bar until the screen resolution matches the native resolution.

Click Advanced , and select the Monitor tab.

Select the Refresh rate that matches the default rate for your monitor (It always recommended to set refresh rate around 75hz or higher.)

Click OK , and click OK again.

Step 3: Power problem or loose circuit can be the cause, if you are using surge protector, unplug from surge protector temporarily and plug it directly into separate power outlet.

Step 4: There can be issue with the video card driver, update the video card driver if available. There can be possibilities of some problem with your video card but this is most rarely the case.

Step 5: The most likely cause for flickering can also be because of electromagnetic interference, Make sure there are no device near your monitor Like Tv, Speaker System or any device with electromagnet force.

Step 6: Check the video cable connections. Unplug the cable and inspect the cable for damage. If the cable is damaged, replace it with a new cable.

Conclusion: If after going through all the above troubleshooting steps and fails to fix the monitor problem then it clarify that the problem is with the monitor hardware. Its better you check your monitor with the technician or purchase a new monitor. However repairing flickering monitor will not cost you much only if it get repaired in its early stage. If possible get it repaired by the monitor manufacturer.

Ref: Image taken from Hp
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