Computer Security & Viruses/DVD Audio Problems

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Expert: - 8/26/2009


Question
I installed a Optiarc DVD 7170A drive on my Dell 2400. It is an OEM and came with no drivers. I Googled for drivers and installed them. My problem is that the sound is somewhat "Choppy" and unclear. The video is fine. I am not at all familiar with "Flashing" a DVD drive and am uncertain if I did everything correctly. Thanks! I got my drivers from "Liggy and Dee's" website.

Answer
Hi Jaye

Windows should have automatically recognized the DVD writer and installed drivers for it.  What you downloaded and installed was the hardware instructions, or firmware, that the drive uses to operate.  The website you mentioned lists modified firmware, not the manufacturers original, so I would hesitate to guess what would cause the problem you described.  Make sure that you downloaded and installed the original Optiarc firmware v1.85 found here:
http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/disclaimer/en/7170a/185_orig.zip.html
If so, then my guess would be something wrong with the drive or the cable.  Make sure that you securely connected all cables to the drive and motherboard.  Also, be sure you are using the 80-wire Ultra DMA (UDMA) IDE cables, not the earlier 40-wire ATA connector.  Look at the difference here:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/ATA_cables.jpg
Even though the plugs fit the drive, not all the information will be passed through using the older cable, so that could be where the problem lies.  Hope that helps.

Brian  

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