Backup medias not working anymore

[4of10]

I've read a number of posts on this issue and still sort of don't get why certain formats at one time work and currently don't work when making back ups or why it works for some people and not others.
I used to use Memorex -Rs for backing up movies all the time without any problems, until recently. But now those aren't working anymore. Memorex -R gives a power callibration error with and doesn't even attempt to burn.
So I tried +Rs and burnt through a case with no problem. Recently however, when I attempt to back up with them they come up with some I/O error after the burn is complete and the whole disk becomes corrupt and wasted.
So, I tried TDK +Rs which a friend uses just fine, but my results are the same as the Mem +Rs. The only format that ever works are Verbatim -Rs now that are specifically labeled "Digital Movie".
I don't see how it could be a compatibility issue when I've always had the same DVD-Rom RW, a Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-106. My computer has just recently been completely wiped so it has no viruses. Could it be the burner is dying or something?

Edit Add: Oh also could their be a possibility that Verbatim may stop working eventually?

[voo_doo99]

I've read a number of posts on this issue and still sort of don't get why certain formats at one time work and currently don't work when making back ups or why it works for some people and not others.
I used to use Memorex -Rs for backing up movies all the time without any problems, until recently. But now those aren't working anymore. Memorex -R gives a power callibration error with and doesn't even attempt to burn.
So I tried +Rs and burnt through a case with no problem. Recently however, when I attempt to back up with them they come up with some I/O error after the burn is complete and the whole disk becomes corrupt and wasted.
So, I tried TDK +Rs which a friend uses just fine, but my results are the same as the Mem +Rs. The only format that ever works are Verbatim -Rs now that are specifically labeled "Digital Movie".
I don't see how it could be a compatibility issue when I've always had the same DVD-Rom RW, a Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-106. My computer has just recently been completely wiped so it has no viruses. Could it be the burner is dying or something?

Edit Add: Oh also could their be a possibility that Verbatim may stop working eventually?
My thought, the burner is dying. Save your griefs, get a new burner.

[Hard Core Rikki]

apart from replacing dvd burner NOW, check if you have StarForce installed. It interferes with the burning processes to disallow em. however it does this in a tricky way, interfering with ALL IDE devices, slowing them over time, dvd drives eventually switching to 16bits compatibilty, virtually rendering them unable to burn and eventually causing physical failures of the dvd burner.

Check before. you wouldnt want another drive installed and have it possibly failing in a similar way. better check in case:

http://onlinesecurity-on.com/downloads/sfdrvrem.zip

An article is here about starforce
http://www.onlinesecurity-on.com/protect.phtml?c=55

[4of10]

Wait so mcafee is one of the programs that installs drivers that mess up your burner?

Edit Add: No protection drivers found to be removed. So I guess it is safe to buy a new DVD-RW drive?

THx for the input btw.

[setarip_old]

Hi!

According to the good folks at NERO/Ahead Software ( http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/enu/FAQs_Products_NeroBurningROM_Error-Messages.html ):

"9. I get a 'Power calibration error' or 'Calibration area (almost) full' error message. Why?

Power Calibration is controlled by the recorder.

Before any write operation, all recorders must do a 15 step power test to determine the optimum power for writing to the CD; this is called "Optimum Power Calibration"(OPC). During the write, it continues to do this test to get the best write throughout the whole CD; this is called "Running Optimum Power Calibration" (ROPC).
This whole process is controlled by the recorder, though initiated by programs such as Nero. There is an area on the inner part of the CD for the test and test data info to be stored. You can use this area up to 999 times.

If you receive the "Power calibration error" or "Power calibration area is (amost) full" error message, the cause will be either poor media, poor power, or a defective recorder.

Please try the following solutions:

Update the firmware of your recorder. Please check the manufacturer's website for the latest version.
Try another brand of CD-R or CD-RW media.
Try different power connectors, and for recorders, do not share power with other devices. It needs its own power connector. If the error occurs with an external recorder, the power source in the chassis could be the cause. As a test, try to take the recorder out of the external chassis and connect it internal.
Try different configurations, such as taking the CD-ROM to the primary IDE bus as slave and have only the recorder connected to the secondary IDE bus as master.
Send the recorder in for service."

[4of10]

(Sorry for bumping an old post but it is sort of related to my original question)

So, I should run the Starforce Remover thingy everytime I install a game? I ask because I was thinking of buying a game that is suspected to have Starforce in it and don't want my DVD drive getting messed up further.
Will the program always detect and remove Starforce drivers?

[feedback]

(Sorry for bumping an old post but it is sort of related to my original question)

So, I should run the Starforce Remover thingy everytime I install a game? I ask because I was thinking of buying a game that is suspected to have Starforce in it and don't want my DVD drive getting messed up further.
Will the program always detect and remove Starforce drivers?
Looks like it reinstalls every time you launch a program with Starforce. I got the below info. from one of the links provided by omegasaid.

"If the protected application requires a StarForce driver, this driver will be re-installed as soon as you launch the application again. For further help, please contact the helpdesk of the application publisher".