Dvd Shrink completely freezes my computer

[obsidianshadow2k3]

I've been backing up my dvds for a few months now without problem. Then, for a reason that escapes me, Dvd Shrink's encoding process to reduce the files to fit on one dvd locks up my computer. I can decript the dvd to my harddrive using Dvd Decripter without a problem. The problem comes when Dvd Shrink is encoding the files or ISO; usually between 30-50% into the process my entire system just freezes (can't move my mouse, need to do a hard reset.) The harddrive I decrypt to has more than enough space for storage.
I've searched diligently for posts relating to this issue but the majority seem to be more about either getting it to the harddrive or problems after the dvd itself has been burned. I've tried mounting the ISO with daemon tools, as well as trying to encode it with DVD Shrink straight from the dvd, and the same problem happens every time.
All my IDE channels are set to Ultra DMA, i've disabled nero burning and video preview (as suggested by numerous posts) but to no effect. I've used ForceASPI as well,seemingly without effect. After the same problem happened with trying to encode with DVD2One, I'm concluding that the problem is hardware based (but i'm not completely positive about this)

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if more info is needed. Thanks

My system:
Dell 8100 Series
Pentium 4 1.7 Ghz
512 MB of RAM
Windows XP
DVD Shrink version 3.1.6 (though i've tried 3.1.5 with the same effect)
DVD-RW drive = OPTORITE DVD RW DD0203 2.11

[riddler]

I had about the same problem using Shrink. My computer using XP would lock up when I first tried to rip. The problem must have been a program that hated Shrink, because when I reinstalled a clean XP, Shrink now is working. Did you install any new programs about the time Shrink quit working??

Riddler:)

[obsidianshadow2k3]

to be honest i'm not remembering anything about that time and new programs being installed. This doesn't rule out that possibility, though, and i'll try to remember if anything was added

[trapvector]

I used to have this problem with an older version of DVD Shrink. I ended up buying an external DVD Writer-Sony DRU-510A and then that solved the problem. Also, you might look into getting a registry cleaner and/or defragmenting your hard drive. That may help.

[obsidianshadow2k3]

defraged the drives and clean the registry (at least the parts that needed it anyway) but to no avail. Thanks though, I'll keep trying things out

[red-adair]

Have had the exact same problem as you in the past...some kind of software conflict. Managed to solve it by using 'smart restore' tool in XP and resetting pc to earlier point. Failing this re-master may be only solution then re-install software one at a time.

[obsidianshadow2k3]

since there is nothing wrong with the windows xp itself, how do go into system restore? I won't load off of my xp disk because everything's cool system wise. Thanks.

[JustinH]

it would crash on my xp box also, this is the beta version i am talking about.

I downloaded the new version from the front page, and it works great now.

JH

[ammck55]

I'd try JustinH's suggestion first, but if you feel a System Restore is in order, here's the path.

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

You might also want to dig around in your Help files and read up on "System Restore" and "Restore Points" before you initialize the procedure. The Help files, which you can access from your Start Menu, are a valuable resource for any problems you encounter with your OS.

ammck55

[obsidianshadow2k3]

thanks to all. I will try the shrink version on the front page first and then fiddle around with the system restore. feel free to leave further suggestions if anyone gets the inspiration

[obsidianshadow2k3]

tried the earliest system restore i could and the newest versions of everything and still the same problem :( i'm all out of ideas. gah!

[riddler]

I really hate to say this, but you may have to reinstall a clean version of XP to solve your problem. That is what I did to solve my Shrink problem of hanging up my computer. I never could find out what was causing my problem. Good luck

Riddler :)

[obsidianshadow2k3]

damn I was hoping it wouldn't come to that, oh well :( . Will i lose anything when i reinstall the OS? thanks

[ammck55]

Originally posted by obsidianshadow2k3
Will i lose anything when i reinstall the OS?
That depends. On XP factory installs, you can sometimes access a recovery panel by hitting one of the "F" keys at the top of your keyboard. Watching your monitor screen when you boot up will tell you which key your particular machine responds to. From there, you'll have two options, a "Non-Destructive Systems Recovery", which will save all of your software and personal files, and a "Destructive Systems Recovery", which wipes everything and does an install just like it came outta the box, bogus demos and all. This would be a good time to find some of your PC's documentation and light up the ole reading lamp.

If you don't have access to this kind of console, you'll have to re-install from the disc that came with your PC. Pop it in and follow the instructions. One of my rigs is a Toshiba laptop running XP Pro that requires the disc to boot from, and with it, I don't have a choice of recovery options, I can either re-install the software and drivers, or the entire OS, there's no choice there for "Destructive", or "Non-Destructive" recoveries. This is just an example of one scenario you could potentially face.

You're going to have to figure out what kind of OS install you're working with, and carefully navigate from there. Even if you have the option of a Non-Destructive Recovery, it would be a wise course of action to back up all of your personal files and self-installed software, at least anything you don't have on disc. As always, don't click "Yes", or "Go", if you're not absolutely certain of your course of action. Get in the Help files or get on the phone if you're in the dark, here. You can look at it like this, even though it may seem like a huge pain in the keister right now, it'll be good practice for future OS wipes and re-installs. I know lots of guys who can do this at the drop of a hat, and from reading here in the forum, clean installs were a regular chore on older OS's in the earlier days of conversions and compression. File corruption was apparently more common then.

You seem to be dead in the water now, so this is a good thing, right? :)

We'll help you as much as we can, but you're pretty much on your own with this one. You can figure this out, for sure, but it will take longer than 15 minutes, I can tell ya that from past experience.

ammck55

[obsidianshadow2k3]

gah how depressing. Thanks though, I'm glad someone's trying to help me out. I'll postpone the reinstall for now just because i need my system daily. Thanks again

[red-adair]

A re-master isn't as bad as you think and can have it done within a few hours at most...all your going to do is set the pc back to the way it came, and therefor remove all software you have installed. I do it myself about twice a year to keep my pc clean and running smoothly. A few things to remember..make sure you backup ALL your files,folders,software,programs etc (Its a good idea to rake out all those driver and install discs first).
If your pc is a branded sort ie. compaq, tosh, Hp,Pack Bell etc they tend to come with a recovery disc and is clearly labelled..pop it in your drive, restart the pc (its a boot disc) and you will then be in the restore menu...just select the standard restore/format options and the machine will do the rest...dont muck about with any of the advanced options unless you know what ure doing. Leave the machine to do the rest, it can take a few hours depending on how much software your pc came pre-installed with.
If your pc is the non branded sort ie dan, dell, own build etc. The recovery process is usually just the operating system and can be done within an hour.
Its worth checking out if you still have pc support from the manufacturer because if you run into trouble you will need their telephone support lines.