Help! PC won't detect CD-Rom

Ralf Roggeveen

Ralf Roggeveen

Charter Member
The title of this thread says it all really, my PC doesn't seem to know that there's a disc - fs9 Disc 4 practically lives in there of course - inside.

So when I try to switch fs9 on it tells me to insert the disc, click OK and try again.

Tried all the obvious things like going into Program files and going to fs9.exe to switch on, but it still doesn't play ball.

Anybody got any ideas? Had this problem before? :confused:

I ran a cleanup, but that hasn't solved this, surely more a hard- than software glitch. (It is a very ancient Windows XP machine, but usually creaks along.)
 
If the drive appears in the Computer folder and plays other disks, then it's an issue with your physical CD#4. If that's the case, email me directly (check your PMs for the address). The only way I can help can't be discussed here. You'll get an automatic response from my ISP - click the link so I can add your email to my whitelist.
 
Don't think it's registering the D Drive at all - tried a photo disk in there and nothing comes up. It's picking up memory sticks & peripheral connexions OK.
 
Ralf,

I'm having exactly the same problem. PC isn't registering the CD-ROM station at all. :( I'm absolutely puzzled.

Cheers,
Maarten
 
Once you get things sorted, you might want to consider getting the no cd utility, i know there are a few forum members who are a little screemish about it but for me its an essential utility.
cheers ian
 
Hi Andy,

I think something might have disconnected inside the PC. I don't dare to check since I'm an absolute eejit when it comes to computer technique. I'll have to have it checked, but I can't miss the computer at the moment. Doesn't matter for FS (that works fine thanks to the no cd utility) but it isn't handy for the moments I need to read or burn a CD/DVD.

Cheers,
Maarten
 
No CD utility sounds interesting!

I thought GW3 might still work without it, but when I try to switch that on it asks me to insert CD4 too.

A friend whose very good with computers might be able to come round & fix it if I can't work anything else out. Funny thing is, it was fine this morning, just switched off for a few hours and it didn't work after lunch. Think it's just not trying hard enough to make contact with the disk! Maybe yours is the same Maarten? I didn't do any downloads or anything between it working & not working.

Bah! :blind:
 
If there is one thing I have learnt over the years with PC's (since 1993 that is) always always always think the simplest first. And that is check connections inside the PC. Switching on and off can work them loose.
 
Naismith said:
If there is one thing I have learnt over the years with PC's (since 1993 that is) always always always think the simplest first. And that is check connections inside the PC. Switching on and off can work them loose.
Click to expand...

Yep, had that happen to me a fair few times. Maarten, from your description I'm 95% sure that is your problem (and Ralf, I'd lay good money it is with you as well). It's not a complicated fix; pop the side pane off your PC, unplugged of course, and check whether the cable into the back of the CD-drive is pushed in firmly then follow that cable to your motherboard and check if it is plugged in firmly there - but I can understand if you're nervous it might seem a bit daunting. Either way I hope you both get sorted soon.
 
Thanks a lot for your advise guys. I'll have a good night sleep and try to throw my anxiety overboard.

Cheers,
Maarten
 
Could be the ole drive is done. Fortunately they're modular, cheap and a straight up replacement. Any corner comp place should be able to swap one out in 10 mins, and if you know an honest one, they might find a loose connection for you. Good luck.
 
Thanks for kind advice, chaps.

I took the side panel off and had a look round in there - interesting historic dust collection removed.

All connections seemed to be OK, and it's still not working, so might have to go for new drive. Mike would be able to install that (he has offered to build me a whole computer in the past), so might go down that route. The old drive certainly got a lot of use, but I'm afraid that if anyone's following my current flight, there may be a bit of a delay.

Can anyone say more about the No CD utility? Where to get/how to install/download, etc? Sounds, however, like it's not the perfect solution.
 
Ralf, check your email. At least I hope the email I have for you is still good.
 
Ralf, Maarten: Changing a CD or DVD drive on a desktop PC is easier than changing a lightbulb in your car or building a big model ship ;)
Simply remove both sidedoors, remove the two plugs from the drive (These will only fit one way and into only one connection) remove the screws (Usually four) that hold it in place and slide out the drive.
Some cases may use a system with two brackets that you need to slide out first. Now put in the new drive, put back the screws and plugs and you are done.
While you are in there, make sure the other ends of the cables are correctly in place. One should go into the PSU and the other into the motherboard.
 
If you are afraid to open the"Pandora box" ;) ... you can use a external DVD (USB)
Same prize as a internal and same capabilities
I use one and I'm happy
 
Hi Ralf,
I'm very sorry to hear of the computer problems you are having. I have been following the journey and the appearances of the girl in red. This seems suspicious behaviour by a Mata Hari type, hanging about by the coffee bars of these International Airports. It seems to me that she has been delaying the appearance of the Ladybird engineers who would probably be able to help you sort out this mess before too long.
Of course, with the noCD option as long as the computer still functions in some mode you would be able to fly, however many spanners that devious creature puts in your path.

ATB,

Andy:sheep:
 
I have replaced and repaired many CD drives when this occurs.

One likely issue is that the read head/light is dusty and cannot quite recognize the CD. There are CD light cleaners with small soft brushes that can fix this issue. You insert the CD cleaner CD, it swirls around and few seconds, and done. Its a good first thing to try. Only about 10% of issues were of this cause. Sometimes, using your compressed air to blow inside gently will fix the problem.

The second issue is software related and could be a conflict with devices, available internal slots, shared IRB, etc. A recent installation or update may have initiated the problem.

The third issue I encountered was the read light simply did not fire when it was supposed to. Unfixable. Needs to be replaced.

I would agree that a replacement is easy, or buy an external drive.
 
I'm sure a lot of us have been aware of the existance of the "file that shall not be named" for some time. However, I'm sure we also realize that installing such a thing circumvents Microsoft's copy protection and thus is a clear violation of their EULA.

This being the case, openly mentioning or recommending such a thing in the forums puts this site on shakey ethical grounds and in possible legal jeopardy. Just a little something to consider.
 
pfflyers said:
I'm sure a lot of us have been aware of the existance of the "file that shall not be named" for some time. However, I'm sure we also realize that installing such a thing circumvents Microsoft's copy protection and thus is a clear violation of their EULA.

This being the case, openly mentioning or recommending such a thing in the forums puts this site on shakey ethical grounds and in possible legal jeopardy. Just a little something to consider.
Click to expand...

On the other hand, right after the releases of CFS3 and FS2004 Mickey$oft themselves recommended the unnamed file as a good way to improve the performance of the sim.

No use in trying to be holier than the pope...

Just my two €cents worth...

Dumonceau.
 
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