Early this year I bought this computer, fitted with the then new Win XP (Home), European edition. Soon after I bought a Memorex BBQ200 external CD-RW drive to make backups. It came with Roxio software Easy CD Creator 5 Basic. I think I had to download an XP patch, but got it up and working.

The Basic version will only 'do' one CD at a time, so I bought the Platinum version which will back up across multiple CDs. Having delayed through the summer from sheer laziness, I installed Platinum (which removed the Basic), only to be told then that the 'multiple CD' element doesn't work with XP and should not be installed. Worse, the computer would not shut down - it restarted every time unless I broke the power supply as the restart began - hardly ideal! I had some reason to think I may have caught a virus and spent some time assuring myself about that. I uninstalled the Platinum and at least got my computer working again.

Today I tried installing the Basic again, to be told that Windows had disabled it because of conflicting drivers. The Roxio website says 'Click here for XP patch', but then says it is not available. So the Basic version is unuseable.

I did a 'Custom' install of the Platinum version with just the basic system to format disks and write files as backup, but again it messed up the computer shutdown. At the moment, then, the whole lot is uninstalled and a heap of useless junk.

I've tried e-mailing Roxio and Memorex tech support, but can't even get the e-mails away. I'm fed up to the back teeth with the whole thing. As things stand I'll be at the store on Monday for a complete new writer and non-Roxio software that will work with XP.

Anyone any suggestions/comments before I throw the whole expletives-deleted thing out of the window? I don't want to 'do' MP3 or DVD or any of the fancy stuff, just write/read files for backup. Alternatively, any ideas where to go (UK/Europe) and what to buy?

Reinstall XP (repair)! Or Call Roxio and ask for a refund! Say U were never informed about the XP stuff!

Or I use NERO and it works fine! Had to reformat the HD and start over but XP was at fault and not NERO!

U can buy it form here

http://www.netcomdirect.com/netcomdirect/nerburromv55.html

CD only but there should be plenty of help on the CD so not bad for $12.50

ivnj

I may have got so steamed up I didn't make myself quite clear. XP is working as well(?) as ever. So presumably would the CD-RW drive be if only the software would be friends with XP. The software is the problem, but if necessary I'll junk the drive too to get a workable system.

I may even have to use snail mail (shock horror!) to contact Roxio, but they are going to hear from me one way or another.

But U don't know for 1000% sure that XP is not faulty! Looks can be decieving! And if the software is to blame then get a refund on Roxio and buy NERO! Your burner is not the pblm here! Just the software! All burners are capabl of at least data backup! So it's a software thing! Just get a new one like NERO as mentioned before!

ivnj

Please look at this page:

Please read the post from Wayne.

If that doesn't help, then I agree with ivnj...try the Nero software.

The software is compatible with a number of Memorex CD-RW's, but you should check this list and verify that your hardware is listed.

Recorder compatible list

This page has information on the Nero burning software:

Nero Information Page

I hope something here helps!

Dwight

Many thanks, Dwight and ivnj. The key was in Wayne's post, that Win XP ships with basic CD-burning capability. I found my copy of 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Windows XP', which is aimed at my level, and confirmed this. Just plugging in the burner and using the inbuilt program, I can now do what I set out to achieve, backups.

Boy, am I glad I posted this under 'Beginners'!

I would not have guessed the CD burning drivers were pre-installed either, so it is great that Wayne was here! It would be great if you would post a note To Wayne letting him know his post helped.

I hope to "see" you here again!

Dwight