Dual Layer DVD burning in 7 Pro

tamuchly · 12 Oct 2010

Hi all, new to the forums. Has anyone encountered any issues with Dual Layer DVD burning in Windows 7 Professional 32bit? Since moving from XP, I have been unable to do so. I have tried using Imgburn, Clonecd, and have tried swapping DVD drives with another machine...in all cases it's ended in a failed burn. I have a Dell Dimension 5100 with an NEC ND-3530A DVD writer (I had swapped it out for a Philips 8801 DVD).

I should mention that single layer DVDs still burn perfectly. Any help with this issue would be much appreciated.

Bill2 · 12 Oct 2010

Since single layer disks burn fine, the problem doesnt seem to be with the burner. Try using a different brand of media. Also see if you can get a firmware update for the dvd drive. Plus make sure you're using the right disk type the burner supports.

One other possibility is make sure the DVD burn rate is manually set in your burning software program, if the media is 2.4X capable set the burn rate to 2.4X manually, if its 8X and it won't burn manually set to 8X, then set it to 6X.

Another thing (i'm not sure) burning dual layer DVDs may require extended system memory access that burning a single layer doesn't require. Not sure but no harm in running a memory test.

tamuchly · 12 Oct 2010

Thanks Bill, I'll try out your suggestions. I have tried various brands, though: same result.

Wishmaster · 12 Oct 2010

Are you sure the new DVD drive is capable of burning DL DVDs?

Not all are. Some will read them without issue, but can only burn to a Single Layer DVD or CD.

Zepher · 12 Oct 2010

You don't really state it, but you infer it. Were you able to burn DL Discs in XP with your original DVD-RW drive?

I personally have issues with DL discs on my systems. My LG BluRay/HD-DVD/DVD-RW drive can burn and read DL discs that are written with it, but my Pioneer DVD-RW and NEC DVD-RW will not burn or read the DL discs. the Pioneer and NEC are DL Capable.

I have TDK DVD+R 8X DL discs.

BTW, nearly all DVD drives are DL capable since most DVD movies/TV shows are on DL media, just pressed and not burned.

tamuchly · 15 Oct 2010

Hi all. Yes, my drive was able to burn dual layer discs in XP, as was the Philips replacement drive I had tested. Both these drives were PATA: I'm going to try installing a newer SATA drive instead.

unifex · 15 Oct 2010

Very often the same drive would burn one "brand" of DVD-DL disks and not another. I found that my drive (whatever no-name DVD burner Dell puts in their Inspirons) burns well Verbatim and TDK disks - by well I mean that I can play these afterward on my DVD and Blu-Ray players - but would not burn Maxell or store-brand disks.

And I agree with Bill - I have always had better luck burning DL disks at the lowest possible speed, not at the speed written on the package.