windows freezing

strange problem whenever i start using nero to burn images or writing some files windows starts freezing im using xp sp2 could it be software failure or hardware
thx in advance

Desktop or Control Panel > Right-click My Computer or System -> Manage
Left-hand side -> Event Logger -> System
Check for ATAPI and CDROM error messages.
PIO mode may need to be disabled (use DMA if possible)

Could be hardware related, but not likely. Problem just started occurring? Use System Restore in the Help and Support applet on the Start Menu or in the Control Panel. Restore to a previous point before problem started happening.

Try a lower write speed setting within Nero.

Uninstall and reinstall your burner.

That should help.

thx 4 your reply i got error msg from nero cannot write at speed 52 but before it was writing without giving any problem if i re-install nero do i have to set lower speed

Hi folks and welcome to AO............ we haven't spoken before.

thierry101 was pretty much spot on with his analysis and suggestions. The only point I would question, is his comment on DMA and PIO modes. In my experience the normal troubleshooting technique is to switch from DMA to PIO, as PIO is less demanding ;) in any case, switching the mode is a useful test.

Merro, These problems are rather common. The usual cause is the quality of the media that you are using. Cheap = nasty.

Trying to burn at 52x on cheap media is going to get you a lot of coasters, beer mats, or whatever you call them where you are.

I would recommend using your current installation and trying to burn at 12x, and getting a different make of media (high quality) to test burning at full speed.

thx nihil 4 your suggestions i'll give it a try

Nihil, you're absolutely correct with what you're saying about PIO being less demanding. My experience with the PIO and DMA modes stems from having discs 'skip', which is evident both in playback and recording post burn. DMA is usually the way to go because after enough error messages Windows will automatically switch to PIO mode.

Merro hasn't really given that much information to go on either - did this just start happening? Only with the new CD's?