i'm running w-xp pro and have a cd DVD rom & cd writer. when I start up the puter, 1st off, i get nothing on the screen, then i push reset and the system starts up. i go to "my computer" and my cd writer is present. then i go to "control panel", "system", "hardware" then "device manager". i click dvd/cd rom drives and select my writer. i then click the icon for "scan for hardware changes" and my writer disappears. i have to restart to bring it back and sometimes after using it, it disappears. what's up with that?
As Praetor suggested , loose components/plugs not seated/jumpers in wrong positions/dirty fans creating overheating are often a cause of weird behaviour in a PC. It is the first step to be taken in assessing a diagnosis . -- May i suggest that you put your XP CD in the drive , wait for the install screen to pop up and then select REPAIR ~~ This tool you have on your installation CD of XP is quite often forgotten. Installing software may have corrupted a file on your O/S system ; this would eliminate that possibility from your search for a solution to your problems. _X_X_X_X_X_[small]Do It Right , and you will be a Happy Camper ! Take Care.[/small]
How often does this happen? I recall this happening to me on a few occassions. I checked IDE cables, jumpers and ran latest firmware update along with a few Windows updates as well and the problem was fixed.
i opened up the tower, blew her out, checked all the cables. again it shows up in the control panel until i check for hardware changes. it's gone again. as i stated before, if i restart it will stay until i use it. i don't have an install disk. xp was on it when i bought it.
You dont have an XP Cd -- then go Start -- Help and Support -- select Undo changes to your computer with System Restore . Tick on first item (Restore...) , click NEXT , select a restore point on the Calendar. and let it do its magic. Now if you tell Me you have turned off the Restore Function and you cant do this . I Give up , my last suggestion is go to a shop and pay for a tech to re-install.
