How can I avoid I/O, buffer underrun, trackwriter or other CD creation errors when using my CD-RW USB or FireWire® drive with my HotBurn® or Adaptec® (Roxio™) software in Windows®?
Document # 10884.html


This document contains topics that can help prevent ANY CD creation error that may occur during the CD creation process (for example: I/O, buffer underrun and trackwriter errors) when using a USB or FireWire® CD-RW drive.

Important:


If the error you received is not an error generated by the CD creation software (did not appear within the software window), please go to the error message section for your product or search the support site at http://promosearch.atomz.com/search/promosearch/?sp-a=sp100230fa&catsearch=1 for the error you received.

    Note: If you are using Easy CD Creator™ and 'Errors reported by output device' appears while creating a CD, click the View errors button for details about the error that occurred.


The following CD creation troubleshooting topics are covered in this document:

What is a CD creation error?

Bad burns occur when a CD creation error, such as an I/O, buffer underrun or trackwriter error, is encountered. Bad burns are usually caused by buffer underruns. These occur when the source of data is not fast enough to support the speed of the CD-RW drive, which causes the drive's buffer to empty and the writing to stop.


STEP ONE - Basic causes of CD creation errors

Please check each of the following basic troubleshooting steps listed below.

  1. If fingerprints or scratches are present on either the source or destination disc, you may receive CD creation errors. If scratches are present on the disc, try using a different disc. If fingerprints are present on your disc, wipe in a straight line from the center of your disc to the outer edge with a soft cloth. You may add CD cleaner to the cloth if needed. CD cleaning kits are also available at most computer electronics stores.

      Warning: Never clean a disc using a circular motion. This will damage the disc.

  2. Your CD-RW drive must be connected directly to your computer, not a hub. If your drive is currently connected to a hub, disconnect your drive and then connect it directly to your computer's USB or FireWire port.

  3. Check all of your CD-RW drive's cable connections, especially the data cable, to ensure that they are secure. You may want to unplug all of your drive's cables and then plug them back in to ensure that they are all connected properly.

  4. You may receive CD creation errors if you are connected to the Internet while burning your CDs. Always close all open Internet connections before you start the CD creation process.

  5. You may receive CD creation errors if you copy information directly from the Internet or a network drive. If you want to copy information from the Internet or a network drive, copy the information to your hard drive first and then burn it onto a CD.

  6. Try creating a CD.

      If you no longer receive CD creation errors, you can now burn CDs using your CD-RW drive.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP TWO - Use media from the Iomega recommended media list

CD creation errors can occur if quality media is not used. Please go to http://www.iomega.com/support/documents/10706.html to view the Iomega recommended media list. This media has been tested using Iomega CD-RW drives.

Try creating a CD using quality media.

    If you no longer receive CD creation errors, ensure that you always use quality media when you burn a CD.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP THREE - Copy your data and/or audio files to your hard drive

You can help prevent CD creation errors if you copy your data and/or audio files to your hard drive and burn your CDs using your hard drive as the source. Please use the steps below to burn a CD using your hard drive as the source drive.

Select the software you are using:

    HotBurn
    Easy CD Creator
    CD Copier Deluxe
    DirectCD
    HotBurn®
    1. Place a blank CD-R disc into your CD-RW drive. (All Iomega® CD-RW (ZipCD™ 650) drives are capable of writing to 650 to 700MB or 74 to 80 minute CD-R media. Iomega does not support nor recommend the use of 800MB and higher or 90 and 99 minute CD-R media with Iomega CD-RW drives.)

    2. The Iomega HotBurn software should now automatically open.

      Note: If the Iomega HotBurn software does not automatically open; click Start, Programs, Iomega HotBurn and Iomega HotBurn.

    3. Click the Music CD button.

    4. Click the Explore button to navigate to the location where the audio files are stored.

      Note: HotBurn supports CD audio, MP3, WMA and Wave audio file formats.

    5. Click the audio files you want to add to your CD and drag them into the CD layout window. You may also click the Add button to add the selected files to the CD layout. HotBurn will automatically convert MP3, WMA or Wave audio files into CD audio tracks.

    6. Continue adding audio files to the CD layout until all the songs you want are present or until the disc is full.

    7. Click the Settings button to view the HotBurn CD creation settings.

    8. Select the 'Pre-copy all audio files to the hard drive first?' option.

    9. Click the Create CD button.

    10. Once the CD writing session is done, click the Complete button.

      If pre-copying your audio files to the hard drive first helps prevent CD creation errors, ensure that you do this in the future while burning your CDs.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


    Easy CD Creator

      Note: Listed below are steps for different versions of the Easy CD Creator application. Please verify what version of Easy CD Creator you are using and use the appropriate steps. To find what version of Easy CD Creator you are using; open the Easy CD Creator application, click Help and About Easy CD Creator to view the version number.

    Select the Easy CD Creator version you are using:

      Version 4.02c or higher
      Version 3.5c

      Easy CD Creator version 4.02c or higher

      1. Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready.

      2. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features (not required in all software versions) and Easy CD Creator.

      3. Click File, New CD Layout and select either Data CD or Audio CD.

        Note: The option to copy the information to your hard drive is only available when you select the Data CD or Audio CD layout options.

      4. From the Explorer window, which is the top portion of the Easy CD Creator window, navigate to the location where your data or audio files are stored.

        Note: Easy CD Creator only supports CD audio track, MP3 or Wave audio file formats. Easy CD Creator will not recognize any other audio file format.

      5. Click a data or audio file you want to add to your CD and drag it into the CD Layout window, which is the bottom portion of the Easy CD Creator window. Easy CD Creator will automatically convert any MP3 or Wave audio files into audio tracks.

      6. Continue to click and drag data or audio files into the Layout window until you copy all of the information you want or until the disc is full.

      7. Click File and Create CD Image.

      8. Select a location on your hard drive where you want to save the CD image.

        Note: Ensure that enough space is located on your hard drive to store the CD image. Across the bottom of the Easy CD Creator window, you can find information about the combined size of all data files selected. In the Explorer window, the top portion of the Easy CD Creator window, the size of each audio file is listed next to the file. Please use this as a guide to determine the hard drive space you need.

      9. Name the CD image file and click Save.

      10. When the image creation process is complete, click OK.

      11. Place a blank CD into your CD-RW drive.

      12. Click File and Create CD from CD Image.

      13. Click the CD Image file you created.

      14. Click Open.

      15. Choose the settings you desire from the CD Creation Setup window.

        Note: You can view more CD creation options by clicking the Advanced button. If you would like to keep your settings as the default settings, click Set as Default at the bottom of the CD Creation Setup window.

      16. Click OK.

      17. When the CD creation process is complete, click OK.

          Note: To free up space on your hard drive, ensure that you delete the CD image when the CD creation process is complete.

        If creating a CD from a CD image helps prevent CD creation errors, ensure that you do this in the future while burning your CDs.

        If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

      Easy CD Creator version 3.5c

        Note: Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready for the following steps.

      1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega ZipCD and Easy CD Creator.

      2. Click the Cancel button to remove the Wizard window.

      3. Click File and New CD Layout.

      4. Click the Data CD Layout or Audio CD Layout tab (depending upon the kind of CD you want to create).

      5. From the Explorer window, the top portion of the Easy CD Creator window, click a data or audio file that you want to add to your CD.

      6. Drag the data or audio files into the Layout window, which is the bottom portion of the Easy CD Creator window.

      7. Continue to click and drag the data or audio files into the Layout window until you copy all of the information you want or until the disc is full.

      8. Click File and Create Disc Image.

      9. Select a location on your hard drive where you want to save the disc image.

        Note: Ensure that enough space is located on your hard drive to store the disc image. Across the bottom of the Data CD Layout tab, you can find information about the combined size of all data files selected. On the Audio CD Layout tab, the file size is listed next to each audio file selected. Use this as a guide to determine the hard drive space you will need.

      10. Name the disc image file and click Save.

      11. When the image creation process is complete, click OK.

      12. Place a blank CD into your CD-RW drive.

      13. Click File and Create CD from Disc Image.

      14. Click the Disc Image file you created.

      15. Click Open.

      16. Select the desired settings from the CD Creation Setup window.

        Note: You can view more CD creation options by clicking the Advanced tab.

      17. Click OK.

      18. When the CD creation process is complete, click OK.

          Note: To free up space on your hard drive, ensure that you delete the disc image when the CD creation process is complete.

        If creating a CD from a disc image helps prevent CD creation errors, ensure that you do this in the future while burning your CDs.

        If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


CD Copier Deluxe™
  1. Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready.

  2. Place the source CD, which contains the information you want to record, into your CD-RW drive.

  3. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features and CD Copier.

  4. Read the Welcome page and click OK.

  5. Under Copy from, select your CD-RW drive from the drop-down menu.

  6. Under Record to, select your CD-RW drive from the drop-down menu.

  7. Click the Advanced tab.

  8. Choose the settings you desire from the options list.

    Note: If you would like to keep your settings as the default settings, click the Set as Default button.

  9. Click the Copy button.

    Note: CD Copier will now copy the information from your CD to your hard drive.

  10. When prompted, place a blank recordable disc into your CD-RW drive.

  11. The disc will eject when the CD creation process is complete.

    If copying the CD to your hard drive first helps prevent CD creation errors, ensure that you do this in the future while burning your CDs.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


DirectCD™
  1. Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready.

  2. Insert the blank recordable CD into your CD-RW drive.

  3. Create a new folder on your hard drive.

  4. Locate the information you want on your CD and copy it from any removable media to the new folder located on your hard drive.

  5. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD) and DirectCD Wizard.

  6. Read the Welcome page and click Next.

  7. Click the drive letter for your CD-RW drive.

    If the message under Media Status states that the disc is formatted for DirectCD, click Cancel and continue with the next section, H.

    If the message under Media Status states the disc can be formatted to DirectCD for read and write access, click Next for the format window to appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to format your disc. Once the format is complete, continue with the next section, H.

  8. From your computer's desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.

  9. Double-click the icon for your CD-RW drive and leave the window open.

      Note: A message may appear stating that the DirectCD disc is ready for use. If you click OK on the message window, the window for your CD-RW drive may disappear. If this happens, double-click the CD-RW drive icon to open the window again.

  10. Click Start, Programs and Windows Explorer.

  11. Navigate to the location where the information you want to copy is located.

  12. Click and drag the files and/or folders you want to copy from the Windows Explorer window to the window that is open for your CD-RW drive.

  13. Continue to click and drag the files and/or folders into the CD-RW window until you copy all of the information you want or until the disc is full.

  14. Close the window for your CD-RW drive.

  15. A message should appear asking you if you want to leave the disc as it is or if you want to make the disc readable by other CD-ROM drives. Choose the option to make the disc readable by other CD-ROM drives.

    If copying information from your hard drive helps prevent CD creation errors, ensure that you do this in the future while burning your CDs.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP FOUR - Close all open programs and applications

To help prevent CD creation errors, you should close all open programs before you burn a CD. Please use the following steps.

Select your operating system

    Windows 98/Me
    Windows 2000/XP

Windows® 98/Me

  1. Press and hold down the CTRL, ALT and DEL buttons (in the order shown). This should open the Close Program window.

  2. Click a program to highlight it.

    Note: Do not select Explorer or Systray.

  3. Click End Task.

  4. Continue using steps A through C until all of the programs, except for Explorer and Systray, are closed.

  5. Try creating a CD.

    If you no longer receive CD creation errors, ensure that all open programs and applications on your computer are closed before you burn a CD.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

Windows 2000/XP

  1. Press and hold down the CTRL, ALT and DEL buttons (in the order shown).

  2. Click the Task Manager button.

  3. Click the Applications tab.

  4. Click a program to highlight it.

  5. Click End Task.

  6. Continue using steps D and E to close all applications running on your computer.

  7. Click the Processes tab.

  8. Click a program to highlight it.

    Note: Do not select Explorer.exe or taskmgr.exe.

  9. Click End Process.

    Note: Windows 2000 and XP will not allow certain processes to be closed.

  10. Continue using steps H and I to close all of the processes Windows allows you to close. Remember not to close Explorer.exe or taskmgr.exe.

  11. Try creating a CD.

    If you no longer receive CD creation errors, ensure that all open programs and applications on your computer are closed before you burn a CD.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP FIVE - Ensure that the disc's write speed is compatible with the write speed you are using

Different brands of CD-R and CD-RW discs come with different write speed ratings. You must use a recordable disc that is compatible with the write speed you select when you create your discs. If you are burning a CD at a 4x write speed, you must use a disc that has a 4x or higher write speed rating. You cannot burn a CD using a 4x write speed if the disc only has a 1x or 2x write speed rating.

Depending on the manufacturer, the write speed may be located in a number of different areas.

The write speed for your CD-R or CD-RW disc may be listed:

  1. Directly on the disc

  2. On the documentation that came with the disc

  3. On the disc's packaging, container or case

If you cannot find a write speed for your disc, please contact the manufacturer for more information.

    If the CD write speed was not compatible and if you do not receive CD creation errors after you use write compatible media, ensure that you check your media for write compatibility each time you burn a CD.

    If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP SIX - Test the burn before you create your CD

You can help prevent CD creation errors by selecting the option to test the burn before you create a CD. Please use the following steps.

Select the software you are using:

    HotBurn
    Easy CD Creator
    HotBurn
    1. Place a blank CD-R disc into your CD-RW drive. (All Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drives are capable of writing to 650 to 700MB or 74 to 80 minute CD-R media. Iomega does not support nor recommend the use of 800MB or 90 minute CD-R media with Iomega CD-RW drives.)

    2. The Iomega HotBurn software should now automatically open.

      Note: If the Iomega HotBurn software does not automatically open; click Start, Programs, Iomega HotBurn and Iomega HotBurn.

    3. Click the Music CD or Data CD button.

    4. Click the Explore button to navigate to the location where the files are stored.

      Note: If creating an audio CD, HotBurn supports CD audio, MP3, WMA and Wave audio file formats.

    5. Click the files you want to add to your CD and drag them into the CD layout window. You may also click the Add button to add the selected files to the CD layout. HotBurn will automatically convert any MP3, WMA or Wave audio files into CD audio tracks.

    6. Continue adding files to the CD layout until all the information you want is present or until the disc is full.

    7. Click the Settings button to view the HotBurn CD creation settings.

    8. Select the 'Simulate First?' option.

    9. Click the Create CD button.

    10. Once the CD writing session is done, click the Complete button.

      If no problems occur during the test burn, you should be able to burn the CD without experiencing CD creation errors.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

    Easy CD Creator

    Listed below are steps for different versions of the Easy CD Creator application. Please verify what version of Easy CD Creator you are using and use the appropriate steps. To find what version of Easy CD Creator you are using; open the Easy CD Creator application, click Help and About Easy CD Creator to view the version number.

    Select the Easy CD Creator version you are using:

      Version 4.02c or higher
      Version 3.5c

      Easy CD Creator version 4.02c or higher

      1. Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready.

      2. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features (not required in all software versions) and Easy CD Creator.

      3. Click File, New CD Layout and select either Data CD or Audio CD.

      4. From the Explorer window, which is the top portion of the Easy CD Creator window, navigate to the location where your data or audio files are stored.

        Note: Easy CD Creator only supports CD audio track, MP3 or Wave audio file formats. Easy CD Creator will not recognize any other audio file format.

      5. Click a data or audio file you want to add to your CD and drag it into the CD Layout window, which is the bottom portion of the Easy CD Creator window. Easy CD Creator will automatically convert any MP3 or Wave audio files into audio tracks.

      6. Continue to click and drag data or audio files into the Layout window until you copy all of the information you want or until the disc is full.

        Note: All Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drives are capable of writing to 700MB or 80 minute CD-R media.

      7. Place a blank CD into your CD-RW drive.

      8. Click Create CD at the top of the Easy CD Creator window.

      9. From the CD Creation Setup window, click the Advanced button.

      10. Under the Create options section, click Test Only to enable the option.

      11. Click OK.

      12. When the CD creation test is complete, click OK.

        If no problems occur during the test burn, you should be able to burn the CD without experiencing CD creation errors.

        If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

      Easy CD Creator version 3.5c

        Note: Please have a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc ready for the following steps.

      1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega ZipCD and Easy CD Creator.

      2. Click the Cancel button to remove the Wizard window.

      3. Click File and New CD Layout.

      4. Click the Data CD Layout or Audio CD Layout tab (depending upon the kind of CD you want to create).

      5. From the Explorer window, the top portion of the Easy CD Creator window, click a data or audio file that you want to add to your CD.

      6. Drag the data or audio files into the Layout window, which is the bottom portion of the Easy CD Creator window.

      7. Continue to click and drag the data or audio files into the Layout window until you copy all of the information you want or until the disc is full.

      8. Place a blank CD into your CD-RW drive.

      9. Click File and then Create CD.

      10. Under the Options section, click Test only to enable the option.

      11. Click OK.

      12. When the CD creation test is complete, click OK.

        If no problems occur during the test burn, you should be able to burn the CD without experiencing CD creation errors.

        If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP SEVEN - Test the data and/or audio extraction rates for your CD-RW and CD-ROM drives

Please use the following steps to find the data and/or audio extraction rates for your CD-RW and CD-ROM drives.

Select the software you are using:

    HotBurn
    Easy CD Creator
    HotBurn

      Note: Please have the original Iomega HotBurn software CD ready for the following steps. If HotBurn was downloaded, please use the disc you were asked to create when the software was installed. HotBurn only tests the audio extraction rate or your drives.

    1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega HotBurn and then Iomega HotBurn.

    2. If the System Test has not been run before, the System Test screen will automatically appear and you will then need to click the Test button, otherwise, click the HotBurn options button and select Run System Test.

    3. Click Select, located in the layout window and then choose your CD-ROM drive from the list that appears.

    4. Click OK

    5. Click the Test button. The system test will now ask you for the original Iomega HotBurn software CD. Clean the software CD if needed to ensure that an accurate digital audio extraction rate is found while using the CD.

      Note: A disk other than the original Iomega HotBurn software CD can be used for the System Test, but the System Test time may dramatically increase if the original CD is not used.

    6. Once the System Test is done, make a note of the audio extraction rate information listed and then click the Complete button.

    7. Repeat steps C through F to test all of the CD-ROM devices on your system.

    8. Compare the audio extraction rate of your CD-RW drive to the audio extraction rate of the CD-ROM drive you are using as the source drive.

      If the data and/or audio extraction rate varies only a little or not at all, you should be able to use your CD-RW and CD-ROM drives together to create your CDs without experiencing CD creation errors.

      If the data and/or audio extraction rate varies in speed, you may experience CD creation errors. You should use your CD-RW drive as both the source and destination drive, burn at a slower speed that is less than or equal to the source drive's audio extraction rate or copy the information to your hard drive before burning your CDs.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

    Easy CD Creator

    Listed below are steps for different versions of the Easy CD Creator application. Please verify what version of Easy CD Creator you are using and use the appropriate steps. To find what version of Easy CD Creator you are using; open the Easy CD Creator application, click Help and About Easy CD Creator to view the version number.

    Select the Easy CD Creator version you are using:

      Version 4.02c or higher
      Version 3.5c

      Easy CD Creator version 4.02c or higher

        Data Transfer Rate and/or Audio Extraction test

          Note: Please have a data and an audio CD ready for the following steps. The data CD must contain at least 6MB of information and the audio CD must contain at least 2 tracks.

        1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features (not required in all software versions) and Easy CD Creator.

        2. Click the Tools menu at the top of the Easy CD Creator window.

        3. Click System Tests.

        4. Under Devices, click the drive letter of the drive you want to test.

        5. Click Data Transfer Rate Test and/or Audio Extraction Test. Depending on the drive you are testing, you can select one or both of these tests.

          Note: The Data Transfer Rate test determines the average rate at which data is read. The Audio Extraction test determines the average rate at which digital audio is extracted.

        6. Click Test to perform the system test.

          Note: The System Test progress screen will now appear. Follow any on-screen prompts that may appear.

        7. Once complete, the test results should appear on the System Test screen below the test and/or tests that were performed.

          Note: Easy CD Creator will save these system test results for future reference. To view the test results; click Tools, System Tests and the tested drive's drive letter.

        8. Repeat steps D through G to test all of the CD-ROM devices on your system.

        9. Click Close.

        10. Compare the audio extraction rate of the CD-RW drive to the audio extraction rate of the CD-ROM drive you are using as the source drive.

          If the data and/or audio extraction rate varies only a little or not at all, you should be able to use your CD-RW and CD-ROM drives together to create your CDs without experiencing CD creation errors.

          If the data and/or audio extraction rate varies in speed, you may experience CD creation errors. You should use your CD-RW drive as both the source and destination drive, burn at a slower speed that is less than or equal to the source drive's data and/or audio extraction rate or copy the information to your hard drive before burning your CDs.

          If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

      Easy CD Creator version 3.5c

        Data Transfer Rate test

          Note: Please have a data CD ready for the following steps. The CD must contain at least 6MB of information.

        1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega ZipCD and Easy CD Creator.

        2. Click the Cancel button to remove the Wizard window.

        3. Click the Tools menu at the top of the Easy CD Creator window.

        4. Click System Tests.

        5. Click the Transfer Rate tab.

        6. Under Devices, click the drive letter of the drive you want to test.

        7. Insert a data CD into the drive.

        8. Click Test to perform the system test.

          Note: The System Test progress screen will now appear.

        9. Once complete, a message will appear with the test result information.

          Note: You will need to write down the test result information to compare the results to the results of other drives on your system.

        10. When you are finished viewing the test results, click OK.

        11. Use steps F through J to test the data transfer rate of the other CD-ROM devices on your system.

        12. When you are finished, click Done.

        13. Compare the data transfer rate of the Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drive to the data transfer rate of the CD-ROM drive you are using as the source drive.

          If the data transfer rate varies only a little or not at all, you should be able to use your CD-ROM and Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drives together to create your data CDs without experiencing CD creation errors.

          If the data transfer rate varies in speed, you may experience CD creation errors. You should use your Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drive as both the source and destination drive, burn at a slower speed that is less than or equal to the source drive's data transfer rate or copy the information to your hard drive before burning your CDs.

          If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.

        Audio Extraction Rate test

          Note: Please have an audio CD ready for the following steps. The CDs must contain at least 2 tracks.

        1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega ZipCD and Easy CD Creator.

        2. Click the Cancel button to remove the Wizard window.

        3. Click the Tools menu at the top of the Easy CD Creator window.

        4. Click System Tests.

        5. Click the Audio Extraction tab.

        6. Under Devices, click the drive letter of the drive you want to test.

        7. Insert an audio CD into the drive.

        8. Click Test to perform the system test.

          Note: The System Test progress screen will now appear.

        9. Once complete, a message will appear with the test result information.

          Note: You will need to write down the test result information to compare the results to the results of other drives on your system.

        10. When you are finished viewing the test results, click OK.

        11. Use steps F through J to test the audio extraction rate of the other CD-ROM drives on your system.

        12. When you are finished, click Done.

        13. Compare the audio extraction rate of the Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drive to the audio extraction rate of the CD-ROM drive you are using as the source drive.

          If the audio extraction rate varies only a little or not at all, you should be able to use your CD-ROM and Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drives together to create your audio CDs without experiencing CD creation errors.

          If the audio extraction rate varies in speed, you may experience CD creation errors. You should use your Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drive as both the source and destination drive, burn at a slower speed that is less than or equal to the source drive's audio extraction rate or copy the information to your hard drive before burning your CDs.

          If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP EIGHT - Change the write speed to a slower speed

Your system may not be configured to burn at higher speeds or the media may not be able to handle high speed burning if you experience CD creation errors while burning your CDs. Please use the following steps to burn your discs at a slower speed to help prevent CD creation errors.

Select the software you are using:

    HotBurn
    Easy CD Creator
    CD Copier Deluxe
    DirectCD

    HotBurn

    Note: You will need to change the write speed while creating a CD.

    1. Place a blank CD-R disc into your CD-RW drive. (All Iomega CD-RW (ZipCD 650) drives are capable of writing to 650 to 700MB or 74 to 80 minute CD-R media. Iomega does not support nor recommend the use of 800MB or 90 minute CD-R media with Iomega CD-RW drives.)

    2. The Iomega HotBurn software should now automatically open.

      Note: If the Iomega HotBurn software does not automatically open; click Start, Programs, Iomega HotBurn and Iomega HotBurn.

    3. Click the Music CD or Data CD button.

    4. Click the Explore button to navigate to the location where the files are stored.

      Note: If creating an audio CD, HotBurn supports CD audio, MP3, WMA and Wave audio file formats.

    5. Click the files you want to add to your CD and drag them into the CD layout window. You may also click the Add button to add the selected files to the CD layout. HotBurn will automatically convert any MP3, WMA or Wave audio files into CD audio tracks.

    6. Continue adding files to the CD layout until all the information you want is present or until the disc is full.

    7. Click the Settings button to view the HotBurn CD creation settings.

    8. Next to Burn Speed, select a slower speed from the drop-down list.

      Note: Try selecting a write speed of 2x.

    9. Click the Create CD button.

    10. Once the CD writing session is done, click the Complete button.

      If changing the write speed helps prevent CD creation errors, keep burning your discs at slower speeds or try using different media.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


    Easy CD Creator
    1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features (not required in all software versions) and Easy CD Creator.

    2. Click Tools and CD Drive Properties or Recorder Properties.

    3. Select the drive letter for your CD-RW drive.

    4. Select a slower write speed from the Write speed drop-down box.

      Note: Try selecting a write speed of 2x.

    5. Click OK.

    6. Try creating a CD.

      If changing the write speed helps prevent CD creation errors, keep burning your discs at slower speeds or try using different media.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


    CD Copier Deluxe
    1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD), Features (not required in all software versions) and CD Copier.

    2. Read the Welcome page and click OK.

    3. Click the Advanced tab.

    4. Select a slower write speed from the CD-Recorder speed drop-down box.

      Note: Try selecting a write speed of 2x.

    5. Click the Set as Default button.

    6. Try creating a CD.

      If changing the write speed helps prevent CD creation errors, keep burning your discs at slower speeds or try using different media.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


    DirectCD
    1. Click Start, Programs, Iomega CD-RW (or Iomega ZipCD) and DirectCD Wizard.

    2. Read the Welcome page and click Next.

    3. Click the drive letter for your CD-RW drive.

    4. Click the Properties button.

    5. Click the Settings tab.

    6. Select a slower write speed from the Current Write Speed drop-down box.

      Note: Try selecting a write speed of 2x.

    7. Click the Apply button.

    8. Try creating a CD.

      If changing the write speed helps prevent CD creation errors, keep burning your discs at slower speeds or try using different media.

      If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP NINE - Allow the drive to cool down when burning multiple CDs

If you start experiencing CD creation errors after successfully burning multiple CDs, you may need to let your drive cool down before you burn any more CDs.

After the drive has cooled down, try creating a CD.

If you no longer receive CD creation errors, ensure that you let the drive cool down between multiple CD burning sessions when you burn your CDs.

If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP TEN - Other possible causes of CD creation errors

Please use the following information to check your system for problems that may cause CD Creation errors.

    Hard Disk

    1. Extremely fragmented hard drive.

    2. Not enough space in temporary directory (20MB or more recommended).

    3. Hard disk compression may cause CD creation failure. Iomega does not recommend writing from a compressed hard disk or disk partition.

    4. Old hard drives.

    Other Hardware

    1. Slow source devices.

    2. Source devices that transfer data in bursts.

    3. Inability of your devices to sync properly.

    4. Overall system configuration.

    5. Computer is unable to allow fast enough data transfer.

    Networks

    1. Recording across a network (a network may be too slow to maintain adequate throughput speed).

    Files to Be Recorded

    1. Recording numerous small files.

    2. Damaged source files (data loss).

    3. Recording files in use by your system or other applications.

    Other

    1. Copying from a CD that is scratched, dirty or damaged.

    2. Recorder malfunction.

After you have checked your system, try creating a CD.

If you still receive CD creation errors, continue with the next step.


STEP ELEVEN - Checks and preventative measures
  1. Defragment your hard drive at least once a week.

  2. Do not record across a network. Copy the desired files to your computer's hard drive.

  3. Record at a slower speed.

  4. Write audio at slower speeds, since writing audio requires streaming more bits per second to your CD-RW drive than writing data.

  5. Keep your CDs, recorder and source drives free of dust.

  6. Do not copy empty directories, zero byte files or files that may be in use by your system at the time of recording.

  7. If your data includes more than 10,000 very small files, create a disc image first or record at a slower speed.

  8. Your computer's temporary directory should always have space free at least twice the size of the largest file you are recording.

  9. Your entire computer, from the motherboard bus to your CD-RW drive itself, needs to be configured properly for faster recording and the highest maximum sync transfer rate.

13 January 2003