Need some DVD-related technical advice

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koz
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Need some DVD-related technical advice

Post by koz »

At the moment, I am having issues with the DVD playing capabilities of my system. I'm using a Vista OS, but I use CCCP players (usually Media Player Classic) to play my DVDs.

Now, normally I have no issues, but lately, some of my (completely legal) DVDs have been coming up with a "DVD Copy Protect: Fail" error. This is not a regionality error (the DVDs are from the same region) and it appears to strike more or less at random.

I've tried using VLC Player, but that has had absolutely no effect, and I am frankly at a loss as to what may be wrong. Any and all advice would be appreciated.
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Crissa
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Post by Crissa »

Does VLC give you the same error?

Sounds like a hardware issue, really. But Vista is its own hell.

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PhoneLobster
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Post by PhoneLobster »

In order,

Try VLC

Try AnyDVD

Update drivers, update operating system (though this step is unlikely to work. Heck as it's vista there is a small chance it's an actual updated "feature" of some sort that is screwing you!

Try a new DVD drive in your machine.




It might also be helpful if you can determine if the drive is degrading and about to die. Especially before investing the likely wasted effort of messing with drivers and service packs, or worse buying a new drive.

To those ends...

How old is the drive?

Are the DVDs it is having errors with DVDs it used to be able to read?

Does it consistently disagree with the same DVDs or does it randomly have the error or not with the same DVD in the drive?

Is it having any problem reading DVD media of other types like computer games and data DVDs?

Are you noticing any other problems with your system consistent with power source issues (spotty USB functionality, occasional failed power ups, crashes or boots caused by USB devices or other powered devices being plugged in while the system is on)?
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erik
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Post by erik »

many dvds have their copy protection software on the outer rim of the dvd, which is the part that is likeliest to get damaged. so when it gets damaged it thinks their copy protection software was compromised and it ruins the whole dvd.

if the dvd doesn't work in any player then you might try cleaning or resurfacing it. failing that, possibly write the company that produced em with a complaint. if yer lucky they may replace em.
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