Two problems
 

I have the following two problems:

1: My CDRW drive rarely reads cds, it will every once in a while, but when i want to burn something it usually makes 3 or for messup cds before making a good copy that can actually be played. This pisses me off. I have an ASUS and am using memorex BlackCD-R but regular Cds don't work to well either.


2: I have this SImpletech external 500gb hard drive thing but I have no clue how to use it. The prompt that comes up on my icon bar speaks of backing up but only allows me to back up back to my computer or to discs. I just want to save extra memory to it, but am finding this nearly impossible.

Uhh

1) Replace
2) Drag and drop? :wtf:

1. I've always found that Staples brand CDR-RW's almost always work much better than most other brands I try. Recently, we got a spindle of memorex ones and I'll tell ya, my enthusiasm over seeing how many I waste is overflowing.

2. External Harddrives I've found can be somewhat of a pain. Some of them require reformatting to be used to back-up media for whatever reason. If it connects via USB, then, as Crippler said, Drag and Drop should work....Unless, it's got it's own program Interface to work from, which might be the way to go.

I have a 1TB external USB hard-drive.

When I first got it and installed it, the first thing I did was re-format it (not saying everyone should do this, it's just somehing I like to do) so I have a perfectly blank canvas for XP to interface with using XP settings.

By doing this, Explorer recognises the new hard drive easily and now I simply drag & drop into it via explorer, create folders, download directly into it (legally, of course :shifty:).

The reason you're not prompted to back-up to it is probably because your operating system either does not recognise it or you haven't configured your settings for it.

It's like when you use WMP and want to check your library - unless you nominate that drive in WMP settings it won't know to look there for any files.

As far as your CDRW not reading CD's - get a new one. You should not be having this much trouble with brand new blank CD's (irrespective of the brand). Upgrade to a new DVD so you can burn CD's and DVD's - they're pretty cheap these days.

In regard to the CD burning issue. Slow down your burn speed perhaps. I know when I used to (legally :shifty: ) burn things, the faster I did it, the more errors I'd get.

Yep that's true. However, I've only ever experienced that problem myself with DVD Shrink - only works on the slowest burn speed for me if I rip (legally :shifty:) a DVD.

It allows me to back up but only to my current hard drive.

I'm godsandearths5 if anyone can provide some help I will mail you any INDIE album you want. I have them all. lol.

OK. I'm going to assume that you're using Windows XP and that you haven't changed the "Backup Destination" in your Backup settings.

So...I'll try and make this as simple as possible.

1. Click on the "Start" button.
2. Select "All Programs"
3. Select "Accessories"
4. Select "System Tools"
5. Select "Backup"
6. Click the hyperlink for "Advanced Mode"
7. There are probably 4 tabs at the top..."Welcome", "Backup", "Restore & Manage Media" and "Schedule Jobs"...Select "Backup"
8. At the bottom of the dialogue box is an option to select the "Backup Destination". Select the drive you want to backup to and give the file an appropriate name...I always use a file name such as backup_20080402.bkf so that I readily see the dates so I know which are the newest files.

It doesn't allow the HD to be used as a destination is the problem I believe

If you open up Explorer or My Computer can you see the hard drive listed?

If not, Windows isn't recognising it, so you will need to re-install the driver that came with your hard drive (or download the driver if you haven't got it).

If it is listed just try testing it by copying and pasting a file to it.

If you can copy & paste, in the interim, you can then perform your backup, save to 'C' Drive and then cut & paste the backup file to your hard drive.

:eek:

How much did that cost and where did you get it from?

It's not recognizing it. I'll try reinstalling, but I'll come back here if that doesn't work

It's a "Western Digital" brand and cost me ~$450(AUS) here in Australia at Officeworks.

ok so I'm getting a new free cd burner from the IT guy at work, he wants me to burn him all of my david bowie. lol.

You can get them for as low as $250 at newegg.com

^ Bear in mind I'm talking $AUS but yeah prices are dropping over here as well :(

Although I do have my eye on a 2TB one now for AUS$700 :drool:

So the IT guy at work said it was messed up so the Manufacturer is gonna get me a new one. sweet.