Computer idiot (me)

[Darryl Licht]

emtmark, great work on posting your findings! You're more savvy than you claim to be.

10-15min burn time tells me that your burner is probably 8x-12x write speed, so the Vista PC isn't too old. Installing a new internal drive isn't hard at all. It depends if your Vista PC case is toolless (thumb screws and clips) or old fashioned screws type, but usually it's just a screw for each side panel, and maybe some clips to take the front panel off. For external drives, you just plug them into your USB ports (it's really that simple).

But there's still a possibility that the issue is software related instead of hardware. I'm assuming that the burner came with that Vista PC orginally? If so, it should of already had burning software installed. Check your list of programs. See if you have anything else that might be burning software....the commonly bundled apps for that timeframe are Roxio, EZCD Creator, Nero. It's worth a try to locate the HP provided software to save you the cost of buying another drive unless you absolutely need to. It's also worth taking a can of compressed air and blowing out any dust inside the drive.

Spam -- With all respect, he is trying to burn a bootable disc from the downloaded Ubuntu iso. You are either not familiar with iso burning or have forgotten that fact.

The OEM burning software will not create a bootable CD from the iso file. For that you need an iso burner or iso extractor. I worked with him for nearly an hour on the phone and we tried 2 different iso burning apps... neither created a working bootable disc.

[NoSpam]

Spam -- With all respect, he is trying to burn a bootable disc from the downloaded Ubuntu iso. You are either not familiar with iso burning or have forgotten that fact.

The OEM burning software will not create a bootable CD from the iso file. For that you need an iso burner or iso extractor. I worked with him for nearly an hour on the phone and we tried 2 different iso burning apps... neither created a working bootable disc.

This is entirely dependent on what the OEM burning software is. Any of the commonly bundled burner apps that I listed can and do in fact burn iso's to disc, including bootable ones. They were the most common burner apps

You may have worked with him for an hour trying to create a working bootable disc, but the issue currently is that his burner will not create any working disc at all, whether bootable or not. Do google searches for instructions on how to burn an iso with nero. Do another search for how to burn an iso with Roxio or EZCD Creator. You'll find answers to something you claimed wasn't possible. I think you're possibly confusing HP OEM with Microsoft OEM. He has an HP branded computer. I know for a fact that HP branded burners were supplied with Adaptec's EZCD Creator for years. Whether they were supplied in the OEM bundle with HP desktops is another story, but it's a safe bet.

[NoSpam]

Here ya go, page 27 of the manual has instruction for how to burn a bootable iso using CyberLink DVD Suite, the OEM bundled burning software that supposedly comes with an HP TouchSmart IQ504 Desktop, based on HP's spec/build sheet for that model.

http://download.cyberlink.com/ftpdload/user_guide/CDS/5/CDS_enu.pdf

[emtmark]

Computer idiot (me)

Could an optical drive read but not write?

I'm sitting at work 17.5 hrs a day for next 5 days I won't have much time to fiddle until wed maybe.

[emtmark]

Computer idiot (me)

Pms replied, except for Darryl leicht? Says I can't pm you?

[xhy]

You (and/or the people helping) may also wish to try to get the ISO onto a USB flash drive and see if your laptop will boot from a USB stick (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...ick-on-windows).

[sbrad39]

You (and/or the people helping) may also wish to try to get the ISO onto a USB flash drive and see if your laptop will boot from a USB stick (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...ick-on-windows).

^^^^ This and you may also want to try this

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

I also would go for Mint vs. Ubuntu....Mint is more refined....and it also has a KDE version which will be more familiar to you it's similar to windows in looks and feel

[emtmark]

I have a 8 mb memory stick!

[sbrad39]

I have a 8 mb memory stick!

is that 8mb of 8gb...if it's 8mb that's not enough and you need to make a Staples/Best Buy run or similar a 4gb stick should be fine and relatively cheap if it's 8gb you're fine

[emtmark]

Meant 8GB

[sbrad39]

Meant 8GB

LOL...no worries...happens to the savvy as well....

[Darryl Licht]

This is entirely dependent on what the OEM burning software is. Any of the commonly bundled burner apps that I listed can and do in fact burn iso's to disc, including bootable ones. They were the most common burner apps

You may have worked with him for an hour trying to create a working bootable disc, but the issue currently is that his burner will not create any working disc at all, whether bootable or not. Do google searches for instructions on how to burn an iso with nero. Do another search for how to burn an iso with Roxio or EZCD Creator. You'll find answers to something you claimed wasn't possible. I think you're possibly confusing HP OEM with Microsoft OEM. He has an HP branded computer. I know for a fact that HP branded burners were supplied with Adaptec's EZCD Creator for years. Whether they were supplied in the OEM bundle with HP desktops is another story, but it's a safe bet.

Many of the older bundled apps don't handle iso's. It's version dependent. Because he has a Vista desktop I figured it was too old! We tried 2 or 3 different free iso burning apps and all resulted in a coaster or blank disc.

Personally I use ISO Recorder and have for years, works like a champ for me!

No matter, I mailed him a working Ubuntu disc he should receive today or tomorrow!

[emtmark]

got it today, took a few try's but its running. Im frustrated by the "way it works" definitions, and such. I will play with it but really its quite a departure from my windows world. I can't figure out how to connect my wifi printer, my program that programs my ham radio doesnt load and a smattering of other things.
Over all i'm willing to give it a go. However, sombody was going to send me a win 7 disc which i'm ok with. If I cant get comfy with the unbuntu way of life I'd like an alternative
the printer issue is really a deal breaker but I have to really research if i'm missing a part of the puzzle before i blame the os.

thats the update as of now!

down loading the service pack now for the home vista computer

[emtmark]

ok downloaded and clicked run, says its already installed and I cant figure out how to uninstall it to reinstall it, its not listed as a program in the uninstall program place

[NoSpam]

at the top of the installed programs list, put a check in the box labeled "View installed updates" and then you'll be able to find it.