Hi y'all,

I've got a serious problem here. My Samsung writemaster (external) does not seem to copy DVD files any longer, ever since a couple of months ago. Funny thing is my burner does play DVDs normally, music (it even burns it), whatever, but it fails when it comes to DVD burning. I don’t know what could have happened but I think I already tried it all: changing blank DVDs brand, updating software (nero + shrink + DVD Region Free+CSS), updating firmware (funny, sometimes while doing this it says the firmware does not correspond to the device, sometimes it says the firmware is the latest version though), burning at a lower speed, trying another burning software (1copyDVDpro), BUT NOTHING, it just won’t go. The problem comes up when I put a blank DVD into the burner, and this is preparing to start burning. This happens no matter whether I previously compressed the files (with the DVDShrink) or just plainly go to for an exact copy of the original DVD. So, to wrap up, it reads, plays, writes (to hard drive), allows compression, but DOES NOT BURN.

Here I attach the two last readouts I got from Nero after the burnings failed. I hope any of you guys can disentangle them as to get some clue as where to look. I’m just beginning to think that it might be a hardware/firmware thing.

Thanx in advance for your time,

Pablo

Don't burn at 16x!

Also use other media.

Already tried that. As for media I tried Sony as well.

If It's out of warranty, shut down and remove it,
open it up, look for a small lense in the middle.
this is the laser...
take a cotton swap and just dampen it, don't soak it and gently clean the lense..
you prob won't see and dirt but it's there be it cig smoke, dust, schmootz or whatever.

I have saved 2 Plextor burners the same way as I was about to toss them for not burning or reading..
Worth a try before deep sixing it..

Thank you guys for all your suggestions, but it didnt seem to work (I didnt open up my burner yet, and not willing to since warranty has not expired).

Remember that the problem turns up solely while burning, and that I have a laptop and an external burner (samsung), and this burning problem appeared a couple of months ago with no apparent reason. Below, my last burning log from a failed attempt (which actually got to 12% of the movie burned):

Windows XP 5.1
IA32
WinAspi: -
ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Archivos de programa\Nero\Nero 7\Core\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.74, size=164112 bytes, created 25/09/2005 19:11:20

NT-SPTI used
Nero Version: 7.0.0.0
Recorder: <TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M>Version: SB05 - HA 1 TA 1 - 7.0.0.0
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : via Inquiry data (1) -> ATAPI, detected: ?
Connected to MMC as unknown drive with class-nr : 1
Drive is autodetected - recorder class:

CD-ROM: <TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-R6112>Version: 1332 - HA 1 TA 0 - 7.0.0.0
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
DiskPeripheral : ST910021A atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
CdRomPeripheral : TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-R6112 atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On

=== CDRom-Device-Map ===
TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-R6112 D: CDRom0
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M E: CDRom1
=======================

AutoRun : 1
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 72351744 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 494MB (506672kB)
Free physical memory: 59MB (60880kB)
Memory in use : 87 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

15.10.2007
UDF/ISO compilation
21:59:52 #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files reallocation started

21:59:52 #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

21:59:52 #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6410
UDF document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : TRUE
Multisession : FALSE
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
UDF Mode : UDF/ISO bridge
UDF Revision : 1.02
UDF Partition Type : physical
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet :FALSE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : TRUE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : TRUE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

21:59:52 #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files sorted

21:59:52 #5 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 525
ReadBuffer-Pipe got 262144KB of Memory

21:59:52 #6 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 124
Reader running

21:59:52 #7 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 113
Writer E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M running

21:59:52 #8 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3304
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

21:59:52 #9 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3304
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

21:59:52 #10 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3301
Turn on Disc-At-Once, using DVD media

21:59:53 #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 277
Last possible write address on media: 2295103 (510:01.28, 4482MB)
Last address to be written: 2263823 (503:04.23, 4421MB)

21:59:53 #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 289
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD)

21:59:53 #13 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2568
Recorder: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M, Media type: DVD+R
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC, Media Type ID: 004, Product revision number: 0
Disc Application Code: 0, Extended Information Indicators: 7

21:59:53 #14 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 456
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================

21:59:53 #15 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 846
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 ()
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original disc pos #0 + 2263824 (2263824) = #2263824/503:4.24
relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/ required, no patch infos
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2263824 blocks [E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M]
--------------------------------------------------------------

21:59:53 #16 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 1058
Prepare recorder [E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN: ""
TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated
Tracks 1 to 1:
1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 4636311552, ISRC ""
DAO layout:
===========
__Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_CtrlAdr_|_RecDep__________
0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00
2263824 | lead-out | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00

21:59:53 #17 Text 0 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 34
SPTILockVolume - completed successfully for FCTL_LOCK_VOLUME

21:59:54 #18 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Caching of files started

21:59:54 #19 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4129
Cache writing successful.

21:59:54 #20 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Caching of files completed

21:59:54 #21 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Burn process started at 12x (16.620 KB/s)

21:59:54 #22 SPTI -1066 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 306
CdRom1: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1066)
Sense Key: 0x05 (KEY_ILLEGAL_REQUEST)
Sense Code: 0x24
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0xAD 00 00 00 00 00 00 FF 40 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 05 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 24
Buffer x04e6e000: Len x4000

21:59:54 #23 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2669
Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

21:59:54 #24 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8385
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

21:59:54 #25 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8385
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

21:59:54 #26 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8385
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

21:59:54 #27 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 6938
Drive: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M
Book Type request [TSST]: DVD-ROM
Changing the Book Type was finished successfully, return code 0

21:59:54 #28 CDR -1207 File DVDR.cpp, Line 5211
Book Type automatically set to: DVD-ROM

21:59:54 #29 Text 0 File DVDPlusRW.cpp, Line 666
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

22:01:39 #30 TRANSFER -25 File Reader.cpp, Line 364
Error reading data

22:01:39 #31 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 367
Exception value: -1

22:01:39 #32 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 228
all writers idle, stopping conversion

22:02:02 #33 Phase 127 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Generating DVD high compatibility borders

22:02:02 #34 Phase 129 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Generating DVD borders completed successfully

22:02:02 #35 Phase 38 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Burn process failed at 12x (16.620 KB/s)


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=2.03.32a, size=20640 bytes, created 27/07/2006 19:28:33 (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)

It looks like your running out of memory.
Free physical memory: 59MB (60880kB)

so what should I do?

Free more memory.

Try turning off any apps that you do not need to burn(anti-virus, antispyware, etc.)Or get more memory, burning uses a lot of memory 1GB should be the minimum.

Besides, other logs (see above) show values on the 100-130 range. Would that be considered little too? Thanks

Yes, To do good burns you need at least 50% free with a usb drive or it bottlenecks and fails. Also if you have not already burn at no more than 8x.

Ok, I tried shutting down all redundant apps while burning but the free PM does not get any better (63MB), and I'm still using up 87% of memory. How do I free further memory??? Another thing, it's hard to believe my usual free PM has radically changed overnight 2 months ago, when clean burnings were rife!!!

Thanks again. Here, let me post my last log (which got to 14% of the movie burned):


Windows XP 5.1
IA32
WinAspi: -
ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Archivos de programa\Nero\Nero 7\Core\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.74, size=164112 bytes, created 25/09/2005 19:11:20

NT-SPTI used
Nero Version: 7.0.0.0
Recorder: <TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M>Version: SB05 - HA 1 TA 0 - 7.0.0.0
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : via Inquiry data (1) -> ATAPI, detected: ?
Connected to MMC as unknown drive with class-nr : 1
Drive is autodetected - recorder class:

CD-ROM: <TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M>Version: SB05 - HA 1 TA 0 - 7.0.0.0
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
DiskPeripheral : ST910021A atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
CdRomPeripheral : TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-R6112 atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On

=== CDRom-Device-Map ===
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M E: CDRom0
=======================

AutoRun : 1
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 72351744 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 494MB (506672kB)
Free physical memory: 63MB (65444kB)
Memory in use : 87 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

16.10.2007
UDF/ISO compilation
22:17:20 #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files reallocation started

22:17:20 #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

22:17:20 #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6410
UDF document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : TRUE
Multisession : FALSE
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
UDF Mode : UDF/ISO bridge
UDF Revision : 1.02
UDF Partition Type : physical
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet :FALSE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : TRUE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : TRUE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

22:17:20 #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
DVD-Video files sorted

22:17:20 #5 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 525
ReadBuffer-Pipe got 262144KB of Memory

22:17:20 #6 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 124
Reader running

22:17:20 #7 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 113
Writer E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M running

22:17:20 #8 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3304
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

22:17:20 #9 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3304
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

22:17:20 #10 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3301
Turn on Disc-At-Once, using DVD media

22:17:20 #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 277
Last possible write address on media: 2298495 (510:46.45, 4489MB)
Last address to be written: 2263823 (503:04.23, 4421MB)

22:17:20 #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 289
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD)

22:17:20 #13 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2568
Recorder: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M, Media type: DVD-R
Disc Manufacturer: MBI 01 - RG40
Disc Application Code: 64, Disc Physical Code: 193

22:17:20 #14 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 456
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================

22:17:20 #15 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 846
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 ()
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original disc pos #0 + 2263824 (2263824) = #2263824/503:4.24
relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/ required, no patch infos
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2263824 blocks [E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M]
--------------------------------------------------------------

22:17:20 #16 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 1058
Prepare recorder [E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN: ""
TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated
Tracks 1 to 1:
1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 4636311552, ISRC ""
DAO layout:
===========
__Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_CtrlAdr_|_RecDep__________
0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00
2263824 | lead-out | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00

22:17:20 #17 Text 0 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 34
SPTILockVolume - completed successfully for FCTL_LOCK_VOLUME

22:17:20 #18 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Caching of files started

22:17:20 #19 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4129
Cache writing successful.

22:17:20 #20 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Caching of files completed

22:17:20 #21 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Burn process started at 8x (11.080 KB/s)

22:17:20 #22 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2669
Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

22:17:20 #23 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2469
Recording mode: Sequential Recording Mode

22:17:20 #24 Text 0 File MMC.cpp, Line 21541
Set BUFE: Super Link -> ON

22:17:20 #25 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2624
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

22:17:20 #26 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8385
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD-R (2), Part Version: 2.0x (5), Extended Part Version: 2.1 (33)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 0 h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Start sector number of the current Border-Out: 0 h
Start sector number of the next Border-In: 0 h
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 60 00 10 20 30 40 50 - 00 00 00 21 00 00 00 00 .`...0@P...!....
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

22:17:53 #27 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 1195
22:17:53.265 - E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182M : Queue again later

22:19:45 #28 TRANSFER -25 File Reader.cpp, Line 364
Error reading data

22:19:45 #29 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 367
Exception value: -1

22:20:10 #30 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 228
all writers idle, stopping conversion

22:20:10 #31 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2866
EndDAO: Last written address was 309407

22:21:40 #32 Phase 38 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1724
Burn process failed at 8x (11.080 KB/s)


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=2.03.32a, size=20640 bytes, created 27/07/2006 19:28:33 (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)

Look in the task manager to see what is running, Xp sp2 should only be using about 30% of installed ram, how much space is left on your hard drive and have you defragmented lately?

I have 30 Gb free and tried a couple of times to defrag but didnt let me...a windows blue-f***g-screen error pops up. BTW, It says it has to be defraged (a lot of red around)

BTW, come to think about it, it hasnt let me run the anti-virus and ad-aware properly. A virus?

Now we are getting somewhere-either adware or spyware or virus-is using all that memory.try booting to safe mode and run anti-everthing then defragment

ok, I will do that and come back later (most probably tomorrow). Hope you'll be round

thanks

Ok, here's what I tried:

1. Ran AVG (funny, lately AVG fails to do a proper update sometimes) and Ad-aware in safe mode. It turned out as if it was not safe mode: either the computer got stuck when scan was well advanced, or stopped suddenly with the typical blue screen (same as in normal mode).
2. Ran trendmicro on line and ended up with that blue screen again (said something about KERNEL_INPACKAGE and then restarted alone), also it was way advanced in the scan.

Every time I start my computer (when most programs are shut down) I go to task manager to check the PM level: it never gets past 180Mb (out of 512), which is appox. 35%. One should expect values around 50% when at a standstill. Of course, when I start opening programs it goes down to 100Mb (20%). Shall we diagnose virus then?

Following up my previous post, I also tried:

3. Hijackthis. Maybe you can see something in the log below:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:43:59, on 17/10/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16512)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\crypserv.exe
C:\UTILITIES\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\00THotkey.exe
C:\WINDOWS\LTSMMSG.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\TouchED\TouchED.Exe
C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\PadTouch\PadExe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TFNF5.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TPSMain.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Controls\TFncKy.exe
C:\UTILITIES\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SamsungODD\Magic Speed\MagicSL.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SAMSUNG\FW LiveUpdate\Liveupdate.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TPSBattM.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Apoint2K\Apntex.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\OdHost.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\INSTALL\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Vínculos
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\UTILITIES\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Archivos de programa\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [00THotkey] C:\WINDOWS\System32\00THotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [000StTHK] 000StTHK.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTSMMSG] LTSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Archivos de programa\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TouchED] C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\TouchED\TouchED.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PadTouch] "C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\PadTouch\PadExe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TFNF5] TFNF5.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPSMain] TPSMain.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TFncKy] TFncKy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] C:\UTILITIES\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Archivos de programa\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MagicSpeed] C:\Archivos de programa\SamsungODD\Magic Speed\MagicSL.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Name of App] C:\Archivos de programa\SAMSUNG\FW LiveUpdate\Liveupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Archivos de programa\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\UTILITIES\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Inicio rápido de Adobe Reader.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Utility.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\Startup.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Archivos de programa\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Consola de Sun Java - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Archivos de programa\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=file:///C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\Free Update Service\splash.html
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {1A000B1F-B285-4FBF-B3CD-B50845003EBA} (CyMiInstaller320 Class) - http://ecos.bok.or.kr/miplatform/ins...70322_1638.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1149722308722
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {ECF2B672-6993-4F24-BC9F-CE0F5181584F} (ContourCubeX Control 3.0) - file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Configuración%20local/Datos%20de%20programa/TobeSoft/MiPlatform320/Setup/Win32_3.2/CCubeX3.cab
O16 - DPF: {FAB9B41C-87D6-474D-AB7E-F07D78F2422E} (TeeChart Pro Activex control v7) - file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Configuración%20local/Datos%20de%20programa/TobeSoft/MiPlatform320/Setup/Win32_3.2/teechart7Langs.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\ARCHIV~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\ARCHIV~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: ConfigFree Service (CFSvcs) - TOSHIBA CORPORATION - C:\Archivos de programa\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe
O23 - Service: Crypkey License - Kenonic Controls Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\crypserv.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\UTILITIES\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NICSer_WPC54G - Unknown owner - C:\Archivos de programa\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\NICServ.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe

The fact that you can not run (successfully) any anti-anything or defragment the hard drive leads me to believe there are only 2 things to try.
1. restore the system to a time before this all started.
2.save all your files and reload the operation system.
If system restore will not work try it in safe mode.
let me know how it goes.

The only problem is your burner.

chef, How would a external burner not allow him to run antivirus, antispyware, and defragment his drive and have his system crash?

let me first check the burner in another computer and see what happens...

Guess what, I checked my burner on my girlfriend's pc and remembered then how well it used to burn. It worked, neatly. My girlfriend's pc works with 1024 Mb RAM, which doubles mine. So when burning, the PM counter stood at 550 Mb used (approx) out of 1024, which is nearly 50%. On the other hand, my pc stands right now (with few other appls open than the explorer) at the range of 120-160 Mb, out of 512 Mb, which is far less than 50%. I'd find it curious, if it weren't for the fact that I truly believe something (evil) is moving in the backstage and eating up too much memory. Some suggestion before I format my HD? (Funny also, the fact that my pc works fine - a little bit slow sometimes - yet does not allow my to defrag or run any scan properly - only hijackthis and spybot worked but found nothing)

you have so much stuff loading at bootup there's probably some conflicts going on, windoze is getting corrupt

nero 7.0 was a joke

usb is a system intensive interface

try to use msconfig and add/remove programs to get control of your computer back

I have recently started using a new technique suggested by a global moderator at bleeping computer, he's a windows security MSMVP

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...dpost&p=634701

print these instructions and follow them exactly

this procedure will identify most heavy duty hidden virus and malware