Windows May Hang After Startup If DVD Drive Is Left Open

ID: Q192713

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

A portable computer running Windows 98 may stop responding (hang) one or more minutes after Windows is started if the computer contains a DVD drive and the drive tray is left open during and after Windows starts.

This problem has been reported to occur with the following portable computers running Windows 98:



CAUSE

This problem can occur if the DVD drive or CD-ROM drive supports Media Event Status Notification (MESN) according to the PC98 specification.

This problem typically occurs only with DVD drives or CD-ROM drives that do not have a motorized disc tray, as on most portable computers. If the tray is motorized, as on most desktop computers, the tray is closed automatically when Windows initializes the drive during startup.


RESOLUTION

To prevent this problem from occurring, use one of the following methods:


Method 1

Close the drive tray while Windows is starting, or within one minute thereafter.

In general, you should keep the DVD drive or CD-ROM drive tray closed, except when you are inserting or removing discs. This practice also minimizes the risk of damage to the drive due to dust contamination or accidentally striking the extended tray.


Method 2

Disable DMA support for the DVD drive or CD-ROM drive:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click System, and then click the Device Manager tab.


  3. Click the CDROM branch to expand it, click your CD-ROM drive or DVD drive, and then click Properties.


  4. Click the Settings tab.


  5. Click the DMA check box to clear it, and then click OK.


  6. Click OK, and then restart your computer.



Method 3

Disable auto insert notification for the DVD drive or CD-ROM drive:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click System, and then click the Device Manager tab.


  3. Click the CDROM branch to expand it, click your CD-ROM drive or DVD drive, and then click Properties.


  4. Click the Settings tab.


  5. Click the Auto Insert Notification check box to clear it, and then click OK.


  6. Click OK, and then restart your computer.



MORE INFORMATION

Information on the Media Event Status Notification (MESN) specification is included in specification SFF8090 (Mt. Fuji), available at the following Internet location:

ftp://fission.dt.wdc.com/pub/standards/SFF/specs/


The third-party contact information included in this article is provided to help you find the technical support you need. This contact information is subject to change without notice. Microsoft in no way guarantees the accuracy of this third-party contact information. 


Keywords          : kbenv kbhw win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 28, 1999