DVD Player Issues

[Vladimir]

I recently had a former coworker upgrade my computer and solve some compatibility issues. The problem is that I think he gave me a less than legit copy of Windows Workplace, which, somehow, possibly, might be related to all the messages saying that I might be the victim of software piracy. I believe that this in turn seems to be causing another problem with my Sony DVD player/burner.

I have the original software for the player but while it will read the disk, it won’t install any software. Can this problem be solved by buying and installing a new copy of Windows or is there a way to resolve the hardware issue? Can I even install a new version of Windows if I can't use autorun/etc?

[Lemur]

I don't know much about the various ways Windows can be crippled in a piracy situation. I was under the impression that it either ran or it didn't. Have you tried running the tribute to George Orwell, Windows Genuine Advantage? This will (supposedly) check your Windows install and give it the Microsoft stamp of approval.

A little more info about your DVD drive would be helpful. Can you install any software from it? Can it recognize any other discs? Can you drag files to your dektop? Have you tried plugging in an external drive? (Borrow one from a geeky friend if you haven't already.)

Windows can break in all sorts of interesting and artistic ways, but I don't think that we (or you) have enough info yet to declare what sort of snafu you're experiencing.

[Vladimir]

Thanks for the reply.

I played a little MTW last night to see how it compared to before and everything else seemed fine. The problem is with features like autorun and maybe the .exe's which don't work at all. It can read all the files, very slowly, but not run an installation. I'm concerned that it won't install the necessary software when I attempt to reconnect it to the internet.

It is a Sony DVD player/burner. I should have done my research before buying it. I have the details somewhere and will post them later.

[Lemur]

Hi Vladimir, the rule with this sort of problem is isolate, isolate, isolate. Right now you don't know if you've got a Windows validity problem, a Windows settings problem, a driver problem, or a hardware problem.

I still think plugging in an external drive would be a great way to clear up some of the confusion.

However, short of that, I've got a niggling little suspicion. It's possible you don't have the Windows Installer service running, which would explain why your problems are exclusively with installers. Try this on for size:

Start / Run / services.msc (you have to type that bit) / Windows Installer / (right-click for) Properties / Startup Type

It should be set to "automatic." I have a feeling on your boxen it may be "disabled."