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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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Please read these safety instructions carefully.

Please keep this Users Manual for your reference.
Please disconnect the equipment from your AC outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid or sprayed detergent for cleaning.
Use moist sheet or cloth for cleaning.
For pluggable equipment, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and
shall be easily accessible.
Please keep this equipment away from humid areas.
Install this equipment on a reliable surface. If the equipment is not on a reliable surface,
it may drop and cause injury.
The openings on the enclosure are for air convection. Please protect the equipment from
overheating . DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
Make sure the voltage of the power source is appropriate when connecting the
equipment to the power outlet.
Place the power cord where people will not step or trip on it. Do not place objects over
the power cord.
All Cautions and Warnings on the equipment should be noted.
If the equipment is not in use for several days, disconnect the equipment from the power
outlets to avoid damage by transient power surges.
Never pour any liquids into the openings, this could cause fire or electrical shock.
Never open the equipment. For safety reasons, the equipment should only be opened by
qualified service personnel.
If one of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a qualified
service personnel:
(a) The power cord or plug is damaged.
(b) Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
(c) The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
(d) The equipment has not worked well or you can not get it to work according to the
users manual.
(e) The equipment was dropped and damaged.
(f) If the equipment has obvious signs of damage.
DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNCONDITIONED;
STORAGE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 60(140), IT MAY DAMAGE THE
EQUIPMENT. The sound pressure level at the operators position according to IEC7041:1982 is equal or less than 70dB(A)
DANGER: Invisible laser radiation when opened. Avoid direct exposure to beam.
Complies with FDA radiation performance standards,21 CFR, subchapter J.
Laser power: Wave Length: 7833nm (CD); 6583nm (DVD)
Emission power:0.7mW
Laser diode: class 3b

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FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (example use only shielded
interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral devices). Any changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

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PRECAUTIONS

!! Do not attempt to open the drive and

service it. Removing the cover may
cause exposure to harmful laser beams
and electrical voltage. User is
recommended to get service by
returning the defective drive back to
the original vendor where the drive was
purchased.

Use the original package for transporting the drive or sending back for service. The
original packing was designed and tested to protect your drive under rough conditions.

Do not put this drive in direct sunlight, on heating units, or near electrical appliances
which draw large amounts of current.

Use a soft, dust-free cloth for cleaning your drive. Keep your drive away from moisture or
liquids including water, cleaning-fluids, or solvents.

Keep your disc clean. Using a soft, dust-free cloth to clean the surface of the disc before
recording will improve the burning data integrity.

Do not drop or jolt the drive.

Keep the area around the drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants.

The copyright law of each country governs the reproduction of copyrighted works. The
person using the drives may be liable for its use to make unauthorized copies of
copyrighted works.

It will increase the success rate for copying the data from HDD, instead of copying the
data by "copy on the fly mode". Therefore we recommend the user reserving sufficient
buffer space for creating an image file (at least 650MB for CD; 5GB for DVD; and if your
drive support Double Layer DVD+R or Dual Layer DVD-R writing, then at least 9GB
space is needed).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
What the DVD Writer Does...6
Format Compatibility...6
Recording Modes7
What You Can Do with the DVD Writer..8

System Configuration
System Requirements9

Features and Controls

Front View.10
Rear View..11

INSTALLATION
USB 2.0 Users ... .12
Connection.13
Installing the Drive....14
OPERATION
Installing Necessary Device Drivers..15
Loading and Unloading the Tray..15
Recording CDs & DVDs
About Software & Manuals.16
Recommended Recordable & ReWritable Media...16

Playing CDs & DVDs

Playback Software18
Playing Audio CDs...18
Playing DVDs for the First Time.18

LightScribe User Guide

How to Use LightScribe...19
Creating and Burning LightScribe-labeled Discs.20
Frequently Asked Questions about LightScribe21

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SecurDisc User Guide

What is SecurDisc ..22
Requirements for SecurDisc..22
Media and File Format Support 23
Create and access a SecurDisc .. 24
Frequently Asked Questions about SecurDisc...26

SmartErase User Guide

Features of SmartErase.........27
Requirements for SmartErase...27
Media Format Support of SmartErase .28
How to use SmartErase .. .29
Frequently Asked Questions about SmartErase30

TROUBLESHOOTING
Read Problems.....31
Write Problems.33

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this DVD Writer, a reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and
CD writer, rewriter and player. Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy
reference. Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting for this drive.

What the DVD Writer Does

The DVD Writer is a recordable DVD/CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional quality
DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. It also reads Digital Versatile
Discs (DVDs) formatted for movies and data. This versatile and remarkable drive can:

For DVDs
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Write DVD+R (recordable DVD) media.

* Write Double Layer DVD+R (recordable DVD+R9) media.
Write DVD+RW (re-writable DVD) media.
Write DVD-R (recordable DVD) media.
** Write Dual Layer DVD-R (recordable DVD-R9) media.
Write DVD-RW (re-writable DVD) media.
Read DVD (DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+R9 and
DVD-R9) discs.
*** Read or write to DVD-RAM media.

For CDs
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Write to CD-R (recordable CD) media.

Write to ultra-speed CD-RW (rewritable CD) media.
Read all CD-ROM and CD-R data media.
Read CD-RW and CD-DA (audio) media.

(NOTE: The drives maximum Writing, ReWriting, & Reading speeds are printed on the
original box. *Only when your drive supports Double Layer DVD+R writing, it can
write DVD+R9 media. **Only when your drive supports Dual Layer DVD-R writing, it
can write DVD-R9 media. ***Only when your drive supports DVD-RAM reading or
rewriting, it can read or write to DVD-RAM media.)
The drive supports Running OPC (ROPC) and is compatible with Windows Plug & Play.
Flash memory allows upgrading the drive to the latest firmware revision (available from the
web site) without opening the drive. Buffer Underrun Proof technology eliminates buffer
underrun errors, therefore you can safely use your computer for other things while youre
writing to a recordable DVD and CD media.

Format Compatibility
This DVD Writer is a versatile optical disk drive. For CD write function, it is capable to write
data, which conforms to Orange Book: Part 2 CD-R Volume 1 / Part 2 CD-R Volume 2 Multi
Speed / Part 3 CD-RW Volume 1 (known as Low Speed) / Part 3 CD-RW Volume2: High
Speed / Part3 CD-RW Volume 3: Ultra Speed, into CD-R/RW disk in combination with write
application software.

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For DVD write function, this drive confirms to DVD+R Version 1.3 / DVD+R9 Version 1.0
(only for a Double Layer DVD+R writing support drive) / DVD-R9 Version 3.0 (only for a
Dual Layer DVD-R writing support drive) / DVD+RW Version 1.3 / DVD-R Version 2.1 / and
DVD-RW Version 1.2, DVD-RAM Version 2.2 (only for a DVD-RAM rewriting support drive)
For read function, it is capable to read all of the following media: DVD single/dual layer (PTP,
OTP), DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+R9, DVD-R9, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM (only for a
DVD-RAM reading support drive).
Besides, it reads all of CD formats and media: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, Photo-CD,
Multi-session, Karaoke-CD, Video CD, CD-I FMV, CD Extra, CD Plus, CD-R, and CD-RW.

Recording Modes
Track at Once
Data can be recorded to a disc, one track at a time. New tracks can be added later. Music CDs
can not be played in a CD player or CD-ROM until the disc is closed.

Disc at Once
Data can be recorded to an entire disc in one pass. In this mode, new data added later is not
allowed.

Session at Once
Data can be recorded to disc one session at a time. New sessions can be written later in this
mode. More disc space can be used because there is no gap between tracks.

Multi session
Data can be recorded to disc in one session. New sessions can be written later in this mode.
Less disc space can be used because a gap is created between sessions.

Packet Writing
This is useful for data back up. Data can be added directly to tracks on media or can be deleted
directly from tracks only on media. To use this mode, your software must support Packet
writing function.

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What You Can Do with the DVD Writer

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Record digital video or slide shows onto DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVDRW discs.
*A Double Layer DVD+R writing support drive will be able to write DVD+R9 disc.
**A Dual Layer DVD-R writing support drive will be able to write DVD-R9 disc.
Play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.
Record data or audio onto recordable or rewritable CD media.
Play music CDs.
Play VCD & DVD movies.
Access interactive reference materials stored on DVD.
Save photos and other images on recordable or rewritable CDs.
Archive images and video to DVD or CD.
Master new software programs on DVD or CD.
Creating and burning LightScribe-labeled discs.
***A DVD-RAM reading or rewriting support drive will be able to read or write to
DVD-RAM disc.

Regarding LightScribe disc labeling technology, you may also check the chapter
LightScribe User Guide for more information.

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SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
System Requirements for USB 1.1
This drive has a high-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 interface. You can also use it with
USB version 1.1. To ensure stable read/write/rewrite performance, an IBM compatible PC
system with the following features is recommended.
CPU

OS
Memory
CD-ROM Drive
Hard Drive

Pentium 4 1.3GHz or higher with built-in USB 1.1 controller

(some USB controllers or motherboards may not support all types of
USB devices.)
Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Must meet recommended RAM requirements for your operating
system. (minimum 256MB is recommended)
For software installation
Minimum 650MB available capacity for creating a CD image file;
5GB free HDD space for creating a DVD image file to a Single Layer
DVD disc (4.7GB); *and 9GB or above free HDD space for creating a
DVD image file to a Double Layer DVD+R9 or a Dual Layer DVDR9 disc (8.5GB).
(Do not enable HDD thermal calibration during operation)
USB interface connector

Interface
NOTE:
(1) Connecting USB 1.1 interface the drives top performance is 4X for CD-R, 4X for CD-RW
and 6X for reading a CD-ROM. In addition, DVD speed is limited to 0.7X. Therefore, we
strongly suggest you NOT to apply any DVD function when connected with USB 1.1
interface.
(2) Some high-speed hard drives are equipped with an "Auto Thermal Re-calibration"
function. Please disable it in the BIOS setup to avoid writing errors (Buffer Under-run).

Additional Requirements for USB 2.0

Interface
High Speed USB 2.0 interface required to achieve maximum speeds
NOTE:
(1) High Speed USB 2.0 adapter card is sold separately and will not be bundled in this
package.
(2) To achieve maximum record/write speed your system may require data to be copied first
to the computer's hard drive rather than directly from another source disc or drive.
*Only specific drives support double-layer and/or dual-layer recording. Refer to your
drives original package.

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FEATURES AND CONTROLS

Front View

Figure: Front view of DVD Writer

A Eject/Close Button
B Busy / Write LED

Push button to eject/close the tray.

C Emergency

In case the Eject button isnt working, insert a small stick or

paper clip into this hole to eject the tray.

Eject Hole

Indication of drive's operation status. The light lit stands for

Busy; the light blinking stands for Write/Rewrite.

Note: Turn off the power before doing this manual ejection.

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Rear View

Figure: Rear view of DVD Writer

A Power Connector

Five-pin connector for DC power input.

B USB Connector

Standard USB B type jack.

C Power Switch

Turn On/ Off the power of the drive

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USB 2.0 USERS

USB 2.0 is a very new technology. Therefore, most computers do not have native support for
USB 2.0. You must install a USB 2.0 adapter card for your External drive to run at USB 2.0
speeds. If you do not have a USB 2.0 card installed, this drive will still work connected to a
standard USB 1.1 connection, but the speed will be limited to USB 1.1 speed. After installing
a USB 2.0 adapter card, follow the steps below for your operating system to verify the USB
2.0 card is installed properly.

Windows 2000/XP/Vista users:

Right click My Computer and select Properties.
Select the hardware tab.
Click the Device Manager button.
If there is a yellow exclamation point next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers, contact the
cards manufacturer for help.

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CONNECTION

1.

Connecting the Power Supply Cable.

2.

Connecting Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Cable.

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INSTALLING THE DRIVE

Before you start, please make sure you have installed the proper
software for Recording CDs, DVDs and Playing DVDs. The Recording
software and the DVD Playback software are in different CD kits
included in the package.
1.

Start your computer. Wait for the operating system to load, then insert the CD kit.
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the software for Recording CDs,
DVDs or Playing DVDs you wish to install from the CD kit.

2.

Connect the power supply to the drive.

(To prevent damage to the power plug, connect carefully to avoid bending the power
plug.)

3.

Attach the included Hi-Speed USB cable B type plug to the drive.
(Examine the connection carefully for the correct orientation.)

4.

Connect the A type plug end of the Hi-Speed USB cable to the USB 2.0 adapter card
connection on your computer. The drive is ready to use.
(NOTE: If you cannot identify the USB 2.0 connection, refer to the documentation of
your USB 2.0 card. If you do not have a USB 2.0 adapter card installed, you can still
connect the drive to a standard USB 1.1 connection.)

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OPERATION
Installing Necessary Device Drivers
In Windows, the DVD Writer acts as a CD-ROM Drive for purpose of installation and
setup. In some cases, you will need to install additional software to make use of all the
features of the DVD Writer.

To use the DVD Writer on a computer:

As a CD-ROM drive: Most Windows Operating Systems (Windows Vista,
Windows XP, Windows 2000) supply a generic CD-ROM device driver that allows
the DVD Writer to function as a standard CD-ROM drive. You do not need to
install anything else.
As a DVD-ROM drive: The computers operating system (excluding Windows
98SE/ME) also allows the DVD Writer to function as a DVD-ROM drive. You do
not need to install anything else to play DVDs.
As a CD ReWriter or DVD ReWriter: In order to write to CD or DVD media,
you will need additional software. The Recording software kit included with the
package will offer you function like mastering, packet writing, duplicating, backing
up your hard disk or files, capturing audio, and more.

Loading and Unloading the Tray

(1)
(2)

(3)

While the DVD Writer is powered up, push the Eject button on the front panel.
The tray drawer slides out in a few seconds.
Lay a disc with the label facing up in the depression of the tray. The disc
should lie flat in the tray.

Figure: Loading the Tray

Press the Eject button again and the tray will slide shut within seconds.

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RECORDING CDS & DVDS

Before you start, please make sure you have installed the proper software for
Recording CDs, DVDs and Playing DVDs. The Recording software and the DVD
Playback software are in different CD kits included in the package.

About Software & Manuals

The included software is to give you the best result with ease of use. The detailed users
manual for the recording and playback software will be automatically installed into your
computer when you install the recording software. For details on other software packages
that are available for writing DVDs or CDs, please visit the web sites of the companies whose
software you are interested in, refer to their users manual, or look at the help option within
the software. Please refer to the users manual for the detailed operation procedures.

Recommended Recordable & ReWritable Media

Some CD media or DVD media may not be possible to write on, due to differences in the
manufacturing quality. We recommend you use CD and DVD media from the following
manufacturers that have been proven satisfactory with our drive.
CD-R
Media:

CMC, Daxon, DST, Fornet, Fujifilm, GAT, Gigastorage,

Infodisc, KingPro LeadData, Maxell, MBI, MCC, MPO,
NanYa, Postech, Princo, Prodisc, Ramedia, Ricoh, Ritek,
SAST, SKC, Sony, TDK, Taiyo-Yuden

Low Speed
CD-RW
Media:

CMC, Daxon, Gigastorage, Infordisc, LeadData, MCC,

Princo, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek

High Speed

CMC, Daxon, Fornet, Gigastorage, Infodisc, LeadData,

MCC, NanYa, Princo, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek

CD-RW
Media:
Ultra Speed

CMC, Daxon, Infodisc, Mitsubishi, Ritek

CD-RW
Media:
DVD-R
Media:

BEALL, CMC, FUJIFILM, Daxon, FTI, KDT, Maxell,

MBI, MJC, MUST, NANYA, OPTODISC, Prodisc, Ritek,
SONY, Taiyo-Yuden, TDK

DVD-R9

CMC, MKM, Ritek

Media:
DVD-RW

CMC, JVC, MKM, Ritek, TDK

Media:
DVD-RAM

Maxell, OPTODISC, Panasonic, Ritek

Media

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DVD+R

CMC, Daxon, Informedia, Maxell, MBI, MCC, NEW

START, OPTODISC, Philips, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek,
SONY, Taiyo-Yuden, TDK

Media:
DVD+R9
Media:
DVD+RW

CMC, FUJIFILM, MBI, Mitsubishi, Philips, Prodisc, Ricoh,

Ritek

Media:

Infodisc, MBI, MCC, MKM, Philips, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek,

Sony

LightScribe
Media

CD-R: HP, CMC, MCC, MBI

DVD+R: HP, CMC, MCC, MBI

NOTE:

(1) ) Only when your drive supports Double Layer DVD+R writing can write
DVD+R9 media; and only when your drive supports Dual Layer DVD-R
writing can write DVD-R9 media. Only when your drive supports DVD-RAM
reading or rewriting, it can read or write to DVD-RAM media.
(2) The drives maximum Writing, ReWriting, & Reading speeds are printed on the
original box.
(3) Subject to change without further notice.

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PLAYING CDS & DVDS

Playback Software
You must install the DVD playback software to your computer first. If you do not have any
DVD playback software installed in your computer, the included DVD playback software in
the CD kit will bring you the best playback result.
You can immediately play Audio CDs and pre-recorded DVD discs, including movies and
other DVDs. To play a CD or a Digital Video Disc (DVD), insert the disc with the label up
(for CDs). This DVD Writer plays both single-layer and dual-layer DVDs.

Playing Audio CDs

In order to listen to an audio CD, connect an audio cable to the analog audio connector on the
rear of the drive and connect the other end to your sound board.
To listen to music through the computers sound board, you can control volume with the
volume control on the Windows Media Player or CD Player Taskbar. You can also mute the
sound on your sound board and listen to music through headphones or self-powered speakers.

Playing DVDs for the First Time

A code on some DVDs allows them to be played only in a certain regional area, such as North
America, Europe, etc. When the DVD Writer ships, there is no region code set. The first
time a DVD that has a region setting is inserted into the DVD Writer, the act of inserting the
DVD sets the drive to that region code.
If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted to either accept
changing the region code or not. If you do not accept the change, then that DVD will not play.
If you do accept the change, then the DVD Writers region code setting is changed. But
advised that you may change the DVD Writers region code only 5 times. After that,
you will not be able to change your drives code setting.

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LIGHTSCRIBE USER GUIDE

The following LightScribe chapters are instruction for which support LightScribe disc
labeling drive. Please refer to your drives original package to verify if your drive supports
LightScribe disc labeling function.

Figure: LightScribe Logos

How to use LightScribe

To label your CDs and DVDs with LightScribe, you need three components:
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Your LightScribe-enabled drive
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LightScribe labeling software (included with your drive; other LightScribe-enabled
applications are also available)
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LightScribe media (available where computers are sold)
You can label your LightScribe disc before or after you burn the data side, and you can even
label a number of discs in succession, whether or not youve already recorded data on them.
The important thing to remember is to always insert your LightScribe disc label side down
when burning your LightScribe.

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CREATING AND BURNING LIGHTSCRIBE-LABELED DISCS

1.

Start the LightScribe labeling software.

Your labeling application may be part of your disc-burning software, or it may be a
stand-alone application.

2.

Choose the appropriate LightScribe setting(s) for your design.

Most LightScribe-enabled labeling applications require you to select the LightScribe
option before designing your label.

3.

Create your label design.

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You can choose to create a label with text and/or graphics, and you can choose
the area of the disc in which your label will be inscribed from a simple band
of text (title only) to a complete design that covers the entire disc (full label).
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Experiment with text, fonts, ready-made backgrounds, and your own photos and
graphics to design the label that best suits your style. (For ideas and advice, visit
www.lightscribe.com/labeltips)

4.

When your design is ready, insert a blank LightScribe disc into the drive label side
down.
Before you can preview or print your design, the labeling application checks to see
whether theres a LightScribe disc inserted correctly in the drive; if there is no disc, or
if your disc is not inserted with the LightScribe labeling side down, the software will
send an error message.

5.

Select the Preview option to see how your design will look as a LightScribe label.
Previewing your design lets you determine whether the design elements are placed
where you want them, and it shows you what the grayscale design will look like on
disc.

6.

Select the Print option to send the label design to disc.

When you print your design to disc, you can choose from three quality modes: draft,
normal, or best.Draft is the fastest printing mode, and the resulting design provides
a lower level of contrast; best provides the highest contrast and darkest design areas,
and the burning process takes longer. The following table shows a rough estimation of
the expected print times.
Setting
Best
Normal
Draft

Title only
<4 min.
<3 min.
<2 min.

Title & content listing

<9 min.
<7 min.
<4 min.

Full label (with graphics)

<36 min.
<28 min.
<20 min.

When your label is finished, the drive will automatically eject your disc.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How does LightScribe work?
A: The coating on a LightScribe disc changes color when its exposed to the CD/DVD
drives laser. The process is similar to film exposure, except that the LightScribe surface
reacts specifically to the intense light of the laser.
Q: What happens if I try to use LightScribe to label a non-LightScribe disc?
A: The software prevents you from sending a label image to a non-LightScribe disc.
LightScribe-enabled software is designed to recognize a LightScribe disc from the
identification features embossed on it, and the system creates an image and sends it to the
drive only if the appropriate media is inserted.
Q: Can I use my computer for other things while the LightScribe label is burning?
A: Yes. The labeling process runs in the background, so the PC can be used for other tasks
while the labeling process is underway.
Q: Can I leave my computer unattended while the LightScribe label is burning?
A: Yes. LightScribe presents no tasks that require the users attendance during the burning
process. In addition, a LightScribe system will not go into sleep or power-save mode
while it is burning a label.
Q: Can I rewrite a LightScribe label, the way I can rewrite a CD-RW or DVDRW disc?
A: No. The current LightScribe technology is not erasable. Once the image is burned, its
permanent.
Q: Will the LightScribe image cause imbalance when the CD or DVD is spinning in the
drive, the way a paper label can?
A: No. A LightScribe disc is as evenly balanced as any high-quality CD or DVD, and it
spins evenly within the drive. Burning an image onto the disc does not change its balance
and does not endanger the discs ability to spin properly.
Q: Does the LightScribe imaging process emit any hazardous chemicals?
A: No. The laser imaging process initiates a chemical change in the colorant material
embedded in the disc coating, but no hazardous chemicals are created or emitted during
the process.
Q: Is the LightScribe disc hot or dangerous to handle immediately after the label is
burned?
A: No. Although the terms burning data and now burning an image are standard in the
industry, there is no appreciable temperature change involved in either process. A CD or
DVD is safe to touch immediately upon ejection from the drive.
Q: Can LightScribe create a label in color?
A: Currently LightScribe technology is available only in grayscale, creating an image that
resembles a black-and-white photograph. LightScribes development strategy does
include future announcements about additional capabilities; however, business and legal
requirements prevent publication of more specific information at this time.

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SECURDISC USER GUIDE

The following SecurDisc chapters are instruction for drives featuring SecurDisc. Please refer
to your drives original package to verify if your drive supports SecurDisc function.

Figure: SecurDisc Logo

What is SecurDisc?
SecurDisc is an innovative technology which provides data protection and content access
control on media against unauthorized use through an optical disc drive-software combined
solution.
SecurDisc has the following features:
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Protect confidential data from prying eyes

Digitally sign discs to ensure proof of origin
Prevent unwanted copying and sharing of PDF files on DVDs
Help to safeguard data against disc decay
Have a better chance of recovering valuable data from a damaged disc

Requirements for SecurDisc

You need the following components to take full advantages of SecurDisc:
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A SecurDisc-capable drive
Nero Express for creating a SecurDisc disc
Nero InCD/ InCD Reader 5.5 or above for reading password-protected SecurDisc discs
SecurDisc Viewer and a SecurDisc-capable drive for accessing copy-protection PDF
files

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Media and File Format Support

Most of the SecurDisc features apply to all CD/DVD media and file formats. Please note copy
protection can only be used to protect PDF files on DVD media currently.
SecurDisc
Feature
Password
Protection
Digital
Signature
Data
Reliability
Data Integrity
Check
Copy
Protection

Image
recording*
Not
Supported
Not
Supported
Not
Supported
Not
Supported
Not
Supported

CDR/RW
YES

DVDR/
RW
YES

DVDR
DL
YES

YES

File
format
All

YES

YES

YES

YES

All

YES

YES

YES

YES

All

YES

YES

YES

YES

All

NO

YES

YES

YES

PDF

* Image recording function is not available for SecurDisc

23

DVD-RAM

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CREATE AND ACCESS A SECURDISC DISC

To create and access a SecurDisc disc, you need the following components:
z
z
z
z

A SecurDisc-capable drive
Nero Express/ Nero Express Essentials/ Nero Express Essentials SE for creating a
SecurDisc disc
Nero InCD/ InCD Reader 5 or above for reading password-protected a SecurDisc disc
SecurDisc Viewer for reading copy-protection PDF files

Create a password-protected disc

1.
2.
3.
4.

Start Nero Express/ Nero Express Essentials.

Click on the Data icon of the start screen and choose SecurDisc Data CD or
SecurDisc Data DVD to create a SecurDisc data CD or SecurDisc data DVD.
Add desired folders and files to your compilation, and check Password protection in
the SecurDisc Settings panel of the extended area of the compilation window.
Enter a desired password and burn the disc.

Access a password-protected disc*

1.

2.
3.
4.

Install InCD Reader.

You can install Nero InCD while installing Nero Essentials from the enclosed software
CD or download InCD Reader from www.securdisc.net.
Launch InCD Reader if it does not start with Windows.
Insert the password-protected SecurDisc disc into the drive.
Browse the disc and enter the correct password to access the contents.

* A password-protected disc can be accessed on a non-SecurDisc drive as long as Nero InCD/ InCD
reader is installed.

Create a digitally signed disc

1.
2.
3.

Start Nero Express/ Express Essentials and choose to create a SecurDisc Data CD or
DVD.
Add desired folder and files to the compilation, and check Digitally sign disc.
Follow the instructions to create the digital key and burn the disc.

Verify a digitally signed disc and detect altered data

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Insert the digitally signed SecurDisc disc into the drive.

Double-click on the SecurDisc icon in the system tray.
In the Drive and disc features dialogue box, select the drive which you insert the
SecurDisc disc into and click Confirm digital signature button.
Click the Select Public Key button on the SecurDisc Verify Digital Signature
dialogue box and select the appropriate public key.
Click Start to start the verification.
Click Altered data detection button of the Drive and disc features dialogue box to
check whether the data has been manipulated.

24

ENGLISH

Create a copy-protected disc*

1.
2.

3.

Start Nero Express/ Express Essentials and choose to create a SecurDisc Data CD or
DVD.
Add desired PDF files to your compilation. Check Copy protection in the
SecurDisc Settings of the extended area of the compilation window. If you want to
allow duplication of copy-protected PDF files after entering a correct password, check
Disable copy protection by password.
Enter a desired password and burn the disc.

Access copy-protected PDF files**

1.
2.
3.

4.

Download SecurDisc Viewer from www.securdisc.net and install the software.

Insert the disc containing copy-protected PDF files into a SecurDisc-capable drive.
Start SecurDisc Viewer and click Open File. Select and open the PDF file you want
to read. Then the PDF file will be displayed in the SecurDisc Viewer if it does not have
additional access protection.
If the selected PDF file is password-protected, enter the correct password in the
Password Protection window to read the file.

Duplicate copy-protected PDF files***

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Insert the disc containing copy-protected PDF files into a SecurDisc-capable drive.
Double-click SecurDisc icon on the tray.
In the Drive and disc features dialogue box, select the drive which you insert the
SecurDisc disc into and click Allow duplication button.
Enter the correct password in the SecurDisc Allow Duplication dialogue box and
the copy-protection is removed.
Open Windows Explorer and copy the PDF files.

*copy-protection feature applies only on PDF format on DVD media.

**Both SecurDisc Viewer and a SecurDisc-capable drive are needed to read or duplicate copyprotected PDF files.
***Both SecurDisc Viewer and a SecurDisc-capable drive are needed to read or duplicate copyprotected PDF files.

25

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is SecurDisc?
A: SecurDisc is an innovative hardware and software based security technology that
provides robust and highly secure data protection and content access control for
information recorded on regular CD and DVD media.
Q: Can the contents on a password-protected disc be accessed on a non-SecurDisc drive?
A: Yes. You can access a password-protected disc on a generic drive as long as you have
Nero InCD/ InCD Reader installed on your system. When you insert a SecurDisc disc
into the drive, SecurDisc will detect if Nero InCD/ InCD Reader is installed. A window
will pop-up to notify you to download the software and provides the download link if
Nero InCD or InCD Reader is not installed on your system.
Q: Can copy-protected PDF files be accessed on a non-SecurDisc drive?
A: No. Both a SecurDisc-capable drive and SecurDisc Viewer are necessary to access copyprotected PDF files. SecurDisc Viewer can be downloaded from www.securdisc.net.
Q: Why does it take a longer time to burn a SecurDisc disc?
A: The time of recording a SecurDisc disc may be longer because SecurDisc always fill the
disc completely. SecurDisc stores additional information such as redundancy and checksum data on the disc, so that SecurDisc can increase the chance of restore data on a
damaged disc. SecurDisc also take some additional time to prepare necessary SecurDisc
files on the hard drive. That is why it takes a longer time to burn a SecurDisc disc.
Q: Does SecurDisc increase the chances of retrieving data from a damaged disc?
A: Yes. SecurDisc increases the chance of reading partially damaged media burned by
SecurDisc. SecurDisc utilizes checksum and redundancy information stored on a
SecurDisc disc to increase the chance of retrieving data on a damaged disc. Please note
this is only possible to a certain degree of damage.
Q: Can I use copy-protection feature on DOC files or other file format?
A: No. Currently copy-protection feature can only be used to protected PDF files on DVDs.
This feature does not function on other file format and CDs.
Q: What software is required for SecurDisc?
A: You will need following software to take full advantages of SecurDisc features: Nero
Express/ Express Essentials to create a SecurDisc disc, Nero InCD/ InCD Reader to
access contents on a SecurDisc disc, and SecurDisc Viewer to read and duplicate copyprotected PDF files. InCD Reader and SecurDisc Viewer can be downloaded from
www.securdisc.net.
Q: Can InCD Reader 5 be installed on my PC if I use Nero 6 or earlier?
A: No. If you are using Nero 6 or earlier, you have to uninstall it to install InCD Reader 5.

26

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SMARTERASE USER GUIDE

The following SmartErase chapters are instruction for drives featuring SmartErase technology.
Please refer to your drives original package to verify if your drive supports SmartErase
function.

Figure: SmartErase Logo

Features of SmartErase
SmartErase is an innovative technology which can destroy recordable discs and data on
recordable discs permanently. SmartErase will overwrite the data stored on recordable media
with random characters and make the disc and data stored no longer can be accessed or
restored.

Requirements for SmartErase

To erase the data on your CDs and DVDs and destroy the disc with SmarErase, you need the
following components:
z
A SmartErase-capable drive
z
SmartErase software
z
Recordable CDs or DVDs
SmartErase will destroy the disc and the data on the disc. Once the data is destroyed, it can
not be restored. Please use this function carefully.

27

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Media format support of SmartErase

SmartErase supports all recordable media, but cannot erase or destroy rewritable media.
Please check following table for details.
Feature

CD-R

DVDR

DVDRW

Yes

CDRW
NO

Full
Erase
Quick
Erase

NO

DVDR
DL
Yes

DVDRAM
NO

File
Format
All

Yes

Yes

NO

Yes

NO

Yes

NO

All

Two modes to SmartErase the disc

SmartErase provides two methods to destroy the disc and data: Quick Erase and Full Erase.
Quick Erase only destroys the information stored in Lead-In area and data stored on the first
track of a disc. It takes less time to erase a disc but not all the data on the disc is destroyed.
Full Erase destroys all the information and data stored on a disc. It takes a longer time but all
the data on the disc is destroyed.
Mode
Quick Erase

Area destroyed
Lead-in & Data on the first track

Full Erase

Lead-in, program area, Lead-out

28

Necessary time
CD-R: 20 seconds at 48X
DVD-R: 22 seconds at 16X
CD-R: 2.5 minutes at 48X
DVD-R: 6 minutes at 16X

ENGLISH

How to use SmartErase

1 Launch SmartErase from the menu of the burning software bundled with your drive.
2 Select the SmartErase-capable drive.
3 Insert the disc you want to erase into the drive.
4 Click Quick Erase or Full Erase to erase the disc.

Figure: Screenshot of SmartErase

29

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How does SmartErase work?
A: When you rewrite a recordable (write once) disc, the original data will be overwritten, and
this disc can no longer read by a drive. In other words, the disc and the data on it is
destroyed. This is how SmartErase works. SmartErase rewrites recordable CD/ DVD
media with random meaningless characters so that the original data is overwritten and the
disc is destroyed. Once you SmartErased a disc, you dont have to worry about that
someone will restore the confidential data from the disc you dumped.
Q: What is the difference between Full Erase and Quick Erase?
A: Full Erase will destroy the information and data on a disc completely but it takes longer
time to erase a disc. Quick Erase only destroys the information in Lead-In area and the
data stored on the first track but it takes less time to erase a disc.
Q: Is it possible to restore the data from a disc destroyed by SmartErase?
A: If you use Full Erase mode to SmartErase the disc, all the information and data stored on
a disc is destroyed and the disc can no longer be restored again. If you erase a disc with
Quick Erase mode, not all the information and data is destroyed. The information and
data which is not destroyed may have the chance to be restored by specific devices and
software. It is recommended to Full Erase the extremely confidential data.
Q: Can I SmartErase a disc with a generic DVD writer?
A: No. In order to use SmartErase to erase a disc, you must have a SmartErase-capable drive
and SmartErase software, which is integrated with the bundled burning software with
your SmartErase drive.
Q: Is specific disc necessary for SmartErase function?
A: No. SmartErase supports generic recordable media, and you can destroy the data on any
recordable media available in the market. Please note rewritable media are not supported
by SmartErase.
Q: Can I record data onto the disc erased by SmartErase again?
A: No. When a recordable disc is erased by SmartErase, it is destroyed and therefore can not
be recorded and read anymore.
Q: Why an error message pop-ups and shows your drive does not support this feature
when I try to erase a DVD-RW disc with a SmartErase-capable drive?
A: SmartErase does not support rewritable media such as CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW,
and DVD-RAM. The error message will pop-up when you try to erase rewritable media.

30

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TROUBLESHOOTING
If you meet any trouble during installation or normal use of your drive, please refer to the
following information.

Read Problems
Symptom

Possible Causes

Solutions

No operation.

No power.

Check if the power cord is connected

securely to the connector.

USB cable isn't connected

properly.

Ensure that the USB cable and connectors

are not damaged, bent or dented. Check
especially the pins.

Power is not switched on.

Check if LED of your drive is lit. If not,

there is no power.

USB cable is not connected

properly between the
computer USB port and the
drive.

Ensure that both connectors of the USB

cable is properly connected to the USB
ports on the computer and the drive.

No drive recognition.

USB drive is not recognized y

by the Windows Operating
System.
Excessive noise when
reading.
Cannot open the tray
(Eject).

Please refer to the USB 2.0 Users chapter

and check if the USB driver is installed
properly.

Eccentric disc loaded.

Replace it with another one.

Seal attached on the surface

Detach the seal very carefully. Don't

make any scratches.

Eject locked by software.

Stop the applying software and try the

eject button to open the tray.

CD set incorrectly.

Insert a small stick or paper clip into this

hole to eject the tray.

Cannot read the

former session of
the CD-RW disc
which has been
written at least
twice.

"Load Contents" or "Import

Session" was NOT clicked
on the Software.

If recorded without checked "Load

Contents" or "Import Session", it is
impossible to read. But when using
utility software such as "Session
Selection" from Adaptec, the former
session can be read.

Read error
occurs.

Defective disc.

Deep scratches, fingerprints or other

contaminants on the discs surface can
disable the drive from reading data.
Always keep it clean.

Music CD inserted.

Because audio compact discs do not have

computer data, typing computer
commands while an audio CD is in your
drive will result in an error message.

Disc inserted upside down.

Remove the disc from tray and reinsert it

with the label side up.

Nero 6 or an earlier version

is installed on your system

Uninstall Nero 6 or earlier versions

completely and install Nero 7 or 8.

Cannot install InCD

Reader 5

31

ENGLISH
Symptom

Possible Causes

Solutions

Cannot access a
password-protected
SecurDisc disc

Nero InCD or InCD Reader

5 not installed

Install Nero InCD from the software CD.

Download and install InCD Reader from

www.securdisc.net.

The version of Nero InCD

or InCD Reader installed is
too old

Download and install InCD Reader 5.5 or

above from www.securdisc.net

Wrong password

Enter the correct password to access a

password-protected disc.

Install a SecurDisc-capable drive

Download and install SecurDisc Viewer

from www.securdisc.net

You cannot duplicate copy-protected

PDF files if Disable copy protection
by password feature is not checked
when creating a copy-protected disc.

Enter the correct password to copy PDF

files.

Cannot not read copyNo SecurDisc-capable drive

protected PDF files on a installed
SecurDisc disc
SecurDisc Viewer is not
installed
Cannot duplicate
The PDF files are copyprotected PDF files on a protected
SecurDisc disc
Wrong password

32

ENGLISH

Write Problems
Symptom

Possible Causes

Solutions

Cannot write.

Using other authoring

software which does not
support your drive.

Use the authoring software provided with

the drive. When using other software,
ensure your drive is supported by
contacting the software supplier.

Disc inserted upside down.

Reinsert the disc with label side up.

Short of Hard Disk capacity. y

Writing errors occur

(Buffer under-runs).

No power.

Check if the power cord is securely

connected to the connector.

USB cable isn't connected

properly.

Ensure that the USB cable and connectors

are not damaged, bent or dented. Check
especially the pins.

When running saver or other applications

or writing in a network environment,
errors may occur due to lack of CPU
resources in PC.

Network used.

Window screen saver

activated while
writing.

Other application
running.

Short of PC memory.

"Auto thermal recalibration" triggered.

Defective DVD/CD media.

Rewrite after log-off from the network.

Deactivate the screen saver or power

saving mode.

Quit other applications other than the

authoring software.

Due to shortage of main memory in PC,

swapping of hard disc space may have
occurred. If swapped, data from the hard
disc may cut off causing buffer underruns.

Increase main memory capacity.

Disable "Auto thermal re-calibration" in

the BIOS setup.

Use another Hard Disk if can not disable

it.

DVD/CD media may be dirty, scratched

or damaged. Rewrite on another
DVD/CD media.

Short of Hard Disk capacity. y

No drive recognition.

Generally 1.2 to 2 times the size of the

write data is required. This may vary
according to the write method.

USB cable is not connected

properly between the
computer USB port and the
drive.

33

Generally 1.2 to 2 times the size of the

write data is required. This may vary
according to the write method.
Ensure that both connectors of the USB
cable is properly connected to the USB
ports on the computer and the drive.

ENGLISH
Symptom

Can not write at highest

speed.

Cannot create a
SecurDisc disc

An error message popups and says Your drive

does not support this
feature. when trying to
SmartErase a disc

Possible Causes

Solutions

USB drive is not recognized y

by the Windows Operating
System.

Please refer to the USB 2.0 Users chapter

and check if the USB driver is installed
properly.

Using other authoring

software which does not
support your drive.

Use the authoring software provided with

your drive. When using other software,
ensure your drive is supported by
contacting the software supplier.

DVD/CD media not

compatible with highest
speed.

Use the highest speed compatible discs or

write with lower speed.

Buffer under-run occurs.

Refer to the "Buffer under-run" item.

Defective DVD/CD media.

DVD/CD media may be dirty, scratched

or damaged. Rewrite on another
DVD/CD media.

Using other authoring

software not bundled with
your drive.

Use the authoring software provided with

your drive. When using other software,
ensure your drive is supported by
contacting the software supplier.

No SecurDisc-capable drive y
installed

You must have a SecurDisc-capable drive

to create a Securdisc disc.

No SecurDisc-capable
burning software installed

Install Nero Express/ Express Essentials

enclosed with your SecurDisc drive

Your drive does not support

SmartErase

Use a SmarErase-capable drive to erase

the disc

You are trying to erase a

rewritable disc which
SmartErase does not
support.

SmartErase can only be used to erase

recordable media.

34