My computer keeps converting to PIO mode (rather than Ultra DMA)and it slows the heck out of my burn/decrypt speeds... I've been told certain kinds of media can trigger it, but it is a relatively recent nuisance and I've always used the same media. I know if I unistall and reinstall my Primary IDE it will go back, but not for very long. Is there a permanent fix to this annoying problem? thanks
Well, you might try reinstalling your IDE drivers. Maybe there is an update for your motherboard. There is a setting in the bios so you might check and make sure it is set correctly. I think it is only available if you enter the drive settings yourself. I assume you know how to set the "Use DMA if available" on the controllers? I suppose you might also try uninstalling the drives and let them reinstall. Start checking the setting on a regular basis to see when it reverts. Nero InfoTools will read the status and report it. Maybe you could tell for sure what causes the change. I suppose you might also have a configuration problem as far as settings of Master/Slave or whatever you have. Did you add the drives or did the manufacturer?
I pretty much use the computer as is from the company, I learn certain things as I go from running into problems... once it converts itself back to PIO the dropdown box to pick ultra dma if available is shaded out (I'm assuming because it's not available haha) I noticed if I wait until I get to the nero screen where you click "burn" that I can extend the "life" of the Ultra DMA mode, but invariably after a certain number of burns in a row it starts getting slow and when you uninstall reinstall the IDE you have to restart it twice and it's a pain in the neck I just wish I could find a permanent quick fix.
Just a few references then: http://www.michna.com/kb/WxDMA.htm http://club.cdfreaks.com/archive/index.php/t-67241.html You may have already seen this type of stuff, but maybe it will help.
