I need DVD-CDRW original drivers for T21

Message

Guest · #1 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:11 pm

I recently purchased online, the T21...but w/o an OS installed. Turns out that also means they don't even send you the drivers on a Cd! And IBM's download "service" is extremely sluggish...taking many, many hours to download stuff. Also, their horrid javascipt downloader makes my whole system sluggish. So I just cannot go through the board's archives, to see if this has been discussed previously.

I donwloaded the drivers for the DVD-CDRW drive...but they are only an UPGRADE, and will not install w/o the original drivers already installed! (I ordered a CD with all the T21 drivers over a week ago, but it looks like it got lost in the mail. So now I have to process a complaint w/eBay.)

Why on earth would IBM provide crippled drivers, on top of horribly buggy and sluggish downloads? They're a piece o'cake!

Hopefully, someone here can provide a link to the REAL DVD-CDRW drivers, and not the fake ones? TIA.

I am under pressure BTW, to have this notebook set up for a client. He's been very, very patient, but this is getting ridiculous. Kapitalizm suks. Alwayz haz, alwayz wil.

MadeInJapan · #2 Post by **MadeInJapan** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:23 pm

Why do you need drivers for a DVD-CDRW...never needed them on any system, IBM Thinkpad or otherwise. The computer should recognize the drive automatically. Upgrade? Are you talking about the DVD software player program Mediamatic DVD-Express?

Guest · #3 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:06 am

MadeInJapan wrote:Why do you need drivers for a DVD-CDRW...never needed them on any system, IBM Thinkpad or otherwise. The computer should recognize the drive automatically. Upgrade? Are you talking about the DVD software player program Mediamatic DVD-Express?

I have no idea why I need DVD drivers, any more than you need 'em for video and modem...you need to talk to IBM about that. Perhaps they offer an upgrade to Mediamatic Express, but it's in the drivers section.

I have no problems with the drive running CD's. But I've never had a DVD drive till now. I put in a DVD, and nothing happens. Am I supposed to run DVD by loading some software first? The computer recognizes the drive alright, so that ain't the problem. It just won't play DVDs! And, just like having no sound, I logically assumed I needed some driver for this.

MadeInJapan · #4 Post by **MadeInJapan** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:13 am

You don't need drivers. You need software to play DVDs. A good program is PowerDVD, but that will cost you $ unless you have a friend or a free disc. This thread (just a day or so ago) will give you information on where to download DVD-Express for free. After it is downloaded, you can go back to the IBM site and upgrade it. Good luck! http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

dfumento · #5 Post by **dfumento** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:23 am

You can order the restore CDs from IBM for your model. They cost a little bit but they'll install everything: OS that came with the unit, drivers, all of the IBM utility programs including the DVD playing program. The reason why they only have the update on the driver site is because you are supposed to have the restore CDs or have the equivalent installed IBM Restore utility.

The restore CDs cost some money but you may find that they are well worth it (assuming it has the right OS).

Guest · #6 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:26 am

<<
You don't need drivers. You need software to play DVDs. A good program is PowerDVD, but that will cost you $
>>

Really...what a rip! Maybe I can find a freeware or shareware equivalent. On and on my searching goes!

<<
This thread (just a day or so ago) will give you information on where to download DVD-Express for free.
>>

Oh. Okay, thanks! Well, maybe I'll have my T21 up and running with a full plate within a week or so. And then I can start earning a living again, and do all the other stuff for which a PC is supposed to facilitate.

Well, I believe I found that particular URL:

http://forum.digital-digest.com/archive ... 888-1.html

But the page doesn't seem to load. So I'm still stuck! Will have to figure this out on my own...or post my queries to newsgroups. I really didn't want to have to fuss over specific drivers and components like this...but IBM has made things difficult!

I have the Nero CD burner...maybe it plays DVD? I'll install, and see what gives.

Leon · #7 Post by **Leon** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:33 am

url loads fine for me.........

MadeInJapan · #8 Post by **MadeInJapan** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:42 am

Nero CD burning software will NOT play DVD's. I know you are frustrated, but to be honest IBM is one of the few makers that allows you to download all that you need for your laptop for free (well, maybe with the exception of the DVD playing software, but that's because it's not an IBM product). Other makers make you pay to download, or don't have downloads at all.

If you have a fast connection, the downloads shouldn't be to much of a problem. If you don't, then I could see where it could be. If the link doesn't work for you, then why don't you download one of the free DVD players...I mention one in the thread I put a link to above.

BTW, what OS are you loading? I just noticed the links to the Mediamatic DVD-Express is for ME or Win2000. Anyway, good luck, and I really hope you get all of this figured out. Keep us posted.

BTW#2...Tea21...did you know that you can download IBM software from their site without using the javascript that they have? Seems I recall that all you do right click on the software and select "save." I used to do it all the time because the script didn't always work for me either.

Guest · #9 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:13 am

<<
Nero CD burning software will NOT play DVD's.
>>

I installed it, I know that now. However, one reference site said that good CD burner software will also play DVDs. So I gave it a try!

<<
I know you are frustrated, but to be honest IBM is one of the few makers that allows you to download all that you need for your laptop for free
>>

That's not true at all. Plenty of sites providing free drivers, dlls, etc. It is just that IBM has monopolized accessing drivers for your Thinkpad. There is NO OTHER site on the web that I know of, that offers these drivers. I found a few that looked like they do...but their links are all to IBM!

I'm a freeware hound, so I'm well aware of the pressure from coporations to sew up all the freeware sites. IBM's done a [censored] good job.

<<
(well, maybe with the exception of the DVD playing software, but that's because it's not an IBM product). Other makers make you pay to download, or don't have downloads at all.
>>

You neglect to mention the many OTHER makers that provide these things for free. It is only that IBM is one of the more frustrating and miserly services. Neither the T21 manual, nor the IBM site bothered to describe the DVD situation...they just keep visitors guessing.

<<
If you have a fast connection, the downloads shouldn't be to much of a problem.
>>

Well jeez, that ain't the problem! 56kbps is fast enough for downloading, I'm a patient guy. But the screw system IBM provides just drags down my PC big time...and javascript when written poorly can do this...even force your system to freeze, so you have to do a cold reboot. This problem would show up on broadband, too.

I have already had verified by several others in newsgroups, that IBM's download site sucks. I really avoid IBM's page like the plague...and I find it most frustrating that I can't get the drivers elsewhere. I did order the CD for T21 drivers via eBay...but looks like the CD isn't gonna show up...even though the seller has 99% rating! I contacted them by e-mail two days ago, they said they'll look into it and get back to me. They haven't yet.

<<
If you don't, then I could see where it could be. If the link doesn't work for you, then why don't you download one of the free DVD players...I mention one in the thread I put a link to above.
>>

I'm browsing through No Nags site right down, and have found two or three. So if playing DVD's is that simple, that's a relief. It would've been nice of the manual or the IBM site to tell visitors that DVD drive requires DVD-player software not found on their site.

<<
BTW, what OS are you loading? I just noticed the links to the Mediamatic DVD-Express is for ME or Win2000. Anyway, good luck, and I really hope you get all of this figured out. Keep us posted.
>>

I'm running Windows98SE. Thanks for all your help...I will report back in a day or two.

<<
BTW#2...Tea21...did you know that you can download IBM software from their site without using the javascript that they have? Seems I recall that all you do right click on the software and select "save." I used to do it all the time because the script didn't always work for me either.
>>

Yes. You have the option to "uncheck" their "use our downloader". But when I do that, then proceed with my regular download, the IBM page doesn't do anything when I click on the download link. In fact, the URL just adds "#" to the end...so I hardly think you can download anything that way! I think IBM is forcing users to use its javascript.

Guest · #10 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:58 am

I found a number of freeware DVD players listed on the Internet. But some of the links were dead. One I downloaded requires a password to unzip. So I returned to its site, but nowhere was there any description of a password, and how to get it. And this is a FREEWARE program!

But I managed to successfully install a simple player called DVDplay. But I get "unexpected error" when I try to run a DVD.

Well, no more DVD issues now. I don't have the time any more. The modem is another problem, which I need to get resolved in two days, or I'll have to send it back. What a drag.

Guest · #11 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:21 am

<<
You can order the restore CDs from IBM for your model. They cost a little bit but they'll install everything:
>>

What's a "little bit"? My wallet's already busted...sorry, but no have any more moolah!

<<
OS that came with the unit, drivers, all of the IBM utility programs including the DVD playing program.
>>

Sounds like the only thing the CD has that I can't download, is the DVD program. It's a waste of money, is all.

<<
The reason why they only have the update on the driver site is because you are supposed to have the restore CDs or have the equivalent installed IBM Restore utility.
>>

No, that's not correct. All the drivers are standalone installations...they do NOT require the orignal ones to already be on the hard disk. The "update" as I discovered, is for retail software DVD player that IBM does not make.

<<
The restore CDs cost some money but you may find that they are well worth it (assuming it has the right OS).
>>

Uhuh...another "assumption" we'll only find out with hindsight, after purchase. Thanks, but no thanks.

With the horrid experiences I always have attempting to download from IBM...I really don't think it wise to REWARD them by handing over money for the same stuff. I shun their site, and am now recalling previous times I've had to go there...all an annoying waste of time and energy.

I can beat this...no thanks to IBM or lack of lots and lots of dollars to just toss EVERYWHERE, and maybe, just maybe, my DVD and modem will work. Rich man's game, not for me...yay!

MadeInJapan · #12 Post by **MadeInJapan** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:47 am

tea21 wrote: I can beat this...no thanks to IBM or lack of lots and lots of dollars to just toss EVERYWHERE, and maybe, just maybe, my DVD and modem will work. Rich man's game, not for me...yay!

Then why buy an IBM to begin with?

JHEM · #13 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:55 pm

tea21 wrote:Why on earth would IBM provide crippled drivers, on top of horribly buggy and sluggish downloads? They're a piece o'cake!

Hopefully, someone here can provide a link to the REAL DVD-CDRW drivers, and not the fake ones? TIA.

I am under pressure BTW, to have this notebook set up for a client. He's been very, very patient, but this is getting ridiculous. Kapitalizm suks. Alwayz haz, alwayz wil.

You mean to tell me someone PAYS you for this level of incompetence?

You don't need drivers, you need a PROGRAM that plays DVD movies!

The javascript on the IBM website is to provide a license popup where you need to agree to IBM's restrictions for downloading programs, drivers, etc. Turn off your popup blocker and you should be fine. Don't agree with the license agreement? You're out of luck.

Blaming IBM for your problematic, slow dialup download speeds is ridiculous!

If you'd taken a few minutes to read some of the posts here about your model Thinkpad, you'd see that there are some who would have burned a CD for you (sans OS) of all you need to get this puppy up and running.

Yes, there's someplace where you can download the original Mediamatics DVD Express software so that you can then install the upgrade you downloaded. But you're going to have to ask nicely for it!

--
James

MadeInJapan · #14 Post by **MadeInJapan** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:25 pm

I Ditto James, 100%. We are all here trying to help and what we get are complaints, complaints, complaints....go figure.

I need DVD-CDRW original drivers for T21

I need DVD-CDRW original drivers for T21

Re: I need DVD-CDRW original drivers for T21

Who is online